Jamal Musiala and Florian Wirtz inspired the Euro 2024 hosts Germany to the biggest-ever opening game win at a European Championship as Julian Nagelsmann’s team inflicted a 5-1 defeat on Scotland.
Musiala and Wirtz, both 21, have been billed as the leading Germany’s new generation and they scored the opening goals to set the team on course for a great victory that was even more comfortable than the eventual scoreline suggests. Scotland’s task at avoiding a heavy defeat was made much more difficult following the sending off of defender Ryan Porteous at 42 minutes following a studs-up challenge on Ílkay Gündogan that, after a VAR review, resulted in a Germany penalty and a red card for the Watford player.
Germany had gone into the tournament behind France, England and Portugal as favourites to emerge as winners following a turbulent period under the Nagelsmann and his sacked predecessor Hansi Flick. Group stage exits at the previous two World Cups, and a round-of-16 elimination against England at Euro 2020, had left Germany fearing a difficult tournament as they attempt to become European champions for the first time since 1996. But the tension and apprehension among the home supporters evaporated within the first 10 minutes, as Bayer Leverkusen youngster Wirtz netted the opening goal following neat buildup play between Toni Kroos, Ilkay Gundogan and Joshua Kimmich
Bayern Munich forward Musiala then doubled to take Germany’s lead in the 19th minute after linking with Kai Havertz and while the points already looked safe at 2-0, Germany made sure when Havertz scored from the penalty spot following the Porteous foul on Gundogan.
Down to 10 men and with other two group games against Switzerland and Hungary to come, Scotland coach Steve Clarke went for damage limitation in the second half by replacing forward Ché Adams with defender Grant Hanley. The change helped stem the tide, even if Scotland continued to be dominated by the hosts. Niclas Füllkrug finally netted a fourth for Germany in the 68th minute and the Borussia Dortmund forward thought he had made it 5-0 moments later, only for VAR to rule it out for offside.
An Antonio Rüdiger own goal in the 87th minute gave the sizable contingent of Scotland fans something to cheer — and they did so in exaggerated fashion — before Emre Can capped a brutal defeat, scoring Germany’s fifth in the final minute of stoppage time. — Mark Ogden.
There was clearly only one player they came to see is: Kylian Mbappé. However, the Real Madrid forward didn’t train as he had some back and knee pains. Nothing for coach Didier Deschamps to worry about, but enough for him to stay inside with the physios for treatment before coming out to watch the last half-hour of the training session. When he appeared on the touchline, the stadium went wild.
According to the French football federation, 100,000 ticket requests were totally made for this open session, and the 4,000 that were available were gone in four minutes. Antoine Griezmann and Ousmane Dembélé got a few cheers but the France captain, who had a huge smile on his face all afternoon, was undoubtedly the star attraction. He stayed behind to take photos and sign autographs to the delight of dozens of young fans who chanted his name. — Julien Laurens
The Three Lions have been spotted wearing Oura Rings, a wellness tracker endorsed by a number of celebrities, during their opening training sessions at the Weimarer Land Spa & Golf Resort.
Costing $299 to $549 for the ring, plus a $5.99 monthly subscription fee, the gadget helps monitor sleep, body temperature and heart rate variability. Manager Gareth Southgate has also been pictured wearing one on his index finger.
