Host Germany kicked off Euro 2024 in spectacular fashion on Friday, hammering 10-man Scotland 5-1 in Munich to record the biggest opening match victory in European Championship history.
First-half goals from Florian Wirtz, Jamal Musiala and Kai Havertz put the result beyond doubt early on, before Niclas Füllkrug and Emre Can added gloss to the score line in the second period.
Antonio Rüdiger’s own goal in the 87th minute was nothing more than a consolation but gave the Scotland fans a moment to remember on a difficult night.
The Tartan Army was dealt a double blow at the end of the first half when Ryan Porteous was shown a red card for a horrific lunge on İlkay Gündoğan, which also resulted in a penalty and Havertz’s goal.
The result – but more importantly, the dominant nature of Germany’s performance – will likely be a significant boost for Die Mannschaft fans, who largely didn’t have high hopes for their national team at these home Euros.
There will certainly be tougher tests ahead, including against Hungary and Switzerland in the group, but Germany couldn’t have wished for a more straightforward – and encouraging – start.
