Germany vs Scotland - LIVE!

Scotland endured a nightmare start to their Euro 2024 campaign as Germany ran riot in a 5-1 win in the opening match of the tournament. The German front-line did the damage, with Florian Wirtz and Jamal Musiala setting the tone within 20 minutes, before Kai Havertz added a third from the penalty spot in first-half stoppage time.

He was withdrawn just after the hour mark by Niclas Fullkrug, who wasted little time in lashing a strike into the top corner for Germany’s fourth. Scotland barely made it out of their own half, but did lift the spirits of their travelling fans late on, when Antonio Rudiger turned into his own net from a Scott McKenna header, only for Emre Can to add a fifth for Germany with the final kick of the match.

It was a damaging start to Scotland’s hopes of reaching the knockout stages of a major tournament for the first time, but matches against Hungary and Switzerland were always likely to prove the defining encounters.

Germany vs Scotland latest updates

• GOAL! Rudiger turns ball into own net

• GOAL! Fullkrug extends rout in second-half

• GOAL! Havertz makes it 3-0 before HT

• RED CARD! Porteous off for awful challenge

• GOAL! Musiala doubles advantage

• GOAL! Wirtz fires Germany into early lead

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23:09 , Matt Verri

Scotland endured a nightmare start to their Euro 2024 campaign as Germany ran riot in a 5-1 win in the opening match of the tournament.

The German front-line did the damage, with Florian Wirtz and Jamal Musiala setting the tone within 20 minutes, before Kai Havertz added a third from the penalty spot in first-half stoppage time, as Ryan Porteous was sent off to make a difficult Scottish task an impossible one.

The Arsenal strike was withdrawn just after the hour mark by Niclas Fullkrug, who wasted little time in lashing a strike into the top corner for Germany’s fourth. Scotland barely made it out of their own half, but did lift the spirits of their travelling fans late on, when Antonio Rudiger turned into his own net from a Scott McKenna header, only for Emre Can to add a fifth for Germany with the final kick of the match.

Click here for our full report!

Roy Keane hits out at Robertson comments

22:43 , Matt Verri

“He said ‘we weren’t aggressive enough’ - you have to be aggressive in a game of football,” Keane said.

“Being aggressive is part of being a footballer. I love watching skilful players, absolutely love it, and the talent we saw with the German players. It’s great to watch. But my goodness, when you’re playing football at this level you’ve got to hit people. Hit them properly, aggressively, in the right way.

“It’s no good talking after the game, ‘we had a gameplan’, it’s rubbish. Andy Robertson, it’s all just rubbish coming out. You knew before that game what was at stake.”

Keane added: “’We’ll regroup and be angry tomorrow’ - no, you should be angry for a long time. They spoke before the game about creating history.

“They’re creating history alright, by playing as badly as that and letting their managers and supporters down.”

Post-match thoughts from the Scotland camp

22:14 , Matt Verri

Andy Robertson has been speaking after that defeat.

Not really much he can say on a performance and result like that, but he’s given it a go.

Scotland on the board...

22:02 , Matt Verri

Well there was at least something to cheer.

Antonio Rudiger’s own goal briefly lifted the spirit in that section of the stadium, but it was otherwise a miserable night for the Tartan Army.

FT: Germany 5-1 Scotland

21:57 , Matt Verri

And that’ll do it.

Germany cruise to a big win in the opening match of Euro 2024 - it’s been a bit of a disaster for Scotland.

Blown away in the opening 45 minutes, with that red card to Ryan Porteous ending any hopes they had of doing something.

GOAL! Germany 5-1 Scotland | Emre Can 90+3'

21:55 , Matt Verri

Germany have a fifth!

Can from the edge of the area, squeezes a finish into the bottom corner past Gunn.

Germany 4-1 Scotland

21:53 , Matt Verri

90+1 mins: Three minutes added on.

Not ideal for Scotland’s comeback hopes. Travelling fans are at least enjoying themselves again.

