Germany made an ideal start to their home European Championship as a 5-1 demolition of Scotland got fans dreaming again.
Euro 2024 expectations had been low despite the three-time European champions, one of football’s long-time powerhouses, hosting the tournament.
But Germany were hugely impressive against, admittedly, a painfully poor Scotland – and recorded their biggest Euros win ever.
Florian Wirtz, Jamal Musiala and a Kai Havertz penalty gave Julian Nagelsmann’s side a 3-0 half-time lead, with Ryan Porteous dismissed for Scotland following a reckless challenge.
With the game practically won, Germany eased up before Niclas Fullkrug hammered in a fourth – and had a fifth disallowed.
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Antonio Rudiger’s own goal gave the Scots something to cheer about for a few moments before Emre Can made it 5-1 with the final kick of the game.
“You have to credit Germany for their performance. They were under pressure coming into the tournament,” said ex-Celtic striker Chris Sutton, who was at the Allianz Arena for BBC Radio 5 Live.
“They smothered Scotland and blew them away in the first half. They took their foot off the gas in the second half. It could have been a far bigger margin than 5-1.”
Former Scotland winger Pat Nevin added that Germany looked like potential champions.
“There were little bits that reminded me of Manchester City,” he said. “The way they pressed really high and you must be able to play through them.
“I also loved the intelligence of Julian Nagelsmann who saw where Scotland’s weaknesses were and absolutely punishes them and destroys them.”
Nagelsmann said of his team’s victory: “I’m happy. It’s not easy to have the first game in our own country.
“We were brilliant in the first 20 minutes. It’s a good sign that our players complained about conceding.”
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