It was a nightmare start for Scotland in the Euro 2024 on Friday (June 14) after they were thrashed 5-1 by Germany in the opening game at the Allianz Arena. The hosts who are also one of the favourites to win the European Championships had five different goal scorers to thank in the routing of Scots. However, it was the Jamal Musiala strike in the 19th minute that caught everyone’s attention as he stunned the German crowd with a rocket shot.
Musiala stunner in the opening game
Having started on the front foot in the match, Bayer Leverkusen sensation Florian Wirtz opened the scoring in the 10th minute of the match. There was no looking back from this moment when the Germans were full-on attack. In the 19th minute, a neat pass from Kai Havertz in the penalty area was met by the Bayern Munich player who smashed the ball into the back of the net with ease. The build-up to the goal and patience of Havertz were also worth applauding but it was the Bayern player who had the world at his feet with that goal.
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His goal saw Germany take a 2-0 lead which was then increased to 3-0 before half time as Havertz converted a penalty when Scotland were shown a red card. Borussia Dortmund striker Niclas Fullkrug would then make it 4-0 to complete a perfect outing. Antonio Rüdiger however ended up scoring an own goal in the match which handed Scotland some consolation. Later in the match Emre Can, who only arrived in the team a day before the tournament started added one more goal to make it 5-1 to Germany.
Germany on a mission
The perfect start to the match showcased Germany’s hunger and desire to win the Euro 2024 and add a fourth title at the continental level. They have suffered in the last two FIFA World Cups having bowed out in the Group Stages while also getting knocked out in the R16 in the 2020 edition. However, under Julian Nagelsmann Germany will be favourites to clinch the title and add another feather to the hat.
The Germans next take on Hungary on Wednesday (June 19) before facing Switzerland in their final group game on June 23. The win will also have bearings on both Scotland and Germany with the hosts all but guaranteed a top-three finish after today’s result, which could enough for a place in the R16 while the former will have to fight to stay in contention.
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