Euro 2024 hosts Germany began their campaign in scintillating fashion with a 5-1 Group A win over 10-man Scotland in Munich on Friday night.
Die Mannschaft are considered one of the favourites to win the tournament and wasted no time in making their mark when 2023-24 Bundesliga Player of the Season and champion Florian Wirtz put them in front in the 10th minute with a well-executed finish.
Bayern Munich starlet Jamal Musiala was the next to put his name on the scoresheet in the 19th minute after he was nicely set up by Arsenal forward Kai Havertz.
Scotland were reduced to 10 men towards the half time break after Ryan Porteous made a dangerous challenge inside the penalty box. Havertz was saddled with the responsibility for the spot kick and converted it with ease.
Germany had to wait until the 68th minute to score their next goal which came courtesy of substitute and UEFA Champions League runner-up Niclas Fullkrug. The Borussia Dortmund forward thought he had doubled his tally eight minutes later but it was ruled out for offside.
Scotland’s consolation came via an unfortunate Antonio Rudigier own goal in the 87th minute but the Germans still had time for one more goal in added time through another substitute and Dortmund player, Emre Can.
The result is Germany’s biggest result at the Euros and sees them in early command of Group A.
An opening match to remember for Germany 🇩🇪#EURO2024 | #GERSCO pic.twitter.com/luXAFwUS1E
— UEFA EURO 2024 (@EURO2024) June 14, 2024
Group action continues on Saturday with Hungary taking on Switzerland while in Group B, Spain take on Croatia and Italy tackle Albania.
