Germany vs Scotland live: Euro 2024 result and final score as hosts secure heavy win on opening night

Scotland lost 5-1 to Germany in their opening Euro 2024 Group A match in Munich as their tournament got off to the worst possible start.

Young stars Florian Wirtz and Jamal Musiala scored early goals for the hosts before Scotland’s Ryan Porteous was sent off for a horror tackle on Ilkay Gundogan, from which Kai Havertz scored a penalty. Niclas Fullkrug and Emre Can added second-half strikes, either side of an Antonio Rudiger own goal.

Steve Clarke, the manager, admitted Scotland “let ourselves down” in the defeat, while captain Andy Robertson said they “got it all wrong” in Munich. Clarke urged the Tartan Army, who had travelled to Germany in their thousands before the game, to “keep the faith” ahead of their next fixture against Switzerland on Tuesday.

Follow all the reaction from the Euro 2024 opener in the blog below:

Euro 2024: Germany vs Scotland

• Germany hammer Scotland 5-1 in the Euro 2024 opener in Munich

• REPORT: Jamal Musiala signals the arrival of Germany’s new generation with Euro 2024 thrashing of Scotland

• ANALYSIS: Scotland’s nightmare exposes major Euro 2024 problem - but leaves one reason for optimism

• 90+3’ GOAL! - Can puts the icing on the cake for the Germans (GER 5-1 SCO)

• 87’ GOAL! - An own goal from Antonio Rudiger gives Scotland a (GER 4-1 SCO)

• 68’ GOAL! - Fullkrug comes off the bench to score (GER 4-0 SCO)

• 45+1’ GOAL! - Havertz converts from penalty spot (GER 3-0 SCO)

• 44’ RED CARD! - Porteous sent off for tackle on Gundogan (GER 2-0 SCO)

• 19’ GOAL! - Musiala adds a second after slick move from hosts (GER 2-0 SCO)

• 10’ GOAL - Wirtz hits first-time strike from edge of the box for the opener (GER 1-0 SCO)

Germany 5 - 1 Scotland

Jamal Musiala signals the arrival of Germany’s new generation with Euro 2024 thrashing of Scotland

Friday 14 June 2024 22:17 , Mike Jones

If the start to 2006 was a famous “summer fairytale” for Germany, this could be the beginning of an even better story. It doesn’t want for youthful joy, either, as witnessed by the standing ovation for Jamal Musiala. For Scotland, there was only grim reality. There were some familiarities to that, too.

They at least had something like a belated shot, and a goal, to at least make this 5-1. It could really have been so much worse. It couldn’t have gone much better for Germany.

This opening game of Euro 2024 had the feel of a properly big event beforehand, as illustrated by Sir Alex Ferguson’s message before a raucous Flower of Scotland, but he had to witness an occasion that solely became about how big the defeat would be. Scotland were fortunate to escape with a mere four-goal loss. Everyone else was fortunate to witness Musiala.

Jamal Musiala signals the arrival of new Germany with thrashing of Scotland

Scotland’s nightmare exposes major Euro 2024 problem - but leaves one reason for optimism

Friday 14 June 2024 22:06 , Mike Jones

Is it too soon for the meme from Trainspotting? It feels like it should be too soon for the meme from Trainspotting.

But after Scotland made the worst possible start to their Euro 2024 campaign, in a nightmare opening defeat to the hosts Germany in Munich, Ewan McGregor’s Renton may have an addition to his iconic monologue on Scottishness.

Scotland never win anything, we are the lowest of the low, and after 45 minutes of their biggest game in 26 years, we head into half-time three goals down, a player down, no shots, no corners, no nothing. Thank you Antonio Rudiger, you are our only hope.

Scotland’s nightmare exposes major Euro 2024 problem

‘Miserable’ Scotland berated for being ‘out of their depth’ in Germany thrashing

Friday 14 June 2024 22:51 , Mike Jones

ITV pundits Roy Keane and former Scotland international Graeme Souness had no sympathy and no mercy for Steve Clarke’s side after a brutal Euro 2024 defeat at the hands of Germany.

Florian Wirtz put the tournamant hosts ahead within the opening ten minutes and Germany rarely let up, eventually winning 5-1 with Jamal Musiala one of the stars of the show as Scotland failed to find any way to stop them.

Souness, who won over 50 caps for Scotland and represented them at the 1978, ‘82 and ‘86 World Cups, decried his national side as being so poor as to not really being able to give a good gauge of whether Germany had actually performed well or not.

‘Miserable’ Scotland berated for being ‘out of their depth’ in Germany thrashing

FT Germany 5-1 Scotland

Friday 14 June 2024 22:50 , Mike Jones

Scotland manager Steve Clarke speaking to ITV: “Germany were outstanding and we couldn’t match them. The first half ran way from us very quickly, we didn’t give ourselves a foothold.

“Defensively, we weren’t very good and on the ball we weren’t very good so we gave ourselves a difficult night. I thought in the second half the ten men were manful, managed to nick goal, we’re disappointed to lose the fifth.

“What we need to do is still in front of us. Now it’s all about reaction so let’s see how they react. Four points is the target. I said that from the start. We didn’t get any tonight so it’s still the target from the next two games.”

Andy Robertson explains how Scotland ‘got it all wrong’ in Germany thrashing

Friday 14 June 2024 22:49 , Mike Jones

Captain Andy Robertson admitted Scotland “got it all wrong” as their Euro 2024 campaign got off to a dismal start with a 5-1 defeat by hosts Germany in Munich.

