Germany 5 – 1 Scotland

Scotland were taught a lesson by classy Germany in their Euro 2024 opener as Ryan Porteous was sent off in a 5-1 defeat in Munich.

Steve Clarke’s mantra was “respect everyone, fear no one” as they looked to make it past the group stage of a major tournament for the first time.

But they looked stunned as Angus Gunn failed to save Florian Wirtz’s effort in the 10th minute at the Allianz Arena.

Jamal Musiala (19) then rifled a powerful shot into the roof of the net with Kai Havertz making it 3-0 from the penalty spot after Porteous was shown a straight red in the 44th minute for a crunching challenge on Ilkay Gundogan following a VAR check.

The Germans, who last won the European Championship in 1996, were not finished and Niclas Fullkrug smashed a wonderful drive into the top corner to add to Scotland’s woes.

Antonio Rudiger headed into his own net to finally give the Scots something to celebrate before Emre Can made it 5-1 with the last kick of the game to earn Germany the biggest win in an opening match at the Euros.

Misery in Munich

The Tartan Army descended on the stadium in their thousands believing they could upset the odds, but there was an early warning as Rudiger sent a ball through to Wirtz. He was just offside but Gunn reacted to save his half-volley with his head.

The hosts were in control and, after a brilliant clearance from Porteous to deny Musiala a chance, they did take the lead.

Joshua Kimmich sent a long pass to Wirtz and the Bundesliga’s player of the year took his chance, Gunn did get a touch but only pushed it in off the inside of the post.

It soon got worse for Scotland as they went 2-0 down after just 19 minutes when Musiala picked up a brilliant pass from Gundogan and smashed a powerful shot into the roof of the net.

Clarke had his head in his hands as the hosts were awarded a penalty soon after for Ryan Christie’s clumsy challenge on Musiala, but it was outside the box and overturned after a VAR check.

Havertz’s resultant free-kick deflected off the wall and spun into Gunn’s arms.

Frustration began to show for Scotland and, following a VAR check, Porteous was shown a straight red for a crunching challenge on Gundogan in the box. This time a penalty was awarded.

Havertz stepped up and fired under Gunn from the spot to give the Germans a commanding 3-0 lead before the break.

Che Adams made way for Grant Hanley for the second half as Clarke looked to limit the damage and Scotland did look brighter.

Scott McTominay won a free-kick soon after the restart, but Havertz managed to block his effort.

Germany were then back in command as Rudiger’s 25-yard drive was turned around the post by Gunn.

They did find a fourth, and in some style, as Fullkrug sent a stunning drive into the roof of the net. He thought he had scored again soon after but it was ruled out for offside.

Scotland did have something to celebrate late on as Scott McKenna’s ball came off Rudiger’s head and past Manuel Neuer for a consolation.

But the celebrations were short-lived as Can – who was only called into the squad two days ago – scored Germany’s fifth in stoppage-time to earn them the biggest win in the opening match of a European Championship game.

Stats: Story of the match

Clarke: We’re better than that

Steve Clarke had little to say after their opening match as he urged the fans to “keep the faith.”

“A difficult night,” he said. “We didn’t play to our standard and I thought the German team were excellent.

“We’re disappointed, we feel as though we’ve let ourselves down. We’re better than that and hopefully we can show that in the next two games.

“This was always going to be a tough night to get something. We need four points from the next two games and that’s what we focus on.”

Asked if it was his toughest night as Scotland manager, he said: “No, I’ve had tough nights before. I’ll get over it,”

“I’ve never ever doubted my players.

Analysis: Drastic improvement needed from Scotland

The Tartan Army had waited 26 years to travel abroad for a major tournament only to watch Scotland fall flat in their opening match.

Andy Robertson said pre-match he wanted “no regrets” but they have been left with just that after a sobering night in Munich.

Scotland sailed through the qualifiers, even beating Spain on the way, but they did not do themselves justice and never managed to compete with Julian Nagelsmann’s side.

Scotland did score thanks to Antonio Rudiger’s own goal but they will need to do much better in their next games against Hungary and Switzerland if they are to make it past the group stage for the first time.

Can the players make a drastic improvement before their next match on June 19? Let’s hope so.

Star performer: Jamal Musiala

He may be just 21, but the winger was too quick and clever for Scotland to cope with.

The winger scored a brilliant second and thought he had won a penalty soon after.

Magic footwork and great pace, it’s no surprise he was given a standing ovation as he was substituted in the second half.

So far in Group A…