Hosts Germany kicked off their Euro 2024 campaign with a 5-1 win over Scotland. In the tournament opener on June 14, Germany flattened a 10-man Scotland to register their biggest victory in Euros history.
Germany dominated the first half. Florian Wirtz opened the scoring in the 10th minute after Toni Kroos found Joshua Kimmich with a cross-field lob. Nine minutes later, Jamal Musiala doubled Germany's lead to become country’s youngest goal-scorer in the Euros. It turned back to worse for Scotland. Defender Ryan Porteous was sent off just before halftime for a mistimed challenge. Kai Havertz converted the penalty to make it 3-0.
Scotland started the second half well despite being one man short. But in the 68th minute, Niclas Fullkrug netted one into the top right corner. In the 87th minute, Germany conceded an own goal. Kieran McKenna's header from a free kick went in off Rudiger. In the stoppage time, Emre Can curled one it to make up for the own goal conceded by Germany.
Can’s lucky call
This was the first time in 12 years Scotland conceded five goals. Can who replaced an ill Aleskandar Pavlovic was thankful for the late opportunity.
“A great feeling and a crazy story ... I was on vacation two days ago” Can told ZDF. “Then the call came on Wednesday, and on Wednesday evening I met up with the team, trained once yesterday, came in today (off the bench), scored a goal. I'm thankful to Julian (Nagelsmann) and the whole coaching staff that they put their trust in me.”
Captain had a good feeling before the game
Germany captain Illkay Gundogan was ecstatic after a convincing win over Scotland.
“Yes, that's exactly the way we wanted to start and, to be honest, we needed a start just like that,” Germany captain Ilkay Gundagon told German broadcaster ZDF. “I had a good feeling before the game already, to be honest, and it came true, thank God.
“But exactly this atmosphere, the euphoria in the stadium now with our own fans, that's exactly what we need in order to go far.”
Germany will take on Hungary in their next match on June 19. On the same day, Scotland will go up against Switzerland.
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