Fuming German National Team Outmaneuvers Scotland in Early European Championship Action
Kicking off the European Football Championship in one's home soil couldn't get any better: Germany's national team suffers a defeat in their first game against Scotland, ending with a clear 1:5 (0:3). Dazzling, mesmerizing football by Florian Wirtz, Jamal Musiala, and others give Germany the triumphant start they desired with a 1:5 (0:3) victory over Scotland. After a thrilling opening performance that had spectators showering the highest German EM win with applause, a summer fairy tale no longer seems like a distant dream. The sold-out Munich Arena was the stage of the first celebration in Black-Yellow-Gold.
The exceptional young talents Wirtz (10th minute), Musiala (19th), and Havertz from a penalty kick (45+1), along with Niclas Füllkrug (68th) and Emre Can (90+3) scored the goals in front of an audience of 66,000. Scotland's Ryan Porteous was given a red card for a rough tackle on Ilkay Gündogan which led to a penalty kick right before halftime. Scotland's lone goal, scored through an own goal by Antonio Rüdiger, was just a delightful mistake (87th).
Powered by rapid combinations and the much-needed forceful scoring, the DFB team sent out a crucial victory sign in their opening match - much like during the home World Cup in 2006. Displaying immense energy and expert strategizing by head coach Julian Nagelsmann, captain Gündogan and the rest of the team showed they could handle the intense home pressure.
Looking ahead to Wednesday's match in Stuttgart, there's even the possibility of another win against Hungary, which could already secure a place in the quarterfinals. But the opponent must then put up much more resistance than the weakened Scottish team was able to offer.
Heartwarming Moment with Heidi Beckenbauer
Before the game commenced, there was an emotional moment during the approximately 15-minute opening ceremony. After the passing of Heidi Beckenbauer, the beloved wife of football legend Franz Beckenbauer, Heidi carrying the silver Henri-Delaunay Cup onto the field. She was accompanied by EM icons Bernard Dietz and Jürgen Klinsmann, captains of the winning teams of 1980 and 1996. As Heidi Beckenbauer left the field, she expressed her affection by throwing a kiss towards the sky.
The opening seemed tailor-made for the approval of Emperor in the emotionally charged Munich Arena, including Federal President Frank-Walter Steinmeier. The German team took the reins immediately, not even a minute passing before Wirtz tested the Scottish goalkeeper Angus Gunn for the first time. Rapid passing, early pressure, high ball possession - the DFB team was in full swing right from the get-go.
Early Goal evokes Memories of the Summer Fairy Tale 2006
The long-awaited early goal was finally achieved. Just like in 2006, when Philipp Lahm scored against Costa Rica after six minutes to initiate the summer fairy tale. This time it was after ten minutes. With a pass from Kroos and Kimmich, Wirtz took the shot, and Gunn could barely reach it with his fingertips. Nagelsmann, the youngest German tournament coach, celebrated the goal with a jubilant run. "They possess vigor, they have desire, they have hunger," Nagelsmann had promised before the game - and his prediction proved to be true.
The German high-speed football team momentarily silenced the rowdy Scottish fanbase. Ten thousand Tartan Army fans were in attendance, over one hundred thousand Scots in the city. And they were handsomely rewarded as Musiala, the second enchanting player in the German team, made his appearance. With a pass from Havertz, Musiala put the ball in the net, preceded by a magical pass from Gündogan.
Euphoria: "Oh, how breathtaking!"
The entire German crowd stood up and cheered, reflecting the unity. And from the stands, the sentiment echoed only 21 minutes into the game: "Oh, how breathtaking!" Sentiments that German fans had long been yearning for after three disappointing tournaments. Halfway through the first half, it appeared as though the third German goal was within reach, as the French referee Clément Turpin pointed to the spot. However, the foul on Musiala was determined to be outside the penalty area, resulting in an intervention from the video referee.
There was a penalty after all - with a slight delay. Just before halftime, as Gündogan prepared to take a shot, he was roughly taken down by Porteous. As anticipated, the Scot was expelled after a brief review, and Havertz did not miss the chance. The dazzling performance from the Nagelsmann team made a great impact on the tournament's beginning. For the first time, the DFB team scored three goals in the first half of a European Championship. Past setbacks and defeats were forgotten in a single fell swoop.
With a broader squad, the German crew felt no apprehension towards the meek Scots. Rudiger (51.), Wirtz (58.), the youngest German Euros scorer, and Maximilian Mittelstädt (65.) seized additional scoring chances. This lucky wave couldn't hold out for the Scots - it didn't. Substitute Füllkrug, who replaced Wirtz, sent the ball flying into the top corner. Then Skillful Player and fan-loved Thomas Müller dashed ahead. Müller had to wait a bit longer for his first Euros goal despite a decent header opportunity (80%). The laid-back celebration vibe persisted - not even Rudiger's own goal could dampen it. Can clinched the final point.