Scotland had the backing of around 200,000 supporters in Germany but the Tartan Army witnessed a nightmare first half at the Allianz Arena, after their side conceded three goals and lost Ryan Porteous to a red card.

Germany substitutes Niclas Fullkrug and Emre Can added to the rout in the second half, and although Scotland scored a late consolation when Germany defender Antonio Rudiger headed into his own net, it was a night to forget.

Andy Robertson explains how Scotland ‘got it all wrong’ in Germany thrashing

FT Germany 5-1 Scotland

Friday 14 June 2024 22:39 , Mike Jones

Ally McCoist, the last player to score in a Scotland win at the Euros, gave his reaction on ITV after the match saying: “Scotland have to change their mentality ahead of their next two games. It was poor, Germany excellent, Scotland poor.

“What they did as a front four, starting high then dropping off into pockets of space was something we never handled at all. We never came to terms with Germany’s switch of play.

“Scotland have to get balls into the box, get players forward. There has to be a completely different approach.

“From Scotland’s point of view, it should be slightly easier now as I don’t believe the other two teams will be at the same standard as Germany. They are good teams, but not as good as Germany.”

Euro 2024 opener wasn’t just thrilling on the pitch – this atmosphere was years in the making

Friday 14 June 2024 22:35 , Mike Jones

The roar in the Allianz Arena could have greeted a goal. Instead, it simply soundtracked the emergence of the German squad from the tunnel, 45 minutes before kick-off.

Seconds later, it was the tourists’ turn in Munich, as the Scots welcomed their players onto the turf with a battle cry from behind one goal. Around the other three walls of this Bavarian behemoth of a structure, the crescendo of German whistles amounted to a fierce screech at Steve Clarke’s men.

These sounds, these swells of sincere excitement and stabs of pantomime hostility, had been absent from the opening games of major tournaments in recent years.

There was no such ambience at the soulless World World Cup curtain-jerker in Qatar, two winters ago; there was no such passion in the half-filled stands of a Covid-crippled Rome, as Euro 2020 began 12 months late before playing out all around Europe; two summers earlier, Moscow could not offer the intensity felt in Munich here.

The overwhelming Germany v Scotland atmosphere was years in the making

FT Germany 5-1 Scotland

Friday 14 June 2024 22:32 , Mike Jones

Germany enjoyed the biggest win by a host nation in their opening match at a European Championship tournament and their biggestvictory ever at the Euros.

FT Germany 5-1 Scotland

Friday 14 June 2024 22:31 , Mike Jones

Tonight’s game between Germany and Scotland was the first match in European Championship history to see a red card, a penalty scored and an own goal scored.

FT Germany 5-1 Scotland

Friday 14 June 2024 22:28 , Mike Jones

Toni Kroos completed 99% of his passes against Scotland (101/102); the highest completion rate on record (since 1980) by any player to attempt 100+ passes in a game at the Euros.

FT Germany 5-1 Scotland

Friday 14 June 2024 22:25 , Mike Jones

Jamal Musiala was named player of the match for the Euro 2024 opener:

FT Germany 5-1 Scotland

Friday 14 June 2024 22:23 , Mike Jones

Andy Robertson’s immediate post match thoughts: “First half, we just got it all wrong really, didn’t show up, weren’t aggressive enough, and we let good players get on the ball,” he said.

“Second half, we’re down to 10 men and I thought lads dug in really well. We’re so well backed over here, today was hugely disappointing.

“We have to bounce back quickly because there was lots wrong here and it’s a quick turnaround now. Maybe it’s a reminder of how tough this tournament is.

“Their big players showed up and were excellent all over the park and had an answer for pretty much everything we had. I don’t think we’ve played to our maximum. We have to dust ourselves down and go again.”

Scenes inside Allianz Arena as Germany score first goal of tournament

Friday 14 June 2024 22:20 , Mike Jones

Watch as Germany fans celebrate the first goal of Euro 2024.

The atmosphere inside Munich’s Allianz Arena was already at fever pitch as the tournament kicked off on Friday night (14 June) and it took Florian Wirtz just 10 minutes to net against Scotland.

He hooked a low first-time shot towards goal that keeper Angus Gunn got a hand to, but he couldn’t keep it out and watched on as the ball bounced over the line.

Unsurprisingly, the goal sent German fans inside the stadium wild and started Euro 2024 with a bang.

FT Germany 5-1 Scotland

Friday 14 June 2024 22:18 , Mike Jones

Former Germany star Michael Ballack reacts to Germany’s win: “An outstanding start!

“Now it’s time to categorise things properly. But you can still be happy and take the momentum with you. It was a really convincing performance today from the first to the last minute.”

FT Germany 5-1 Scotland

Friday 14 June 2024 22:14 , Mike Jones

More from Robertson: “It’s a reminder of how tough this tournament is; you’re playing against world-class teams. We didn’t play to our maximum, and you have to do that.

“We’ll take tomorrow to be angry and disappointed at ourselves, then we have to be positive and ready for Switzerland, which will be another tough test.”

FT Germany 5-1 Scotland

Friday 14 June 2024 22:11 , Mike Jones

Reaction from Scotland captain Andy Robertson: “You’re playing against the host nation in the first game and it doesn’t get much tougher than that.

There were a lot of things wrong and we have to sort that out because it’s a quick turnaround.”

