Germany thrashed 10-man Scotland 5-1 as the Euro 2024 hosts kicked off the tournament in style in Munich on Friday, the start of a journey they hope culminates in a record fourth continental title.

Florian Wirtz struck the opening goal 10 minutes in and Jamal Musiala soon doubled Germany's lead with an emphatic finish.

"We couldn't have had a better start. We've seen the atmosphere in the country, and we need that," Musiala said of Germany's lightning start.

A long-awaited night for Scotland went from bad to worse before half-time when Ryan Porteous was sent off for a two-footed challenge on Ilkay Gundogan, with Kai Havertz tucking away the resulting penalty.

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Niclas Fuellkrug powered in a fourth midway through the second half after coming on as a substitute and not even a late own goal from Antonio Ruediger could spoil an otherwise perfect start to the campaign for Germany.

There was even time for Emre Can to add a fifth goal with the final kick of the game.

<h2>- Disastrous Scottish start -</h2>

Scotland could surely not have envisioned such a disastrous beginning, but they must regroup quickly with games to come in Group A against Switzerland and Hungary.

"Today was hugely disappointing but you're playing against the host nation and it's the first game... things don't get much tougher than that," said Scotland captain Andy Robertson.

After three successive failures at major tournaments, including back-to-back group stage exits at the 2018 and 2022 World Cups, this was a statement of intent from an experienced Germany side.

It is Germany's first men's major tournament as hosts since the 2006 World Cup, and they are looking to recreate the magic that helped rekindle the passion for the national team then.

Germany coach Julian Nagelsmann had spoken of his players' hunger to atone for the shortcomings of recent times, with the outlook improving and optimism gradually increasing since his appointment in September.

His counterpart Steve Clarke on the other hand urged Scotland to "fear no one" going into the country's second straight Euros after more than two decades in the international wilderness.

Almost right away Germany took the game to a Scotland side who arrived in Munich with only one win from their past nine matches -- an unimpressive 2-0 victory over lowly Gibraltar last week.

<h3>- Germany hit the ground running -</h3>

Scotland goalkeeper Angus Gunn alertly blocked from an offside Wirtz, but Germany soon grasped the match by the scruff of the neck.

Toni Kroos, coaxed out of his Germany retirement earlier this year, pinged a ball out to Joshua Kimmich, who teed up Wirtz to sweep in from the edge of the area as Gunn could only help the shot in via the post.

Kroos will hang up his boots for good after the tournament, but with him and Gundogan running the Germany midfield they bring a level of knowledge and maturity few can match.

Gundogan threaded a pass through the Scotland defence to Havertz, who worked it back towards Musiala, the Bayern Munich attacker creating himself space to crash a strike into the roof of the net.

Germany were initially awarded a penalty as Musiala went down in a heap after getting caught between Ryan Christie and Kieran Tierney, but referee Clement Turpin deemed the foul occurred outside the area after consulting the touchline monitor.

That merely delayed Germany's third goal, which did eventually come from the spot following another VAR review that led to Porteous being sent off for a crude challenge on Gundogan.

Havertz calmly sent Gunn the wrong way and any remaining optimism drained away from Scotland's once boisterous and sizeable travelling contingent of supporters.

Scotland tried to limit the damage in the second half, but there was no stopping Fuellkrug's thumping drive into the top corner within a few minutes of his introduction as a replacement for Havertz.

The only bright spot for Scotland came three minutes from time as Ruediger inadvertently diverted Scott McKenna's header past goalkeeper Manuel Neuer.

And there was still more punishment to come as substitute Can curled home from 20 yards at the death to cap a glorious night for the Germans.

Reigning European champions Italy, who failed to qualify for the last World Cup, get their title defence under way on Saturday against Albania in Dortmund.

Before that Spain take on Croatia in the opening Group B fixture in Berlin, but the day's first match is between Hungary and Switzerland in Cologne.

Germany thrashed 10-man Scotland 5-1 as the Euro 2024 hosts kicked off the tournament in style in Munich on Friday, the start of a journey they hope culminates in a record fourth continental title.

