Munich, Germany – Host nation Germany kicked off the European Championship in spectacular fashion, securing a resounding 5-1 victory over Scotland at the Allianz Arena on Friday. Goals from Florian Wirtz and Jamal Musiala in a commanding first half set the stage for Germany’s biggest victory in Euros history, bolstering the team’s confidence as the tournament unfolds.
The match began with high expectations for Germany, who sought to make a strong statement following disappointing exits in their last three major tournaments. The home crowd’s enthusiasm was palpable, and the team did not disappoint.
“Yes, that’s exactly the way we wanted to start and, to be honest, we needed a start just like that,” Germany captain İlkay Gündoğan told German broadcaster ZDF. “I had a good feeling before the game already, to be honest, and it came true, thank God. This atmosphere, the euphoria in the stadium now with our own fans, that’s exactly what we need in order to go far.”
Germany’s dominance was evident from the outset. Florian Wirtz opened the scoring in the 10th minute, becoming the youngest German to score in the Euros at 21. A brilliant crossfield lob from Toni Kroos found Joshua Kimmich, who set up Wirtz for a clinical finish. Just nine minutes later, Jamal Musiala doubled the lead after a slick combination with Kai Havertz.
Scotland’s woes deepened just before halftime. Defender Ryan Porteous received a straight red card for a reckless challenge on Gündoğan, resulting in a penalty that Havertz coolly converted. Scotland, already struggling to cope with Germany’s relentless pressure, was reduced to 10 men and faced an uphill battle.
Despite their numerical disadvantage, Scotland managed to keep Germany at bay for much of the second half. However, the relentless German attack eventually broke through again. Substitute Niclas Füllkrug, who had been on the pitch for just five minutes, scored a thunderous goal to extend the lead. Emre Can, a late addition to the squad, capped off the scoring in stoppage time with a curling effort.
Scotland managed a consolation goal late in the game when a Kieran McKenna header deflected off German defender Antonio Rüdiger and into the net. Despite this, the 5-1 scoreline marked Scotland’s heaviest defeat in 12 years.
Germany’s coach, Julian Nagelsmann, praised his team’s performance but emphasized the need for continued focus. “The first 20 minutes were very impressive. The first goals were very good,” Nagelsmann said. “It’s very valuable that many players performed well early on. It was only the first step but a very good one and we can build on this one. We’re very happy.”
Scotland’s coach, Steve Clarke, acknowledged the poor performance and urged his team to bounce back. “Difficult night. We didn’t play to our standard. The German team were excellent,” Clarke said. “We feel as though we’ve let ourselves down. We’re better than that. Hopefully, we can show that in the next two games.”
Before the match, late German soccer legend Franz Beckenbauer was honored in a ceremony attended by German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier, Scotland First Minister John Swinney, and Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán.
Germany will face Hungary next on Wednesday, aiming to build on their impressive start. Scotland, meanwhile, will need to regroup quickly as they prepare to take on Switzerland, hoping to secure their first points of the tournament and keep their knockout stage hopes alive.
The convincing win has certainly ramped up excitement in Germany and set the stage for what promises to be a thrilling European Championship campaign for the hosts.