Germany 5-1 Scotland: Initial reactions and observations (2024)

Initial reactions and observations

• Leave aside the fact that it was Scotland. Forget about the red card for a second. How long has it been since Germany had a performance this dominant? Against anyone? This was a show of power by Germany, and puts the rest of the tournament on notice. Julian Nagelsmann has this team purring.
• Jamal Musiala played like a man possessed. After a tough season at club level, watching him play this way will come as a relief to many Bayern Munich fans — he’s still got it.
• Kai Havertz may have scored, but a true striker like Füllkrug simply completes this team. If he’s fit, he needs to start for the rest of the tournament.
• Thomas Müller created an absolute boatload of chances after coming on, including an assist. Is there really no space for him in this starting XI? With the way Florian Wirtz is playing, you can’t make the argument — but what about Gündoğan?
• Toni Kroos didn’t score, but he was the lynchpin of the entire German gameplan. He passed circles around Scotland which kept them pinned back and unable to threaten off the ball. Bringing him back for one last rodeo is paying serious dividends.
• Can Germany go all the way? The early signs have not been this promising in a very long time. Time to capitalize — the pieces are in position.

Looking for more thoughts and analysis on Germany’s massive EURO 2024-opening win over Scotland? Good, because the Bavarian Podcast Works — Postgame Show has you covered! We’ve got takes on Julian Nagelsmann’s lineup, the brilliance of Toni Kroos, Germany’s relentless attack, and why Florian Wirtz and Jamal Musiala are probably winning over a lot of new fans. You can get the podcast on Spotify or below:

Full time: Germany 5-1 Scotland.

90’ +3 — GOOOOOOOOAL! Emre Can makes it 5-1!

87’ — Goal. Own goal, Rüdiger makes it 4-1. Neuer won’t be happy about that.

73’ — Sub: Thomas Müller comes on to cheers for his 130th international appearance. Jamal Musiala comes off after a wonderful performance.

67’ — GOOOOOOOOOOOAL! Füllkrug makes it 4-0 with an incredible finish!

63’ — Subs: Sané and Füllkrug are on for Havertz and Wirtz.

45’ — The second half is underway! Pascal Groß comes on for Robert Andrich at halftime.

Halftime: Germany 3-0 Scotland.

45’ — RED CARD! Porteous is sent off after a VAR review for his challenge on Gündoğan.

Kai Havertz steps up to the penalty spot and ... 3-0!

25’ — Musiala is brought down in the box, and the referee whistles and points to the spot. However, the penalty is overturned by VAR as the initial contact was outside the box.

19’ — GOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOAL! Musiala makes it 2-0!

10’ — GOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOAL! Florian Wirtz makes it 1-0!

Kickoff: We’re underway in Munich!

One hour until kickoff: We have lineups! Looks like Julian Nagelsmann has decided to stick with what he knows — which means putting Kai Havertz up top, flanked by Jamal Musiala and Florian Wirtz. İlkay Gündoğan dons the captain’s armband and slots in behind the attack, while Toni Kroos and Robert Andrich are in midfield. The defense practically picks itself from there.

After months of preparation, it all comes down to this. Germany kick off Euro 2024 as the host nation, hoping to go all the way — or at least as far as they can.

The Allianz Arena will be familiar to these players, or at least to those who have played for Bayern Munich. For once, the national team is light on representation from that particular club. Only Jamal Musiala, Joshua Kimmich, and Manuel Neuer are expected to start from the Bayern players who were called up, with Thomas Müller and Leroy Sané on the bench.

Julian Nagelsmann has a lot riding on this tournament. Not just his future as the coach of Germany, but his reputation as a coach overall. Look at Hansi Flick for example — one disaster at a World Cup and suddenly no one wants anything to do with him.

There's nothing to indicate that Germany are headed for a disaster this time. The squad is solid, with a good mix of experience and youth, and the preparation friendlies vs Ukraine and Greece went relatively well. Of course, tournament football is a different beast altogether, but German teams of yesteryear were at their best on the biggest stage. Will this current generation find it within themselves to do the same? We'll just have to wait and find out.

While you’re waiting for the game, why not check out our preview podcast? Listen to it below or on Spotify.

Match Info

Location: Allianz Arena, Munich, Germany

Time: 9:00 pm local time, 3:00 pm EST

TV/streaming: Find Your Country

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