Germany thrashed 10-man Scotland 5-1 as the Euro 2024 hosts kicked off the tournament in style in Munich on Friday, the start of a journey they hope culminates in a record fourth continental title. Florian Wirtz struck the opening goal 10 minutes in and Jamal Musiala soon doubled Germany's lead with an emphatic finish. "We couldn't have had a better start. We've seen the atmosphere in the country, and we need that," Musiala said of Germany's lightning start. A long-awaited night for Scotland went from bad to worse before half-time when Ryan Porteous was sent off for a two-footed challenge on Ilkay Gundogan, with Kai Havertz tucking away the resulting penalty. ALSO READ: Official: Nuri Sahin succeeds Edin Terzic as new Borussia Dortmund head coach Niclas Fuellkrug powered in a fourth midway through the second half after coming on as a substitute and not even a late own goal from Antonio Ruediger could spoil an otherwise perfect start to the campaign for Germany. There was even time for Emre Can to add a fifth goal with the final kick of the game. - Disastrous Scottish start - Scotland could surely not have envisioned such a disastrous beginning, but they must regroup quickly with games to come in Group A against Switzerland and Hungary. "Today was hugely disappointing but you're playing against the host nation and it's the first game... things don't get much tougher than that," said Scotland captain Andy Robertson. After three successive failures at major tournaments, including back-to-back group stage exits at the 2018 and 2022 World Cups, this was a statement of intent from an experienced Germany side. It is Germany's first men's major tournament as hosts since the 2006 World Cup, and they are looking to recreate the magic that helped rekindle the passion for the national team then. Germany coach Julian Nagelsmann had spoken of his players' hunger to atone for the shortcomings of recent times, with the outlook improving and optimism gradually increasing since his appointment in September. His counterpart Steve Clarke on the other hand urged Scotland to "fear no one" going into the country's second straight Euros after more than two decades in the international wilderness. Almost right away Germany took the game to a Scotland side who arrived in Munich with only one win from their past nine matches -- an unimpressive 2-0 victory over lowly Gibraltar last week. - Germany hit the ground running - Scotland goalkeeper Angus Gunn alertly blocked from an offside Wirtz, but Germany soon grasped the match by the scruff of the neck. Toni Kroos, coaxed out of his Germany retirement earlier this year, pinged a ball out to Joshua Kimmich, who teed up Wirtz to sweep in from the edge of the area as Gunn could only help the shot in via the post. Kroos will hang up his boots for good after the tournament, but with him and Gundogan running the Germany midfield they bring a level of knowledge and maturity few can match. Gundogan threaded a pass through the Scotland defence to Havertz, who worked it back towards Musiala, the Bayern Munich attacker creating himself space to crash a strike into the roof of the net. Germany were initially awarded a penalty as Musiala went down in a heap after getting caught between Ryan Christie and Kieran Tierney, but referee Clement Turpin deemed the foul occurred outside the area after consulting the touchline monitor. That merely delayed Germany's third goal, which did eventually come from the spot following another VAR review that led to Porteous being sent off for a crude challenge on Gundogan. Havertz calmly sent Gunn the wrong way and any remaining optimism drained away from Scotland's once boisterous and sizeable travelling contingent of supporters. Scotland tried to limit the damage in the second half, but there was no stopping Fuellkrug's thumping drive into the top corner within a few minutes of his introduction as a replacement for Havertz. The only bright spot for Scotland came three minutes from time as Ruediger inadvertently diverted Scott McKenna's header past goalkeeper Manuel Neuer. And there was still more punishment to come as substitute Can curled home from 20 yards at the death to cap a glorious night for the Germans. Reigning European champions Italy, who failed to qualify for the last World Cup, get their title defence under way on Saturday against Albania in Dortmund. Before that Spain take on Croatia in the opening Group B fixture in Berlin, but the day's first match is between Hungary and Switzerland in Cologne.

Hosts Germany crush 10-man Scotland in Euro 2024 opener

Germany coach Julian Nagelsmann said Scotland are a dangerous team who will aim to take advantage of the pressure the hosts are under when they meet in Friday's Euro 2024 opener, but he sees self belief in his players and hunger for success.

"Scotland isn't a team full of world stars, but that makes them dangerous, because they are very agile players who give everything, with classic Scottish mentality," he told a press conference on Thursday.

While Germany do feel the pressure and tension ahead of the tournament's opening game, that was necessary, Nagelsmann added, and the team is fully fit and prepared.

"When I look in my players' eyes ... I see a lot of belief and a lot of confidence, which is what I want ... we have the home advantage, we want to win."