FT Germany 5-1 Scotland

Friday 14 June 2024 22:09 , Mike Jones

Scotland have conceded five goals in a match for the first time since a friendly against USA in May 2012 that also ended 5-1.

Germany vs Scotland player ratings: Jamal Musiala delivers a masterclass in statement Euro 2024 opener

Friday 14 June 2024 22:03 , Mike Jones

Germany served notice of their return to top form and their potential as Euro 2024 winners on home soil, with a thumping 5-1 win over Scotland.

Florian Wirtz scored inside ten minutes but it was Jamal Musiala who stole the show, scoring the second and being heavily involved throughout for the hosts. The Scots’ night took a turn for the worse when Ryan Porteous was shown a straight red card for an awful challenge on Ilkay Gundogan, with Kai Havertz netting the resulting penalty - all before half time.

Niclas Fullkrug scored an absolute blockbuster off the bench before netting another which was ruled offside, before the Scots got a consolation courtesy of an Antonio Rudiger own goal.

Here are the player ratings from the opening match of the European Championship:

Germany vs Scotland ratings: Musiala masterclass in statement Euros opener

Full-time! Germany 5-1 Scotland

Friday 14 June 2024 21:58 , Mike Jones

90+4 mins: There goes the final whistle. Scotland kick off their campaign with a heavy defeat against hosts Germany. It could not have gone any better for Julian Nagelsmann’s side.

Germany run otu 5-1 winners in Munich. Euro 2024 is underway!

GOAL! Germany 5-1 Scotland (Can, 90+3’)⚽️

Friday 14 June 2024 21:56 , Mike Jones

90+3 mins: In the last minute of stoppage time Emre Can adds the fifth. The ball comes to him on the edge of the box. He takes a touch then sidefoots a fine effort around Grant Hanley to score.

Germany 4-1 Scotland

Friday 14 June 2024 21:54 , Mike Jones

90 mins: Three minutes of added time to play here. Time for one more goal?

GOAL! Germany 4-1 Scotland (Rudiger OG, 87’)⚽️

Friday 14 June 2024 21:50 , Mike Jones

87 mins: Scotland have a goal!

Andy Robertson swings a free kick onto the box where Niclas Fullkrug flicks it on. The ball comes to Scott McKenna who nods it down and hits Antonio Rudiger.

The ball flies off the defender and lands in the back of the net.

Germany 4-0 Scotland

Friday 14 June 2024 21:48 , Mike Jones

86 mins: Sane is very eager for a goal. Germany swept forward on a mini-break with the winger sprinting through the middle. He looks up and lets fly but once again drills the shot over the crossbar!

Germany 4-0 Scotland

Friday 14 June 2024 21:46 , Mike Jones

83 mins: Leroy Sane decides to have a go from the inside right side of the pitch. He comes in from the wing and curls a left-footed effort at goal.

The shot is decent but Angus Gunn has it covered without too much trouble.

Germany 4-0 Scotland

Friday 14 June 2024 21:46 , Mike Jones

80 mins: Emre Can comes of for the final 10 minutes and takes the place of Toni Kroos who is warmly applauded from the home fans.

Germany 4-0 Scotland

Friday 14 June 2024 21:40 , Mike Jones

77 mins: No goal! Fullkrug’s second is quickly chalked off as the forward is flagged offside. Germany are back to four and Scotland have a slight reprieve.

GOAL! Germany 5-0 Scotland (Fullkrug, 76’)⚽️

Friday 14 June 2024 21:39 , Mike Jones

76 mins: Disaster for Scotland. Thomas Muller brings the ball down the inside left and flicks a cross into the box towards Niclas Fullkrug.

The striker chests the ball down then chips the goalkeeper to add a fifth!

Germany 4-0 Scotland

Friday 14 June 2024 21:36 , Mike Jones

74 mins: And here comes Thomas Muller. He replaces Jamal Musiala who has been the best player on the pitch this evening for Germany. What a start to the tournament for the young star.

Germany 4-0 Scotland

Friday 14 June 2024 21:34 , Mike Jones

71 mins: The game is done and Scotland will have to lick their wounds. It’s been a tough start to the tournament for them but Germany have been incredible.

Things could still get worse for the visitors.

GOAL! Germany 4-0 Scotland (Fullkrug, 68’)⚽️

Friday 14 June 2024 21:32 , Mike Jones

68 mins: Another one! It’s the German substitute.

Jamal Musiala makes this goal as well with a fine run and weave down the left. He threads a perfect pass into the box for Ilkay Gundogan who loses possession.

The ball comes loose and rolls into the path of Niclas Fullkrug who smashes a wonderful shot into the far side of the goal!

Germany 3-0 Scotland

Friday 14 June 2024 21:30 , Mike Jones

67 mins: John McGinn and Callum McGregor are taken off now for Scotland with Kenny McLean and Billy Gilmour introduced.

Germany 3-0 Scotland

Friday 14 June 2024 21:29 , Mike Jones

66 mins: Oh my! A German corner comes curling into the box before getting headed out as far as Maximilian Mittelstadt. The defender unleashes on a long-ranged effort and strikes it beautifully.

The ball continues to rise and sails over the crossbar. That would have been some goal.

Germany 3-0 Scotland

Friday 14 June 2024 21:26 , Mike Jones

63 mins: Kai Havertz and Florian Wirtz are both replaced now with Niclas Fullkrug and Leroy Sane introduced to replace them for the final half an hour or so.