Germany 4-1 Scotland

21:51 , Matt Verri

88 mins: There was a brief check for offside, but VAR lets the goal stand.

The Tartan Army have something to celebrate!

GOAL! Germany 4-1 Scotland | Antonio Rudiger OG 87'

21:50 , Matt Verri

Comeback time...

Free-kick whipped in, bobbles around before McKenna heads it back into the middle.

Bounces off Rudiger’s head and over Neuer!

Germany 4-0 Scotland

21:48 , Matt Verri

85 mins: 4-0 up, five minutes remaining. Sane will not be passing.

Drives at goal, again takes a swipe at the ball with that left boot. Sliced high and wide.

Germany 4-0 Scotland

21:46 , Matt Verri

83 mins: Sane, as ever, looking to work the ball onto his left foot.

Just about finds room to do so, can’t whip it into the far corner though. Straight at Gunn.

Germany 4-0 Scotland

21:42 , Matt Verri

80 mins: Muller’s flicked header loops to the back post, where Robertson is alert enough to knock it behind for a corner.

Kroos’ delivery comes to Mittelstadt, again he fancies himself on the half-volley from 20 yards. Again he shouldn’t.

Kroos off for Germany, as Can is introduced.

Germany 4-0 Scotland

21:41 , Matt Verri

78 mins: McTominay a bit too keen to win it back, gives away the free-kick. Scotland could really do without any more cards.

McKenna is on for them, replacing Tierney at centre-back.

GOOO.... OFFSIDE!

21:38 , Matt Verri

He has a second!

Scrappy goal, Fullkrug doesn’t care one bit.

Chests it down, Gunn gets a big hand initially but Fullkrug is there to bundle home.

Hold up - he’s offside! No goal.

Germany 4-0 Scotland

21:36 , Matt Verri

74 mins: Musiala gets the standing ovation he deserved. Outrageous display.

Muller on for the final 20 minutes or so - couldn’t ask for a better situation to be introduced into!

Germany 4-0 Scotland

21:34 , Matt Verri

71 mins: Scotland do press up here - but there’s not enough of them.

Germany pass it round them and they’re away again. Gilmour and McLean are on for Scotland, replacing McGregor and McGinn.

GOAL! Germany 4-0 Scotland | Niclas Fullkrug 68'

21:31 , Matt Verri

Apologies, Scotland fans...

There is the fourth goal! Stunning finish from Fullkrug, absolutely smashes a strike into the top corner. Gunn has no chance.

Germany 3-0 Scotland

21:29 , Matt Verri

66 mins: Veeeeery ambitious from Mittelstadt, who decides he is capable of pinging in a half-volley from 20 yards out. He’s not.

Midway through the second-half, Scotland have so far avoided further damage.

Germany 3-0 Scotland

21:27 , Matt Verri

64 mins: Sane with a chance to score with his first touch.

Kimmich driving into space, all the way to the edge of the Scotland area. Slides in Sane, tame first-time effort is straight at Gunn.

Germany 3-0 Scotland

21:25 , Matt Verri

62 mins: Tah the latest player into the book - ironic cheers from the Tartan Army.

Lunged in on Christie, completely unnecessary. Caught him late and can’t complain about that.

Two Germany changes. Havertz gets a huge ovation, as he is replaced by Fullkrug. Scotland then look over and see Sane coming on too - bit cruel. Wirtz off.

Germany 3-0 Scotland

21:23 , Matt Verri

61 mins: Wirtz the latest to try his luck from a fair distance out, well over the bar.

Gunn fooling nobody as he pretends to consider playing the goal-kick short, before waving his team-mates up the pitch.

Kills a few seconds at least.

Germany 3-0 Scotland

21:21 , Matt Verri

59 mins: Feels like the fourth is coming. Very soon.

Musiala skips away from Ralston, shot is saved by Gunn. Comes back to Gundogan and the bodies fly in the block his effort.

