Germany thrashed 10-man Scotland 5-1 as the Euro 2024 hosts kicked off the tournament in style in Munich on Friday, the start of a journey they hope culminates in a record fourth continental title.
Florian Wirtz struck the opening goal 10 minutes in and Jamal Musiala soon doubled Germany's lead with an emphatic finish.
Scotland could surely not have envisioned such a disastrous beginning, but they must regroup quickly with games to come in Group A against Switzerland and Hungary. Germany coach Julian Nagelsmann had spoken of his players' hunger to atone for the failures of recent times, with the outlook improving and optimism gradually increasing since his appointment in September.
Scotland goalkeeper Angus Gunn alertly blocked from an offside Wirtz, but Germany did not wait long in grasping the match by the scruff of the neck. Gundogan threaded a pass through the Scotland defence to Havertz, who worked it back towards Musiala, the Bayern Munich attacker created himself space to crash a strike into the roof of the net.
Havertz calmly sent Gunn the wrong way and drained any remaining optimism from Scotland's once boisterous and sizeable travelling contingent of supporters.
South Africa Latest News, South Africa Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Germany stick with Neuer in Euro 2024 opener, McTominay starts for ScotlandGermany coach Julian Nagelsmann named an experienced line-up for Friday's Euro 2024 opening match against Scotland in Munich, sticking with under-pressure goalkeeper Manuel Neuer.
Read more »
'Fired up' Germany to lift curtain on Euro 2024 against ScotlandHosts Germany kick off Euro 2024 on Friday in Munich against Scotland, the start of a journey the three-time continental champions hope will conclude with victory in the final in Berlin on 14 July.
Read more »
‘Fired up’ Germany to lift curtain on Euro 2024 against ScotlandIt is Germany's first men's major tournament as hosts since the 2006 World Cup, and they are looking to recreate the magic from 18 years ago.
Read more »
Oracle orangutan backs Germany for a win against ScotlandEuro 2024 | Oracle orangutan backs Germany for a win against Scotland
Read more »
Ruthless Germany Run Riot In EURO 2024 OpenerRuthless Germany Run Riot In EURO 2024 Opener
Read more »
Germany braced for Euro 2024 kick-off with France, England the favouritesEuro 2024 kicks off on Friday in Germany as the continent's footballing heavyweights prepare to fight it out over the next month with the aim of taking the crown away from reigning champions Italy.
Read more »