It’s not exactly going to get easier for Scotland.

Germany 3-0 Scotland

Friday 14 June 2024 21:24 , Mike Jones

60 mins: This quarter of an hour has been decent from Scotland. They’re trying to limit the damage and maybe steal a goal on the counter attack.

Their defence is holding up better though Germany aren’t translating their possession into meaningful attacks.

Germany 3-0 Scotland

Friday 14 June 2024 21:23 , Mike Jones

57 mins: Jamal Musiala picks out Florian Wirtz with a cross only for the forward to strike his effort over the top. Germany come again with Musiala fizzing in a low pass from the left.

Gunn sticks out a leg and turns to the ball to Gundogan who shoots and watches Callum McGregor block the effort.

Germany 3-0 Scotland

Friday 14 June 2024 21:19 , Mike Jones

54 mins: The Germans seem to have lost their cutting edge in the final third but there’s no way out for Scotland. They try to feed it up to Ryan Christie but the forward is beaten to the ball by Jonathan Tah who then wins a free kick after a foul from Christie.

Germany 3-0 Scotland

Friday 14 June 2024 21:15 , Mike Jones

51 mins: Antonio Rudiger fires off a shot from long range and forces a diving stop out of Angus Gunn who drops to the right and pushes the ball wide of the post.

Scotland manage to defend the corner but Germany are on the hunt for more goals.

Germany 3-0 Scotland

Friday 14 June 2024 21:10 , Mike Jones

48 mins: There’s been a couple of changes at the break, one for each team. Grant Hanley is on for Scotland and slots into defence with Che Adams taken off.

Pascal Gross replaces Robert Andrich for Germany.

Second half! Germany 3-0 Scotland

Friday 14 June 2024 21:08 , Mike Jones

Scotland get the match back underway in Munich. They’ve got a lot of work to do if they want ot get back into this game.

HT Germany 3-0 Scotland

Friday 14 June 2024 21:07 , Mike Jones

Ryan Porteous is the first player to be sent off on his Euros debut since Aleksandar Dragovic for Austria v Hungary in 2016, and is the first Scotland player to receive a major tournament (World Cup/Euros) red card since Craig Burley v Morocco in the 1998 World Cup.

HT Germany 3-0 Scotland

Friday 14 June 2024 21:04 , Mike Jones

In Florian Wirtz and Jamal Musiala (both 21), Germany have become the first side ever to have two players aged 21 or younger score for them in the same match at the Euros.

HT Germany 3-0 Scotland

Friday 14 June 2024 21:00 , Mike Jones

Florian Wirtz is the third German to score the opening goal of a Euros tournament, after Gerd Müller in 1972 and Karl-Heinz Rummenigge in 1980. Aged 21 years and 42 days, he is the youngest player to score for Germany at the finals.

HT Germany 3-0 Scotland

Friday 14 June 2024 20:57 , Mike Jones

Half-time! Germany 3-0 Scotland

Friday 14 June 2024 20:52 , Mike Jones

45+3 mins: The whistle goes to end the first half in Munich. Germany have dominated. They’ve been the a class above the Scots who now have a task on their hand to keep this scoreline respectable.

Florian Wirtz, Jamal Musiala and Kai Havertz all have goals and they hosts will be looking to add to them after the break.

GOAL! Germany 3-0 Scotland (Havertz, 45+1’)⚽️

Friday 14 June 2024 20:49 , Mike Jones

45+1 mins: Kai Havertz scores!

He takes the penalty for Germany and places it down the middle as Angus Gunn dives to the left. Germany are flying now.

RED CARD! Ryan Porteous sent off for Scotland!

Friday 14 June 2024 20:48 , Mike Jones

Germany 2-0 Scotland

44 mins: The referee has been called over to the monitor for a better look at the incident. It takes just a few seconds for the official to turn over the decision and award Germany a penalty.

The referee also pulls out a red card! The defender lunged studs first and took out Gundogan. It’s the worse case scenario for Scotland who are down to 10-men.

Germany 2-0 Scotland

Friday 14 June 2024 20:46 , Mike Jones

43 mins: Wirtz flicks a cross into the box and finds Gundogan who nods it towards goal. Gunn drops to his right and makes the save.

The ball rolls back out to Gundogan who is tackled by a lunging Porteous. He takes out the man with a stab on the ankle. Scotland turn the ball behind for a corner but there’s a penalty check happening now...

Germany 2-0 Scotland

Friday 14 June 2024 20:44 , Mike Jones

41 mins: Rudiger flicks a teasing cross into the penalty area but delivers the ball straight into the hands of Angus Gunn. Scotland attempt to play out from the back but Germany’s press is too good and they’re forced to go long which turns over possession.

Germany 2-0 Scotland

Friday 14 June 2024 20:42 , Mike Jones

38 mins: Scotland are being more enterprising. They’re getting forward with Ryan Christie starting to develop a nice battle up against Antonio Rudiger.

Germany have lowered their level slightly. They’re coasting a bit now.

Germany 2-0 Scotland

Friday 14 June 2024 20:38 , Mike Jones

35 mins: A touch over half an hour played and Scotland have yet to create a chance. Germany meanwhile have made three, all three have been on target and they’ve scored two of them.

Ruthless.