Germany going through the gears.

Germany 3-0 Scotland

21:20 , Matt Verri

58 mins: Just over - nearly 4-0!

Musiala continues to run the Scottish defence ragged, playing the ball back this time. Whipped to the back post, Wirtz free and he blasts over on the half-volley. Big chance.

Germany 3-0 Scotland

21:19 , Matt Verri

57 mins: Germany corner, taken quickly and Gross is in space on the edge of the area.

Gets the shot away, Hendry does well to throw his body in the way. Germany stay on the attack, Kimmich now from distance. Hanley with the block this time.

Germany 3-0 Scotland

21:16 , Matt Verri

54 mins: Rare chance for Scotland to counter, but McGinn opts to turn all the way back and just keep the ball.

It’s a decent shape from the ten men at the start of this half.

Germany 3-0 Scotland

21:13 , Matt Verri

51 mins: Tough to see how Scotland are going to get it. Christie the man sort of playing up front, but he’s tucking right back into midfield.

Rudiger allowed to stroll forward, tries his luck from about 40 yards out. Bounces up on Gunn and he turns it behind for a corner.

Germany 3-0 Scotland

21:11 , Matt Verri

48 mins: Musiala electric again to set Germany away on the counter, plays the ball into Wirtz and Ralston comes over to bring him down. Clear yellow card.

We’ve had 48 minutes of this tournament, but the early signs suggest Musiala is going to have a massive summer.

Germany 3-0 Scotland

21:09 , Matt Verri

47 mins: Rudiger basically rugby tackles Christie out wide. This is Scotland’s best attacking moment of the match, free-kick in a decent position.

McTominay fires it in at the near post, Havertz does enough to clear.

Back underway!

21:07 , Matt Verri

We’re up and running again.

Gross is on for Andrich at the break. Hanley is introduced for Scotland, replacing Adams.

That will tell you what the Scottish plan is.

Some good news for Scotland

21:06 , Matt Verri

Scotland’s goal difference looks set to take a hammering tonight, but that might not prove as damaging as you’d think.

If teams are level on points at the end of the group stage, it will be head-to-head record that splits them, and then goal difference.

Still, don’t really want to be losing by five or six...

Opening goal of the tournament

21:05 , Matt Verri

Can expect plenty of goals over the next month - this was the first one of Euro 2024.

Nice finish from Wirtz, even if Gunn will probably feel he should have kept it out.

First-half stats...

21:02 , Matt Verri

Five shots for Germany, five on target, three goals. Ruthless in attack.

Scotland haven’t had a shot, they’ve barely had a pass in the German half. Plan hasn’t worked at all, and that was with 11 men.

Toni Kroos running the show in midfield, Jamal Musiala sensational... the hosts have really turned up.

Watch: Porteous sent off as Germany score third

20:55 , Matt Verri

Here is that tackle from Porteous on Gundogan.

Lunged in to try and block the shot, but it’s not a good challenge at all. Was always going to be a red.

HT: Germany 3-0 Scotland

20:52 , Matt Verri

And that is half-time.

Germany couldn’t have hoped for anything better. Goals from Wirtz, Musiala and Havertz inside 45 minutes.

Scotland down to ten men after Porteous’ dreadful challenge. It’s not gone to plan...

Germany 3-0 Scotland

20:50 , Matt Verri

45+3 mins: Three minutes added on.

Scotland need half-time. And full-time.

GOAL! Germany 3-0 Scotland | Kai Havertz 45+1

20:48 , Matt Verri

Havertz steps up... and converts from the penalty spot!

Germany are cruising to an opening win, Scotland could be on the receiving end of a hammering here.

PENALTY!

20:47 , Matt Verri

Just the one replay needed - referee swiftly back from the monitor to award the penalty.

Porteous... RED CARD!

Scotland are down to ten men. Disastrous.

Germany 2-0 Scotland

20:45 , Matt Verri

43 mins: It’s an awful challenge from Porteous.