"We can beat pressure, and we can beat Scotland as well."

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Germany have won four World Cups and three European Championship titles but their stellar tournament reputation has been somewhat tarnished with a series of failures since their 2014 World Cup victory in Brazil.

They went out of the next two World Cups in the group stage, their worst showing in over 80 years, and exited the last Euros in the round of 16.

"We will have more pressure on us than Scotland and they will want to capitalise on that," said Nagelsmann, who took over as Germany manager in October 2023.

Scotland can create chances and retain ball possession and will put the Germany defence under stress in the Group A match. "We have to stay focused to avoid crosses," he added.

Nagelsmann said he was feeling emotional ahead of the match, describing how he comes from a tiny village with 700 inhabitants and more cows than people, and now was preparing for the opening game of Euro 2024 in Munich.

Germany captain Ilkay Gundogan said Nagelsmann gave the players clarity and conveyed a sense of calm which had helped the team.

"The coach gives us confidence, a clear direction, he has discussed roles with us ... everyone knows what is expected of them and can give their all on the pitch, and that helps us a great deal after the negative experiences of the last tournaments.

"No other game is like the first one, because then you can use that momentum and that euphoria for the next few games, and that is why the most important objective tomorrow is to win the game," he said.

Germany coach Julian Nagelsmann said Scotland are a dangerous team who will aim to take advantage of the pressure the hosts are under when they meet in Friday's Euro 2024 opener, but he sees self belief in his players and hunger for success.

Germany coach Julian Nagelsmann said Scotland are a dangerous team who will aim to take advantage of the pressure the hosts are under when they meet in Friday's Euro 2024 opener, but he sees self belief in his players and hunger for success. "Scotland isn't a team full of world stars, but that makes them dangerous, because they are very agile players who give everything, with classic Scottish mentality," he told a press conference on Thursday. While Germany do feel the pressure and tension ahead of the tournament's opening game, that was necessary, Nagelsmann added, and the team is fully fit and prepared. "When I look in my players' eyes ... I see a lot of belief and a lot of confidence, which is what I want ... we have the home advantage, we want to win." "We can beat pressure, and we can beat Scotland as well." ALSO READ: Euro 2024: Abusing England players online could land fans in trouble. Here's how Germany have won four World Cups and three European Championship titles but their stellar tournament reputation has been somewhat tarnished with a series of failures since their 2014 World Cup victory in Brazil. They went out of the next two World Cups in the group stage, their worst showing in over 80 years, and exited the last Euros in the round of 16. "We will have more pressure on us than Scotland and they will want to capitalise on that," said Nagelsmann, who took over as Germany manager in October 2023. Scotland can create chances and retain ball possession and will put the Germany defence under stress in the Group A match. "We have to stay focused to avoid crosses," he added. Nagelsmann said he was feeling emotional ahead of the match, describing how he comes from a tiny village with 700 inhabitants and more cows than people, and now was preparing for the opening game of Euro 2024 in Munich. Germany captain Ilkay Gundogan said Nagelsmann gave the players clarity and conveyed a sense of calm which had helped the team. "The coach gives us confidence, a clear direction, he has discussed roles with us ... everyone knows what is expected of them and can give their all on the pitch, and that helps us a great deal after the negative experiences of the last tournaments. "No other game is like the first one, because then you can use that momentum and that euphoria for the next few games, and that is why the most important objective tomorrow is to win the game," he said.

Julian Nagelsmann backs Germany to beat pressure and Scotland in Euro 2024 opener

Euro 2024 will kick start with hosts Germany squaring&nbsp;off against Scotland in the opening contest&nbsp;at the Allianz Arena in Munich on Friday (June 14). The game will be Scotland’s first competitive tournament match on foreign soil since the 1998 World Cup in France. Ahead of the match, Scotland manager Steve Clarke suggested that his team will respect Germany, who have won the tournament on three occasions, but also emphasised that his side will not fear anyone.

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Numbers don't lie: <a href="https://twitter.com/esmuellert_?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@esmuellert_</a> international stats speak volumes. 📈🔥 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/DFB?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#DFB</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/GermanFootball?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#GermanFootball</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/GermanMNT?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#GermanMNT</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/EURO2024?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#EURO2024</a> 
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<h2>Clarke ready for German&nbsp;challenge</h2>

"We know it's a big game but, for us, it's the opening game of a four-team section, three matches and we know what we have to do to qualify out the section and that's all we're focused on," Clarke said at a pre-match press conference on Thursday.