Germany 2-0 Scotland

Friday 14 June 2024 20:37 , Mike Jones

32 mins: Kai Havertz chases after a long hopeful punt up the pitch and almost powers his way in between Ryan Porteous and Kieran Tierney.

They manage to keep him at bay long enough for the goalkeeper to get out and claim the ball though. It’s better from Scotland.

Germany 2-0 Scotland

Friday 14 June 2024 20:32 , Mike Jones

29 mins: Kai Havertz is the one to take the free kick on the edge of the box and curls a low effort around the wall. Angus Gunn spots it early though and manages to smother it.

Germany 2-0 Scotland

Friday 14 June 2024 20:29 , Mike Jones

26 mins: No penalty! VAR checks the incident and decides that it is a free kick instead. Relief for Scotland but they’ll need to defend well here.

Germany 2-0 Scotland

Friday 14 June 2024 20:28 , Mike Jones

25 mins: Penalty to Germany!

Jamal Musiala is brought down in the middle of the box after a clumsy combination of tackles between Ryan Christie and Kieran Tierney.

Musiala seemed to get fouled by Christie just outside the box. This may get overturned but for now the hosts have a spot kick...

Germany 2-0 Scotland

Friday 14 June 2024 20:25 , Mike Jones

22 mins: This is the worst possible start for Steve Clarke’s men. They need to dig deep for the rest of this match and try to cut the deficit.

Germany are energised and confident. They’ll smell blood in the water and will hope to capitalise with more goals.

GOAL! Germany 2-0 Scotland (Musiala, 19’)⚽️

Friday 14 June 2024 20:24 , Mike Jones

19 mins: Wow! A delicate threaded pass comes through to Kai Havertz who dances into the box. He thinks about shooting but decides to cut back onto his right foot and slip a pass to Jamal Musiala.

He takes a touch to clear some space then smokes a shot into the back of the net!

Germany 1-0 Scotland

Friday 14 June 2024 20:22 , Mike Jones

18 mins: In recent games Scotland have struggled to score. They’re set up in a defensive shape this evening so will just focus on keeping the deficit at one for the time being.

Wirtz makes a run in behind but Gunn comes off his line rapidly to clear the danger.

Germany 1-0 Scotland

Friday 14 June 2024 20:19 , Mike Jones

16 mins: Scotland need a good period on the ball. They won’t be too overawed by conceding first as they will have planned for Germany to be aggressive and clinical.

Steve Clarke’s men need to spend a bit of time in Germany’s half though to settle things down.

Germany 1-0 Scotland

Friday 14 June 2024 20:17 , Mike Jones

13 mins: That goal has just energised the Germany fans in the crowd. They’re chanting loud now as Scotland look for a foothold in the match.

GOAL! Germany 1-0 Scotland (Wirtz, 10’)⚽️

Friday 14 June 2024 20:15 , Mike Jones

10 mins: Bang! A switch of play from Germany sees them work the ball out to Joshua Kimmich on the right wing. He forces Andy Robertson inside before slotting a pass to the edge of the box.

Florian Wirtz is on his own and hooks a low first-time shot towards goal. Angus Gunn leaps across to the right and gets a hand to the shot but can only palm the ball onto the post where it ricochets over the line.

Germany have the opening goal of the tournament!

Germany 0-0 Scotland

Friday 14 June 2024 20:11 , Mike Jones

8 mins: Robertson attempts to thread a pass through for Ryan Christie who hopes to nip in behind. The forward is slightly offside and the pass slightly too heavy to cause any trouble. It’s a positive sign for Scotland though.

At the other end of the pitch, Ilkay Gundogan fails to dribble past his opposite number but Germany recover possession and come forward once more.

Germany 0-0 Scotland

Friday 14 June 2024 20:09 , Mike Jones

5 mins: Andy Robertson flies down the left side and wins a throw in deep in Germany’s half as Rudiger turns the ball out of play. The ball is launched into the box by Kieran Tierney but Rudiger is on hand to nod the ball clear.

Germany 0-0 Scotland

Friday 14 June 2024 20:05 , Mike Jones

2 mins: Save! Antonio Rudiger lifts a cross field pass over the top and picks out Florian Wirtz. The forward chests the ball under control then touches it into the box.

Angus Gunn charges him down and blocks the shot before the offside flag gets raised.

Kick off! Germany 0-0 Scotland

Friday 14 June 2024 20:04 , Mike Jones

The hosts get the ball rolling for Euro 2024 and immediately work it down the middle of the pitch to challenge Scotland’s defence which is up to the task.

The Scots will play with a back-five off the ball then transition the wingbacks up the pitch in possession.

Germany vs Scotland

Friday 14 June 2024 20:00 , Mike Jones

The national anthems are sung and the Scottish players look up for this one. Andy Robertson in particular is very hyped. From the Germans is a more stoic and zoned in response to their anthem.

They’re calm, cool and collected. Let’s see how things play out on the pitch. Kick off is up next...

Germany vs Scotland

Friday 14 June 2024 19:57 , Mike Jones

Germany vs Scotland

Friday 14 June 2024 19:56 , Mike Jones

Here come the players. Andy Robertson and Ilkay Gundogan shake hands as opposing cpatains. They lead their teams out onto the pitch.

Gundogan seems very relaxed, Robertson fully determined. Can Scotland open this tournament with an upset?

Germany vs Scotland

Friday 14 June 2024 19:50 , Mike Jones

A wonderfully bright and colourful opening ceremony sees dancers impressing on the stage currently occupying the middle of the pitch.