High, out of control. Should be a penalty, could be a red card.

VAR still checking.

Germany 2-0 Scotland

20:45 , Matt Verri

42 mins: Chaos in the Scotland box... they somehow survive!

Gundogan’s header is saved, comes back to him and Porteous absolutely crunches into him.

Play continues, Kroos hammers an effort at goal. deflected away. Germany want a penalty for that challenge on Gundogan.

Germany 2-0 Scotland

20:42 , Matt Verri

39 mins: Porteous wins the initial header, nobody there for Scotland though and Germany can clear.

Better spell for those in blue though. At least getting themselves into the match a bit more.

Germany 2-0 Scotland

20:41 , Matt Verri

38 mins: That helps for Scotland, Tah bundling into Adams and giving away a needless free-kick.

No surprise that Scotland are taking their time over this, up come the defenders. About 45 yards out but that’s good enough.

Germany 2-0 Scotland

20:38 , Matt Verri

35 mins: Three shots in the match. Two goals and a free-kick that was saved by Gunn.

Scotland struggling just to get up beyond the halfway line - been a really tough half so far.

Better here, McGregor and McTominay calm as Scotland play their way out. Ball pinged towards Adams, too much on in though.

Germany 2-0 Scotland

20:35 , Matt Verri

32 mins: Home fans are celebrating what they think is a third goal, but the whistle had gone about ten seconds earlier.

Havertz near enough catches it before firing a low finish into the far corner. Won’t be needing VAR to check that.

Germany 2-0 Scotland

20:34 , Matt Verri

31 mins: That’s very, very rash!

Andrich has already made a couple of fouls and his third once is not great at all, flying in on McTominay.

Yellow card and he’s wasting his breath complaining about that.

Germany 2-0 Scotland

20:32 , Matt Verri

29 mins: Brilliant from Musiala, skips away from Robertson and then McGregor, who can only bring him down.

It’s constant pressure - Scotland have barely left their own half.

Germany 2-0 Scotland

20:31 , Matt Verri

28 mins: Kroos very interested on this. It’s central, on the very edge of the area.

It’s Havertz to smash it after Kroos lays it off, takes a deflection and Gunn gathers it.

NO PENALTY!

20:29 , Matt Verri

VAR comes to the rescue for Scotland.

It was just about outside the area. This is still a very dangerous position.

Germany 2-0 Scotland

20:28 , Matt Verri

Replays suggest this could just about be outside the area. It’s very tight.

VAR will take a look. It’s definitely a foul, just needs to be decided where the contact happened.

PENALTY GERMANY!

20:27 , Matt Verri

Dear me.

Musiala driving into the box, a couple of challenges go in on him and the referee, eventually, points to the spot.

Christie came charging in from behind.

Germany 2-0 Scotland

20:24 , Matt Verri

22 mins: There is a lot of space out there for Germany, and they are ruthlessly taking advantage.

Don’t look like easing off either - real problems for Scotland after 20 minutes of their campaign. Need to change something... quickly.

GOAL! Germany 2-0 Scotland | Jamal Musiala 19'

20:22 , Matt Verri

Really good from Gunn, Germany were in again.

Wirtz darts in behind Tierney, he’s in on goal as the pass comes over the top, but the goalkeeper charges off his line to clear.

Here come Germany again... AND IT’S TWO!

Havertz lays it off for Musiala, onto his right foot and lashed into the top corner from inside the box.

Germany 1-0 Scotland

20:19 , Matt Verri

17 mins: Scotland still sitting very deep, happy to let Kroos and the Germany defence have it.

They do press up this time, led by McTominay, and Germany go back to Neuer. Bit more like it, even if the press does come with risks.

Germany 1-0 Scotland

20:17 , Matt Verri

15 mins: Andrich with a bit of a bodycheck on Christie, Scotland get the decision.

They just need a bit of possession, it’s all happening very quickly at the moment. Germany, as you’d expect, right at it.

