Germany served notice of their return to top form and their potential as Euro 2024 winners on home soil, with a thumping 5-1 win over Scotland . Florian Wirtz scored inside ten minutes but it was Jamal Musiala who stole the show, scoring the second and being heavily involved throughout for the hosts. The Scots’ night took a turn for the worse when Ryan Porteous was shown a straight red card for an awful challenge on Ilkay Gundogan, with Kai Havertz netting the resulting penalty - all before half time.
Niclas Fullkrug scored an absolute blockbuster off the bench before netting another which was ruled offside, before the Scots got a consolation courtesy of an Antonio Rudiger own goal. The late goal gave Scotland’s travelling army something to sing about - even if only in humorous fashion - but Steve Clarke will know they have to improve significantly if they’re to get through the group stage as even that small smile was soon wiped off by Emre Can’s late fifth. Here are the player ratings from the opening match of the European Championship: Manuel Neuer, 6.
Didn’t see the ball until about the 33rd minute. Surely the easiest night of his year until his own teammate nodded one past him. Joshua Kimmich, 7.
A couple of delicious deliveries from wide, even if it wasn’t his most influential game. Antonio Rudiger, 6. Very much untroubled by any rare attacking forays.
A couple of largely pointless shots from range of his own, so he tried the other way...
and headed one past h.
