Germany Kick Off Euro 2024 With a Thumping 5-1 Victory Over Scotland

Scotland Fell to a Heavy Defeat Against Germany

Hosts Germany Kicked Off Euro 2024 in Spectacular Fashion

MUNICH, Germany (AP) -- Scotland wilted in the face of a scorching Germany performance as Steve Clarke's 10-man side opened Euro 2024 with a dismal defeat in Munich.

Host Germany could hardly have wished for a better start to the tournament, as they destroyed Group A rivals Scotland 5-1 to record the biggest opening win in the competition's history.

The writing was on the wall from the moment Ilkay Gundogan fired Germany ahead after just six minutes, and things only got worse for Scotland when Scott McKenna was sent off for a second bookable offense just before the half-hour mark.

Timo Werner doubled Germany's lead just before halftime, and the second half saw the floodgates open as Kai Havertz, Jamal Musiala, and Leroy Sane all got on the scoresheet to complete the rout.

This emphatic victory sends a clear message to the rest of the tournament contenders: Germany is a force to be reckoned with.