Germany 1-0 Scotland

20:15 , Matt Verri

12 mins: What do Scotland do now?

Imagine it will be more of the same, don’t need to panic and go chasing things yet.

Have to get tighter to Kroos though.

GOAL! Germany 1-0 Scotland | Florian Wirtz 10'

20:13 , Matt Verri

GERMANY IN FRONT!

Kroos involved, switching the ball out to the right.

Kimmich allowed to step inside, squares it for Wirtz and he sweeps it into the bottom corner. Gunn got a fair bit of it, but could only touch it onto the post and in.

Germany 0-0 Scotland

20:12 , Matt Verri

9 mins: Scotland are allowing Kroos a lot of time in midfield - not sure that’s wise. He’s already starting to have a real influence.

As expected, Germany dominating possession, but Scotland won’t mind that. No chances yet.

Germany 0-0 Scotland

20:09 , Matt Verri

6 mins: Havertz the latest to go down holding his head, whistle doesn’t go this time.

Germany threaten to break anyway, but Hendry steps up and wins the ball back. Scotland defending well so far.

Germany 0-0 Scotland

20:07 , Matt Verri

4 mins: McGinn clatters into Mittelstadt, free-kick given. Aston Villa man resists the urge to complain, perhaps fearful of the new rules on that.

Tierney then does well to win a goal-kick, right in front of the Tartan Army. Celebrated like a goal.

Germany 0-0 Scotland

20:04 , Matt Verri

2 mins: Gunn forced into a big save early on... but the offside flag is up.

Ball pinged over the top, Wirtz is in behind and he tries to dink the goalkeeper, but Gunn stands up and makes the save.

Replays suggest that was very, very tight. Could well have stood had it gone in.

KICK-OFF!

20:03 , Matt Verri

We’re up and running in Munich - Euro 2024 is here!

19:59 , Matt Verri

You’d think this was being played at Hampden, judging by that rendition of Flower of Scotland.

Germany 1-0 down after the anthems.

Here we go!

19:57 , Matt Verri

Teams are out at the Allianz - it’s an incredible atmosphere!

Germany the hosts but you wouldn’t know it from the noise, the Tartan Army are more than holding their own.

Time for the anthems.

Beckenbauer remembered

19:56 , Matt Verri

Now this is nice. Applause all around the stadium as Heidi Beckenbauer, wife of the late German legend Franz, walks out with the trophy.

Wonderful tribute to him ahead of kick-off. It’s got the atmosphere going again.

19:53 , Matt Verri

And we’re done. Hope everyone involved had a lovely time - we’ll leave it at all.

Players are in the tunnel. All the nonsense is nearly out of the way, kick-off just a few minutes away.

19:51 , Matt Verri

Andrea Bocelli sang Nessun Dorma at the opening ceremony in Rome three years ago. Germany clearly decided they couldn’t compete with that, and so haven’t particularly bothered trying.

Fans now holding up some cards. Don’t worry, it’s almost done. I hope.

19:49 , Matt Verri

The theme seems to be... polka dots and stripes.

More flag waving as the music blares out. It was much better when the Scottish fans were just singing by themselves ten minutes ago.

Opening ceremony time!

19:47 , Matt Verri

We have a lot of bright colours, some questionable dancing...

It must be that time. The opening ceremony is up and running. Imagine Eurovision but every act is on at the same time, there’s no live singing and they’ve been given an entire football pitch.

Not really like Eurovision at all, on reflection.

Not long now...

19:41 , Matt Verri

Scottish end is absolutely bouncing at the Allianz. Having the time of their lives.

Bit more relaxed in the posh seats, where Sir Alex Ferguson and Jose Mourinho are sat next to each other and in deep conversation.

Opening ceremony is up next - going to be pretty quick judging by the fact kick-off is 20 minutes away. Good news for everyone.

