By: Ruyi Lin

Scotland fans were filled with hope as the European Football Championship (Euro 2024) kicked off on Friday, 14th 2024. The Tartan Army, the fans of the Scotland national football team, were at the Allianz Arena in Munich to watch Scotland take on Germany. However, the excitement soon died down as the night concluded with an outrageous 5-1 defeat for Scotland.

Germany began the game with domination, with Florian Wirtz scoring within the first 10 minutes. With Jamal Musiala netting another goal less than 10 minutes later, the hosts quickly extended their lead. A penalty was awarded just before half-time, after Scotland’s Porteous was sent off for a poor tackle on İlkay Gündoğan, allowing Kai Havertz to score Germany’s third goal. Niclas Fullkrug’s powerful strike in the 67th minute brought the score to 4-0.

Scotland found some hope when Scott McKenna’s free kick deflected off Germany’s Antonio Rudiger resulting in an own goal and some consolation from the traveling Scottish fans. Unfortunately for the Tartan Army, Germany sealed their dominant performance with a final goal from Emre Can in the 92nd minute. Marking Germany’s biggest victory ever at the Euros, this 5-1 result stands as the largest win by any host nation in their opening match at a European Championship tournament.

Looking ahead, Scotland will face Switzerland in Cologne on Wednesday, continuing competition in Group A (Germany, Scotland, Hungary, Switzerland), June 19th, while Germany will take on Hungary in Stuttgart on the same day to secure a spot in the knockout stages of the tournament.