It is certainly matching the party atmosphere of the fan zones throughout Germany this week.

Two big banners are unfurled reading ‘Welcome to Germany’ before the names of the host cities are revealed on separate banners. Sparks and fire blaze out from around the ground as well.

The fans inside the stadium seem to be enjoying it.

Germany vs Scotland

Friday 14 June 2024 19:50 , Mike Jones

Scotland boss Steve Clarke, speaking to ITV Sport: “The Tartan Army here, in full voice, look like they’re going to enjoy themselves no matter what. The boys are prepared and ready to go.

“The message is to make sure that when we have the ball, we play. We have to defend very well. Let’s see what the match brings us.”

Germany vs Scotland

Friday 14 June 2024 19:45 , Mike Jones

This is Steve Clarke’s second major international tournament as head coach. He’s the first Scotland boss to lead the team into two consecutive Euros.

Germany vs Scotland

Friday 14 June 2024 19:40 , Mike Jones

Scott McTominay scored seven goals for Scotland in qualifying, the joint most by a Scottish player in a campaign, alongside Steven Fletcher (Euro 2016) and John McGinn (Euro 2020).

Germany vs Scotland

Friday 14 June 2024 19:35 , Mike Jones

Thomas Muller has scored 10 goals in 19 World Cup appearances but has never scored in 15 Euros matches.

Germany vs Scotland

Friday 14 June 2024 19:30 , Mike Jones

Scotland won their first five qualifiers but failed to win in their final three (D2 L1), conceding seven times , having shipped just once in their first five.

Germany vs Scotland

Friday 14 June 2024 19:25 , Mike Jones

Scotland are making their fourth Euros appearance after 1992, 1996 and 2020. They have so far never reached the knockout stages.

Their two wins from nine Euros matches came against CIS in 1992 and Switzerland in 1996. They have failed to score in six of their nine matches.

Germany vs Scotland

Friday 14 June 2024 19:20 , Mike Jones

Germany are taking part in their 14th Euros, more than any other team. They have won the trophy three times, the joint-most alongside Spain.

This is the fourth time Germany have been sole hosts of a major tournament, reaching at least the semi-finals in each of the previous three editions. They won the 1974 World Cup, reached the last four of Euro 1988, and were third at the 2006 World Cup.

Germany vs Scotland

Friday 14 June 2024 19:15 , Mike Jones

Scotland have won only one of their last 13 matches against Germany (D4 L8). That was in April 1999, with Don Hutchison scoring the only goal in a Bremen friendly.

Germany vs Scotland

Friday 14 June 2024 19:10 , Mike Jones

Germany and Scotland are facing each other for the third time at a tournament. Germany won the two previous encounters, in the group stages of the 1986 World Cup (2-1) and Euro 1992 (2-0).

Germany vs Scotland

Friday 14 June 2024 19:08 , Mike Jones

Anthony Ralston wins a 10th cap for Scotland despite starting just eight games for Celtic this season. Billy Gilmour also misses out on a place in the starting line-up as Scott McTominay and Ryan Christie both start to earn their 50th caps.

Germany’s Florian Wirtz had 38 goal involvements in 49 appearances for new Bundesliga champions Bayer Leverkusen. He’ll be a big threat tonight.

Germany vs Scotland line-ups

Friday 14 June 2024 19:01 , Mike Jones

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

Scotland XI: Gunn, Ralston, Hendry, Porteous, Tierney, Robertson (capt) Christie, McGregor, McTominay, McGinn, Adams.

‘Scotland are underdogs’ says Gunn

Friday 14 June 2024 18:55 , Mike Jones

Scotland goalkeeper Angus Gunn says his side are the underdogs at Euro 2024, despite an impressive qualifying campaign with wins over Norway and Spain.

“Before the campaign we expected to go out in every game, give our best and see what happens,” he told the BBC’s Scottish Football Podcast.

“Not many people expected us to go through the group so comfortably and from our point of view, that was probably a good thing, being the underdog.

“I think we’re probably going to be the underdog again. We’re looking forward to it, and there’ll be thousands of Scots going over to Germany, so hopefully we can give them a really good time.”

How the Euros could change the result of the election

Friday 14 June 2024 18:51 , Mike Jones

One of the first mishaps Rishi Sunak made on the election trail was tripping over a traffic cone. He was at Chesham United Football Club in Buckinghamshire, gamely taking part in a training session with a bunch of junior players.

It was pretty clear from his attempts to kick a ball in a straight line that none of football’s leading scouts would have been too upset at their failure to sign up a generational talent. But proficiency – or rather complete lack of it – was not the point.

Sunak was there to deliver an indicator of something else: his ordinariness. He was there failing to run with a ball at his feet to show the electorate that, whatever the assumptions of wealth and privilege that cling to him, he is just like us. But like the comment about his parents not being able to afford Sky TV when he was younger, it was an own goal.

How the Euros could change the result of the election

Germany captain Ilkay Gundogan:

Friday 14 June 2024 18:45 , Mike Jones

"It means a lot, not just to be captain, but to be part of this team and have this tournament in our own country.

"In 2006, I watched the World Cup games and loved them. Now I’m a part of it. I represent the German people with pride. I want to show this on the pitch."

Pre-match thoughts from Nagelsmann

Friday 14 June 2024 18:40 , Mike Jones

Germany head coach Julian Nagelsmann said: “I think we’re ready. The boys seem in good form. We are a bit nervous but we have to have a certain nervousness.