Pre-match thoughts from Steve Clarke

19:36 , Matt Verri

"It's been a long wait, the Tartan Army are here in full voice and will enjoy tonight no matter what,” the Scotland boss says.

"Our job is to focus on the game, it's a long day with a late-evening kick off.

"We’re prepared, ready to go, and let's see what the match brings us. The message is to make sure when we have the ball that we play.

"Can we eliminate the mistakes? That’s what we have to do and play well when we have the ball.”

Germany expecting tough test

19:31 , Matt Verri

The hosts are, unsurprisingly, the big favourites tonight, but there will be no complacency, judging by Julian Nagelsmann’s pre-match thoughts.

He has been full of praise for Scotland and the job Steve Clarke has done.

Scotland up against it...

19:23 , Matt Verri

Upon landing in Germany on Sunday, Scotland's first port of call was a welcome party from the mayor of Garmisch-Partenkirchen, an Alpine ski town and their base for the tournament.

Aston Villa's John McGinn was soon dusting off his Bavarian dance moves.

There has been an air of calm about the Scots' first week in Germany as they gear up to face the hosts in tonight's opening game, but, in truth, their preparations have been far from plain sailing.

Click here for our full preview!

Landmark night

19:15 , Matt Verri

A big enough occasion as it is, but it’s extra special for Scott McTominay and Ryan Christie.

They both earn a 50th cap for Scotland - decent night to do it!

Teams are out!

19:07 , Matt Verri

So then, largely as we expected from both sides.

McGregor gets the nod for Scotland in midfield, meaning Gilmour has to settle for a place on the bench, with Robertson fit to start as expected.

McTominay and McGinn will need to get forward and support Adams tonight.

As for Germany, Havertz leads line, he’s preferred to Fullkrug.

Gundogan the most advanced of the midfielders, ahead of Andrich and Kroos, with Musiala and Wirtz out wide.

Bayern Munich duo Sane and Muller among those on the bench.

Scotland team news

19:04 , Matt Verri

Starting XI: Gunn, Ralston, Hendry, Porteous, Tierney, Robertson, Christie, McGregor, McTominay, McGinn, Adams

Subs: Kelly, Clark, Hanley, Shankland, Gilmour, Cooper, Armstrong, Morgan, Conway, Jack, McCrorie, McLean, Taylor, Forrest, McKenna

Germany team news

19:01 , Matt Verri

Starting XI: Neuer, Kimmich, Rudiger, Tah, Mittelstadt, Andrich, Kroos, Gundogan, Musiala, Wirtz, Havertz

Subs: Baumann, Ter Stegen, Raum, Gross, Fullkrug, Fuhrich, Muller, Beier, Schlotterbeck, Anton, Sane, Henrichs, Koch, Can, Undav

Scottish fans waiting outside stadium

18:56 , Matt Verri

Aberdeen chairman Dave Cormack is among those to have travelled to Germany to support Scotland, but he has taken to social media to reveal his frustration with the situation outside the Allianz Arena.

He has posted: “The worst organization I’ve ever seen at a game. Been queuing for over an hour and still tens of thousands of people trying to get in. Where’s the German efficiency!”

Teams have arrived!

18:50 , Matt Verri

Both sides have been out for an early look at the Allianz Arena.

Team news coming up very shortly - shouldn’t be any surprises from either manager, but all will be revealed soon.

Who will win the tournament?

18:46 , Matt Verri

Dan Kilpatrick: France. A dull answer, I know, but they have the best player at the tournament in Kylian Mbappe, the deepest squad and a coach who knows how to win tournaments in Didier Deschamps.

Malik Ouzia: Germany. That used to be the cop-out answer but after three successive tournament flops there’s a lot of pressure on the hosts. I just fancy things have come together at the right time and they could ride a bit of a wave.

Simon Collings: France. Talent, experience and a manager who knows how to get over the line.

Nick Purewal: France. An obvious choice for a reason: talent and personnel for all systems and set-ups.

