Germany Beats 10-Man Scotland 5-1 in Euro 2024 Opener
Germany delivered a powerful statement in their Euro 2024 campaign opener by thrashing 10-man Scotland 5-1 in Munich on Friday. This emphatic victory, marked by three first-half goals, sets a new record for the largest margin of victory in an opening game in the tournament’s history.
Germany, aiming for their fourth European Championship title and their first major trophy in a decade, started aggressively, dominating possession from the outset. Scotland’s high defensive line proved disastrous, leaving ample space for the Germans to exploit.
The breakthrough came in the 10th minute when Toni Kroos sent a perfectly weighted 30-meter cross to Joshua Kimmich, who then set up Florian Wirtz. The 21-year-old winger drilled the ball home, becoming the youngest scorer for Germany in any European Championship.
Germany’s relentless pressure continued, and just nine minutes later, İlkay Gündoğan slipped a precise pass through the Scottish defense to Kai Havertz. The forward unselfishly laid it off for Jamal Musiala, who rifled the ball into the net, doubling Germany’s lead.
Scotland’s woes deepened when Ryan Porteous committed a reckless challenge, resulting in a direct red card and a penalty for Germany. Havertz stepped up and converted the spot kick with ease, making it 3-0 before halftime. The Scots, now down to ten men, struggled to contain the rampant hosts.
After the break, it was more of the same as Germany continued to dominate. Substitute Niclas Füllkrug added a fourth goal in the 69th minute with a clinical finish. Despite a valiant effort from Scotland, their attempts to mount a comeback were futile.
Scotland, who failed to register a single shot on or off target throughout the match, managed to pull one goal back in the 87th minute, courtesy of an own goal by Antonio Rüdiger. However, this minor consolation was quickly overshadowed by Emre Can’s stoppage-time strike, sealing Germany’s 5-1 victory.
This win marks a stark contrast to Germany’s previous tournament openers, where they lost their first matches at the 2018 and 2022 World Cups and the 2021 Euros. The commanding performance not only boosts their confidence but also sends a clear message to their rivals about their intent in this tournament.
Coach Hansi Flick’s tactical prowess was evident as Germany capitalized on Scotland’s defensive vulnerabilities and maintained a high tempo throughout the game. The victory also underscores Germany’s depth, with significant contributions from both starters and substitutes.
For Scotland, the match was a harsh lesson in the perils of an overly ambitious defensive strategy against a technically superior opponent. Coach Steve Clarke, who has led Scotland to back-to-back Euros, will need to regroup and address the defensive lapses that were ruthlessly exposed by the Germans.
As the tournament progresses, Scotland will aim to learn from this defeat and bounce back in their remaining group matches. Meanwhile, Germany’s emphatic start lays a solid foundation for their quest to reclaim European glory.
Switzerland Triumphs Over Hungary in Euro 2024 Group A Opener
Switzerland began their Euro 2024 campaign with an impressive 3-1 victory over Hungary, showcasing their quality and composure in a match marked by Hungarian mistakes and Swiss precision. The win at the Allianz Arena in Munich was driven by first international goals for Kwadwo Duah and Michel Aebischer, while Breel Embolo also scored on his return from injury.
The Swiss team took control of the game early on, demonstrating their intent and efficiency. In only his second international appearance, Kwadwo Duah opened the scoring in the 12th minute. Aebischer’s deft through ball found Duah, who calmly slotted the ball past the Hungarian goalkeeper. This early goal set the tone for the match, highlighting Switzerland’s attacking prowess.
Hungary, billed as one of the tournament’s dark horses, struggled to find their rhythm and were prone to errors. Their defensive frailties were exposed again on the stroke of half-time. Aebischer, already instrumental in the first goal, doubled Switzerland’s lead with a stunning curling shot from outside the box after Hungary failed to clear the ball effectively.
Shell-shocked by the Swiss dominance, Hungary managed to regroup and show more resolve in the second half. Barnabás Varga had a golden opportunity to bring Hungary back into the game but headed wide despite finding himself unmarked. However, he made amends in the 66th minute, heading home a precise cross from Dominik Szoboszlai. This goal gave Hungary a lifeline and sparked a period of intense pressure on the Swiss defense.
Despite Hungary’s improved performance and increased efforts to equalize, Switzerland remained resolute. The Swiss defense, organized and disciplined, successfully fended off the Hungarian attacks. As the match drew to a close, Switzerland capitalized on another Hungarian mistake. In stoppage time, substitute Breel Embolo, returning from injury, seized on a loose ball and deftly lifted it over the onrushing Hungarian goalkeeper, sealing the victory and sparking jubilant celebrations among the Swiss players and fans.
Switzerland’s commanding win not only boosts their confidence but also positions them favorably for progressing to the knockout stages. Their performance in this match underscores their credentials as a team to watch in Euro 2024, combining solid defense with quick, effective attacking play.
For Hungary, the loss is a wake-up call, revealing areas that need immediate improvement if they are to live up to their dark horse status. Their second-half performance showed they have the potential to compete, but they must eliminate the defensive errors that cost them dearly against Switzerland.
As the tournament progresses, both teams will look to build on this match—Switzerland aiming to continue their winning form, and Hungary seeking to bounce back and prove their mettle in the remaining group stage fixtures.