“Scotland have four or five good players and lots of players who have physicality. It’s a team that doesn’t have world stars but that makes them very dangerous.

“It’s an incredible development. It’s not kick and rush. They can do that, but they can play football. They lost 4-0 to Holland, but they were better than the Dutch.

“We have more pressure than Scotland, so I’m sure they want to capitalise on that."

Germany vs Scotland

Friday 14 June 2024 18:34 , Mike Jones

The fans have been enjoying themselves throughout the day and are ticking down the clock until kick off at 8pm. Not long to go now before team news drops.

Are Germany finally themselves again? Ominous signs show a new team can capture old glories

Friday 14 June 2024 18:29 , Mike Jones

In recent years, the predominant feeling among German fans has been one of jadedness. But in recent months, that feeling has been replaced by an optimistic joy, and the next evolution would naturally be jubilation this summer – in the very cities where Germany’s footballing fate will be decided.

The source of initial disillusionment was naturally a decade of precipitous decline, after the cathartic lassoing of der vierte Stern in 2014 – “the fourth star” on Germany’s jersey, woven after their World Cup triumph in Brazil.

Are Germany finally themselves again? The ominous signs for Euro 2024 rivals

Germany coach Julian Nagelsmann condemns ‘racist’ survey asking if team should have more white players

Friday 14 June 2024 18:23 , Mike Jones

Germany head coach Julian Nagelsmann condemned a “racist” survey published by a public broadcaster that asked participants if they would prefer more white players in the national team.

Germany hosts the European Championships this month and the poll by ARD found 21 per cent of 1,304 randomly selected participants said they would want more white players playing for the country at the tournament.

The midfielder Joshua Kimmich criticised the survey as “absolutely racist” and said it was “madness for a public broadcaster to ask such a question.”

Germany coach condemns ‘racist’ survey asking if team should have more white players

John McGinn’s dancing steals show as Scotland arrive in Germany for Euro 2024

Friday 14 June 2024 18:17 , Mike Jones

John McGinn‘s dancing stole the show as Scotland were welcomed to Germany on Sunday, 9 June, ahead of Euro 2024.

The midfielder took part in a traditional folk dance called a “schuhplattler” as the players arrived in Garmisch-Partenkirchen.

Steve Clarke’s squad checked into the team hotel before heading off to a local hall, where they met mayor Elisabeth Koch and a typical German band.

Scotland will kick off the tournament in a game against the hosts in Munich on Friday, 14 June.

Clarke already ‘proud’ of Scotland’s achievements

Friday 14 June 2024 18:12 , Mike Jones

Steve Clarke says his team are “flying”, fully fit, and ready to go for the tournament and that he is already proud of what his squad have achieved by just qualifying for the Euros.

"I think we should all be proud that we’re here," he said. "It’s been a long time since 1998 when we actually travelled abroad to appear in a tournament like this.

"We’re proud we’ve been able to do back-to-back tournaments and hopefully by the end of this we’ll be even more proud at having done something a bit more special."

Clarke on playing with ‘no fear'

Friday 14 June 2024 18:06 , Mike Jones

Scotland manager Steve Clarke was in good form at the Allianz Arena as he answered questions from the media in the build-ip to tonight’s Euro 2024 opener.

Clarke was asked about the task of opening the tournament against the hosts, and replied: "It’s a bit of a sideshow and hopefully we don’t get too caught up in that. It’s a difficult game.

"One of the mantras I’ve had is respect everyone and fear no-one. We know they’re a good team but hopefully we can show everyone we’re a good team as well."

‘No Scotland, no party’: Inside the Tartan Army’s Euro 2024 journey and a party 26 years in the making

Friday 14 June 2024 18:00 , Mike Jones

The first cries of “super John McGinn” could be heard from the concourse of the Marienplatz underground station, filtering down the escalators as if it had the power to pull others out into the sunlight. On the day before Scotland’s opening game against hosts Germany, the Tartan Army arrived in the city square by the early afternoon and in their thousands.

“No Scotland, no party” rang around the Marienplatz and by the evidence of the kilts lining the streets of Munich’s Old Town and the steins of beers filling the surrounding outdoor tables, the party had well and truly begun.

Some estimates have put the number of Scotland fans in Munich at as many as 200,000 before the opening game. A first major men’s tournament abroad in 26 years became an unmissable opportunity.

Scotland qualified for the last Euros, delayed into 2021, but the two games at Hampden and the trip to Wembley were played with reduced crowds as Europe eased into normality following the pandemic. Covid restrictions weighed over the tournament and Scotland’s return. It was not the major tournament experience many had dreamt of.

‘No Scotland, no party’: Inside the Tartan Army’s 26-year wait for a Euro 2024 party

Pickford has a message for the fans

Friday 14 June 2024 17:53 , Mike Jones

Jordan Pickford has a message to the England fans ahead of Sunday’s opening match of their campaign against Serbia. He said: “That’s our goal [to bring football home].

“The most important thing for us is to win the first game, get out of the group, game by game focus as it comes, you can’t look too far ahead, everyone’s goal is to lift that trophy and it takes a hell of a lot of hard work to get there.

“There would be nothing more proud than for me to lift the trophy and to bring it home for the fans but there’s so much hard work to be done first and you can’t look too far ahead.