Dom Smith: I’m going France too. England have the best attack but France are a better-balanced side.

Read our writers’ full predictions for the tournament here!

All to play for in Group A

18:40 , Matt Verri

This is obviously the opening match of Group A, with Hungary then taking on Switzerland tomorrow.

Hosts Germany are the big favourites to top the group, but you could make a case for any of the other three sides to upset the odds.

Remember, top two definitely go through to the last-16, and will be joined by the four best third-placed teams across the six groups.

Germany are big beasts again

18:33 , Matt Verri

It is hard to believe how quickly fortunes have changed for hosts Germany. For a long time there was a fear that they would be embarrassed on home soil.

After their shock group-stage exit at the World Cup in Qatar, the team was a mess, while a run of four defeats in five games last year culminated in a humiliating 4-1 home defeat to Japan.

There was not even a lift when Julian Nagelsmann took over after Hansi Flick was sacked. In a friendly against Turkey in November, Kai Havertz played as a left-back in an experiment that went horribly wrong, as Germany lost 3-2. That was followed by a 2-0 defeat to Austria.

But the mood has changed this year and Germany have hope again. Three wins from four games, including impressive victories over France and Holland, plus the return of Toni Kroos, mean they kick-off the Euros among the favourites.

Optimism is fuelled by the form of Florian Wirtz and Jamal Musiala. Under Nagelsmann, the two 21-year-olds have been given the freedom to express themselves and are Germany's biggest attacking threats.

Read our full preview here!

McGinn: Support makes you proud to be Scottish

18:25 , Matt Verri

John McGinn has been speaking ahead of kick-off, urging Scotland to give their fans something to celebrate and not get overwhelmed by the occasion of a European Championship opener.

“We’ve experienced these games before, we haven’t approached them in the right way, so now it’s about trying to forget about the occasion and focus on the game,” McGinn tells ITV.

“We’ve been calm, we’ve had a good rest this afternoon and we’re raring to go.

“Half the country is over here, half the country is back at home supporting us. What we’ve seen over the last few days makes you proud to be Scottish. Hopefully we can put in the same performance on the pitch that they have off the pitch.”

'Snicko' sensor in ball

18:18 , Matt Verri

Cricket technology will be in place at the tournament, with football's answer to the Snickometer.

A motion-sensing microchip in the ball will provide the precise data as to whether a player has touched the ball or not, which could be vital in determining handball or offside calls.

Broadcasters will be sent the touch-detection graphic, similar to the one seen when watching cricket, so viewers at home can see what officials are looking at to make their decision.

More yellow cards?

18:09 , Matt Verri

UEFA have informed players and coaches that only the captain, or a designated outfield player if the skipper is a goalkeeper, will be allowed to speak to the referee on the pitch.

Other players must keep their distance and will be booked if they surround officials when contesting decisions.

Referees have been told to have more open dialogue with captains around why decisions are made as part of the new guidance, which is designed to clamp down on dissent and improve the image of the game.

Fewer 100-minute matches

18:01 , Matt Verri

Officials at Euro 2024 will not look to enforce the same stoppage-time rules that were in place for the Premier League last season and the 2022 World Cup.

For those games, referees were instructed to add on the exact time that was lost to events such as goal celebrations and substitutions, which resulted in matches lasting more than 100 minutes on average.

UEFA are planning to stick with the approach it used for Champions League games last season, where the focus for referees was to speed up the restart of play instead of adding more stoppage time.

Tartan Army on their summer holidays...

17:54 , Matt Verri

An incredible amount of Scottish fans in Germany for this tournament. Not just in Munich, but across a number of the cities hosting matches.

There’s certainly more than 100,000 travelling supporters - some reports suggest that figure could be 200,000!

A lack of support is not going to be an issue for Steve Clarke’s side over the next couple of weeks...

Stage is set!

17:45 , Matt Verri

Going to be a perfect evening!

Not long now until at least some of those lining the streets in Munich start making their way into the stadium.