"The enormity of the opening game is a little bit of a sideshow and hopefully we don't get too involved in that.

"For sure, it's a difficult game. One of the mantras I've always had is to respect everyone and fear no one so we come here with a lot of respect for the host nation, we know they're a good team but hopefully on the night we can show we're a good team too,” Clarke added.

Friday’s opener will be important for both sides as they look to start on a winning note in Munich. Germany will head into the contest as the favourites but Scotland have all the elements to cause an upset on the big stage.

<h3>Head-to-head record</h3>

Matches: 17

Germany wins: 8

Draws: 5

Scotland wins: 4

Interestingly, Scotland have not beaten Germany since April 1999 when the two teams met in a friendly match. Also, Scotland have never won a competitive meeting against Germany which makes an interesting reading for the home fans.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/julian-nagelsmann-backs-germany-to-beat-pressure-and-scotland-in-euro-2024-opener-731580">Julian Nagelsmann backs Germany to beat pressure and Scotland in Euro 2024 opener</a>

<h2>Match Details</h2>

What Time Will Germany vs Scotland Start?

The Group A Match between Germany and Scotland will start at 8 pm GMT on Friday (June 14). In India, the kickoff time of the match is 12:30 am IST (early hours of Saturday, June 15).

Where to Watch GER vs SCO Group A Match? Where Can I Watch Germany vs Scotland on TV in India?

The Group A Match between Germany and Scotland will be telecast on Sony Sports Ten 2, Sony Sports Ten 2 HD while Sony Liv App is the live streaming partner.

Euro 2024 will kick start with hosts Germany squaring off against Scotland in the opening contest at the Allianz Arena in Munich on Friday (June 14). The game will be Scotland’s first competitive tournament match on foreign soil since the 1998 World Cup in France.

Euro 2024 will kick start with hosts Germany squaring off against Scotland in the opening contest at the Allianz Arena in Munich on Friday (June 14). The game will be Scotland’s first competitive tournament match on foreign soil since the 1998 World Cup in France. Ahead of the match, Scotland manager Steve Clarke suggested that his team will respect Germany, who have won the tournament on three occasions, but also emphasised that his side will not fear anyone. Numbers don't lie: @esmuellert_ international stats speak volumes. 📈🔥 #DFB #GermanFootball #GermanMNT #EURO2024 📸 Getty Images pic.twitter.com/i4GaaVXi3N — German Football (@DFB_Team_EN) June 13, 2024 × Clarke ready for German challenge "We know it's a big game but, for us, it's the opening game of a four-team section, three matches and we know what we have to do to qualify out the section and that's all we're focused on," Clarke said at a pre-match press conference on Thursday. "The enormity of the opening game is a little bit of a sideshow and hopefully we don't get too involved in that. "For sure, it's a difficult game. One of the mantras I've always had is to respect everyone and fear no one so we come here with a lot of respect for the host nation, we know they're a good team but hopefully on the night we can show we're a good team too,” Clarke added. Friday’s opener will be important for both sides as they look to start on a winning note in Munich. Germany will head into the contest as the favourites but Scotland have all the elements to cause an upset on the big stage. Head-to-head record Matches: 17 Germany wins: 8 Draws: 5 Scotland wins: 4 Interestingly, Scotland have not beaten Germany since April 1999 when the two teams met in a friendly match. Also, Scotland have never won a competitive meeting against Germany which makes an interesting reading for the home fans. ALSO READ | Julian Nagelsmann backs Germany to beat pressure and Scotland in Euro 2024 opener Match Details What Time Will Germany vs Scotland Start? The Group A Match between Germany and Scotland will start at 8 pm GMT on Friday (June 14). In India, the kickoff time of the match is 12:30 am IST (early hours of Saturday, June 15). Where to Watch GER vs SCO Group A Match? Where Can I Watch Germany vs Scotland on TV in India? The Group A Match between Germany and Scotland will be telecast on Sony Sports Ten 2, Sony Sports Ten 2 HD while Sony Liv App is the live streaming partner.

Euro 2024: Steve Clarke reveals success mantra ahead of Scotland opener, says 'respect everyone, fear no one'