Scottish fans were full of optimising, with many predicting an optimistic against a decent German side, but it quickly became a nightmare opening night for the Tartan Army. Here is what happened in Munich and, more importantly, what it means for our Euro 2024 Boot Battle between Adidas and Nike.
Worst Defeat Ever in an Opening Tournament Game
All we heard all week was how many Scottish fans travelled to Munich. ‘An invasion,’ ‘over 200,000’ – the bierkellers have run out of beer! That last one, in fact, was a record – with one venue saying it was the first time they’d been drank dry in its 200+ year history. BUT it wasn’t that record that will be remembered in the history books, with Scotland suffering the heaviest defeat in an opening game of a tournament.
Here’s how the action unfolded.
2-0 Germany After 20 Minutes
The first few minutes was relatively tight, with Germany bossing the ball but not creating anything against a seemingly resolute Scotland defence. But after just 10 minutes, the ball came to Florian Wirtz’ at the edge of the box. Angus Gunn got a strong hand to the ball but could only tip it onto the post and into the net – 1-0. Just nine minutes later, Jamal Musiala made it two with a ferocious strike into the roof of the net.
Ryan Porteous – Stupid or Necessary?
While Germany continued to dominate and Scotland struggled to create anything, the game remained one of few opportunities. Two shots – two goals. That was literally the story of the first half until the 44th minute. The ball fell to Ilkay Gundogan after Gunn made a sharp save, and with the goal at the ex-City star’s mercy, he looked certain to make it three. Up step Porteous.
At first, it seemed like he made a fantastic, goal-saving tackle but on second viewing he went high on Gundogan’s ankle. He got the ball but his trailing foot completely took the man – clear penalty. However, he had to do something to try prevent a certain goal. He saw a red card, probably rightfully so, and Kai Havertz stepped up and buried it to make it three before the break.
Formality of a Second Half
While the second half wasn’t without action, it was more or less a formality for the Germans. A complete keep-ball exercise. Scotland barely attacked, they couldn’t get out.
In a game of amazing goals, Niklas Fullkrug’s was the pick of the bunch. He took a touch to his right, and as the ball took a slight bobble he obliterated it into the next dimension. It went in at a pace of 110kph – 4-0.
Scotland hit back though, with three minutes left of the game. It sent the Scottish fans into raptures in the stand. Substitute Scott McKenna headed the ball back across goal but it took a hideous deflection off Antonio Rudiger and miraculously looped over Manuel Neuer in the German net.
But, their four-goal lead was restored in the final minute when Emre Can, a man who was not in the German squad 48 hours ago, finished excellently into the corner of the net from the edge of the box. Horror start for Scotland, but they still have a chance of qualification with third place potentially being enough to progress. Meanwhile, any pressure on the hosts was definitely eased, and they can almost already look forward to the last 16.
Boot Battle Standings (Adidas vs Nike) – Matchday 1:
Nike take an early, commanding lead after Ryan Porteous’ howler that saw him concede a penalty and get sent off. Plenty of football to come though, which side will come out on top?
Adidas
Wirtz (Goal): 2
Porteous (Red Card): -4
Nike
Musiala (Goal + MOTM): 6
Fullkrug (Goal): 2
Can (Goal): 3
Current Standings: Adidas -2 Nike 11