Standard Sport prediction

17:38 , Matt Verri

A few months ago, Scotland looked like a potential banana skin for the Germans but the mood music has changed since.

Goals could prove to be a problem this summer for Steve Clarke’s side and while they are capable of frustrating Germany tonight, the hosts should have enough.

Germany to win, 2-0.

Scotland team news

17:31 , Matt Verri

Scotland also have no injury concerns going into tonight’s Euro 2024 opener against Germany, with captain Andy Robertson overcoming a fitness scare.

There were fears that Liverpool left-back Robertson’s involvement against Germany could be in doubt, after he limped out of training earlier this week.

But manager Clarke confirmed on the eve of the game that his entire squad is “ready to go”.Lawrence Shankland also withdrew from training with a “niggle” but is expected to be fit for the Group A opener, as is Stuart Armstrong, who has been training individually since overcoming a muscle problem.

Aaron Hickey, Ben Doak and Lyndon Dykes were all ruled out of the tournament before the squad flew to Germany.

Predicted Scotland XI: Gunn; Porteous, Hendry, Tierney; Ralston, Gilmour, McTominay, Robertson; Christie, McGinn; Adams

Germany team news

17:22 , Matt Verri

After Aleksandar Pavlovic was sent home with tonsillitis and replaced by Emre Can, there are no fresh injury problems for Julian Nagelsmann to contend with.

Ilkay Gundogan is set to start as the most advanced midfielder ahead of Toni Kroos and Robert Andrich, with Jamal Musiala and Florian Wirtz getting the nod out wide. That would mean Leroy Sane having to settle for a place on the bench.

Arsenal’s Kai Havertz scored in Germany’s final friendly win over Greece last week and will likely be preferred to Niclas Fullkrug up front, while Pascal Gross scored the winner off the bench in that match and will hope to have some involvement again.

Sane could make a late run to start on the wing if he proves his fitness after a knee injury, but Nagelsmann will likely trust the lineups he has favoured since the turn of the year.

Predicted Germany XI: Neuer; Kimmich, Rudiger, Tah, Mittelstadt; Andrich, Gundogan, Kroos; Musiala, Wirtz; Havertz

Opening ceremony details

17:13 , Matt Verri

Not usually on the scale of an Olympic Games opening ceremony, the major football tournaments usually raise the curtains with a 20-30 minute performance, which can include a musical guest, before the opening game's kick-off.

Euro 2020 saw Andrea Bocelli wow a packed Stadio Olimpico in Rome, along with a performance by Martin Garrix, Bono and The Edge.

UEFA have confirmed that German football legend Franz Beckenbauer will be honoured during the ceremony - set to start at around 7:30pm BST - ahead of the opening game.

Germany’s two living Euros-winning captains, Bernard Dietz and Jurgen Klinsmann, will be joined by Beckenbauer’s wife Heidi and the competition trophy on the pitch before the tournament kicks off.

On Thursday, there was an 'Opening Concert' in Stuttgart, at the Schlossplatz, running from 4pm local time until 10.30pm and featuring a number of local musical guests.

How to watch Germany vs Scotland

17:07 , Matt Verri

TV channel: In the UK, tonight’s game will be broadcast live and free-to-air on ITV1. Coverage starts at 6:30pm BST ahead of an 8pm kick-off.

Live stream: The ITVX website and app will offer a free live stream service online.

Live blog: Follow all the action right here with us!

Good evening!

17:01 , Matt Verri

Euro 2024 is here!

Hello and welcome to Standard Sport’s LIVE coverage of Germany vs Scotland in Munich, as the tournament gets up and running.

The hosts are looking to make a confident start, but the Tartan Army have travelled in huge numbers and will certainly play their part in making it an occasion to remember.

We’ll have full coverage of that later this evening, with kick-off at 8pm BST from the Allianz Arena, as well as the opening ceremony that comes before. All the usual build-up and team news right here too. Stay with us!