Germany 5–1 Scotland Review
Euro 2024 has begun and it could not have gotten underway in a more stunning fashion. Hosts Germany absolutely dominated Scotland to win 5–1 in Munich and sees them rise to the top of Group A at this early stage.
If the Scots were to have any chance in the game then preventing an early Germany goal was crucial. Sadly for them, that was the exact opposite of what occurred. Florian Wirtz hit it not too accurately which allowed Gunn to get a hand to it. However, the keeper didn’t get enough on the contact and the ball crept in after hitting the woodwork.
Things wouldn’t get better for Scotland however as star man Jamal Musiala made it 2–0 only nine minutes later. Playing in his usual environment at the Allianz certainly gave him a boost as he shook off the Scotland defence and powered it into the back of the net. Now is a great time to mention that the link up play between Musiala and Wirtz was absolutely extraordinary. I now desperately want to know how this will look against a stronger opposition.
Then there was the first VAR interference of the game. Clement Turpin gave a foul on Musiala however, penalty shouts were ruled out as the contact took place outside of the box. Havertz had a crack at making it three but Gunn put himself in the way of the kick.
On the brink of half time, Scotland would want to wrap the mess of a performance up for a short while, but it wasn’t to be. A penalty was given for a nasty challenge on Gundogan which also served as the end of all Scottish hope as Porteous saw red. Havertz would convert from the spot to give the Germans a three goal lead at the break.
Steve Clarke must have said something that worked some life into his side as they looked better than they were with 11 men. However, any positivity created was destroyed by substitute Fullkrug thumping it into the top right corner, undoubtedly goal of the game.
A major positive for the game was the rapid decisions made by the semi-automatic offside technology. Fullkrug looked to make it 5–0 for germany, but he straid into an illegal position which was quickly confirmed by VAR. A definite improvement for this so far faulty system.
There would be something for the Scotland support to be happy about though as Ryan Jack’s header to nowhere was deflected off Antonio Rudiger into the goal and wiped out the Germans clean sheet.
The goal difference was soon restored however as Emre Can made it 5–1. The scoreline made it the biggest win in an opening game of a European championship.
Though Germany were excellent across the pitch, Jamal Musiala cannot be overlooked as a certain man of the match. His movement and dribbling was superb meaning he was a crucial part of multiple of the German goals.
A thumping win for Germany gives them a massive boost for the rest of their campaign. They face Hungary next Wednesday when struggling Scotland play Switzerland. The team now bottom of the group will certainly need to have a better go at getting a result in their two remaining fixtures.
Tomorrow we’re treated to a triple header of the other two Group A teams Hungary and Switzerland having it out. Then it will be Group B’s time to shine as Spain take on Croatia and Italy face Albania. If every game can deliver as much as this one then I will be a very happy man.