“I know all the England fans will be rooting for us, they are passionate, everywhere in the country will be rooting for us and they’ll be having a good few days on the booze so that’ll be good.”

‘Scotland want to compete’ says Robertson

Friday 14 June 2024 17:47 , Mike Jones

Reaching the Euros in 2021 was a huge achievement for Scotland as they ended a 23-year wait to participate in a major tournament.

However, the Scots lost twice at Hampden Park and drew 0-0 at Wembley against England.

“The first Euros was massive for us, but now we want to compete,” said Robertson, “Last time, we felt in the England game we did pretty well but let ourselves down in the others. We don’t want to have any regrets this time.

“What’s the worst that can happen? We go on to a long list of teams that haven’t made it out the group, or we put ourselves in a position to make history.

“We’re excited by the challenge, we’re excited about what’s ahead, and if we perform the way I know we can perform then I’m confident we can make history.”

Germany vs Scotland

Friday 14 June 2024 17:41 , Mike Jones

Andy Robertson on Scotland’s opening match this evening: “We know that’s what’s at stake,

“We’ve got a lot of incentive but one is becoming that legendary squad - that has to drive us forward. We have to be at our best and if we can do that, who knows where we’ll be come 23 June.”

Germany vs Scotland

Friday 14 June 2024 17:36 , Mike Jones

Scotland captain Andy Robertson says that his team "do not want any regrets this time” when they participate in this summer’s Euro 2024 in Germany.

The Liverpool defender says the prospect of becoming the first Scotland side to reach the knockout stages of a major tournament is the driving force behind the squad’s motivation.

Scotland qualified for the last European Championship in 2021, only to go out with one point and a solitary goal in the group stages.

Euro 2024 kits: Every home and away shirt ranked and rated

Friday 14 June 2024 17:30 , Mike Jones

Euro 2024 is nearly upon us and with it comes a sartorial smorgasbord for us to enjoy, or be deeply offended by.

What have Croatia done this time? Have England pulled off a genuine gem? Why are Belgium wearing brown shorts? And which kit has won our highly coveted top spot?

Nike, Adidas, Puma, Macron, Joma and the good people at Hummel have dropped their designs so, without further ado, let’s get stuck in.

Ranked from the visually upsetting to the optically arousing, here is our list of Euro 2024 kits.

Euro 2024 kits: Every shirt ranked and rated

Germany vs Scotland

Friday 14 June 2024 17:24 , Mike Jones

Here’s out Chief Football Writer Miguel Delaney on his way to the Fußball Arena München for tonight’s opening match of Euro 2024.

Scotland fans are having a great time already:

Major Tom: Why Germany’s unofficial anthem is poised to be ‘the song of Euro 2024’

Friday 14 June 2024 17:18 , Mike Jones

Völlig losgelöst von der Erde / Schwebt das Raumschiff, völlig schwerelos.

Completely isolated from Earth / The spaceship floats, totally weightless.

So goes the hook of “Major Tom”, the 1980s hit by German popstar Peter Schilling. And if you haven’t heard it yet, you soon will, because as Germany prepares to host Euro 2024, “Major Tom” is poised to be the song of the tournament.

For German fans, it has already become an unofficial anthem of sorts, with the song back in vogue like so much from the 1980s. But to explain its third life, a quick retrospective is required on its first and second lives.

Why a 1980s pop hit is set to be ‘the song of Euro 2024’

‘Hardest Geezer’ to run to Germany to support England at Euro 2024

Friday 14 June 2024 17:12 , Mike Jones

Charity fundraiser Russ Cook has said he is “buzzing to be back on the road again” as he announced he will be running to Germany to support England in their Euro 2024 campaign.

The 27-year-old, known as the Hardest Geezer, will be setting off from Wembley Stadium on foot on Tuesday in a bid to reach the city of Gelsenkirchen in western Germany by Sunday – in time to see England take on their opening fixture against Serbia.

Following the 352-mile run, Mr Cook will then run from city to city to follow Gareth Southgate and the England team throughout the tournament.

‘Hardest Geezer’ to run to Germany to support England at Euro 2024

Rodri, Pedri and the midfield puzzle to decide Spain’s Euro 2024 fate

Friday 14 June 2024 17:06 , Mike Jones

We’re a little over a decade since Spain’s back-to-back triumphs at Euro 2008 and Euro 2012 and the national team have been through an entire lifecycle since then, it feels.

In four of the five tournaments thereafter, they have exited at the group stage or last 16; only at Euro 2020 did they show any kind of competitive edge, reaching the semi-finals in enormously fortuitous fashion after an extra time win over Croatia, a win on penalties over Switzerland and then a shootout defeat of their own against Italy.

A lifecycle of the team, a generation of players.

Rodri, Pedri and the midfield puzzle to decide Spain’s Euro 2024 fate

Euro 2024 power rankings

Friday 14 June 2024 16:58 , Mike Jones

The Independent assesses how every nation stacks up ahead of Euro 2024:

1. France

France have not been European champions since 2000, but they will arrive in Germany as one of the favourites to win the trophy after reaching the past two World Cup finals.

They have both the best player in the tournament, Kylian Mbappe, and the most strength in depth – players like Real Madrid’s Eduardo Camavinga and Inter’s in-form Marcus Thuram may only make the bench.

Didier Deschamps is still searching for the right blend and balance, as the recent defeat by Germany and draw with Canada showed, but expect France to find it by the knockout rounds.

Click here to read the full blog on The Independent's website