The 2024 European Championship began with an incredible opening ceremony at Munich, Germany’s Allianz Arena. Hosts convincing 5-1 victory over 10-man Scotland marked the quest for Germany’s historic fourth Euro championship campaign.
Before halftime, Kai Havertz scored a third goal from the penalty spot after Ryan Porteous was sent off for a two-footed challenge against Ilkay Gundogan. Florian Wirtz and Jamal Musiala had already scored goals in Munich’s first 20 minutes of play. Both Emre Can and Niclas Fullkrug, Germany’s substitutes, scored goals in the subsequent half, but Antonio Rudiger’s own goal gave Scotland a late consolation goal.
Hosts Galvanised
The three-time champions of this tournament had a poor start when Nagelsmann took over the national set-up in September, drawing with Mexico and losing to Turkey and Austria. But victories over the Netherlands and France propelled them into this on a surge of optimism. Territory dominance and patience culminated in Wirtz’s early endeavour. Musiala and Fullkrug’s strikes provided clear proof of a confident team. The former was unplayable, and Toni Kroos was once again in charge of the midfield.
The overall statistics of the match were also swayed in one side, with the Germans boasting a 94% passing accuracy, 19 attempts, 43 attacks, and 655 passes completed compared to 193 for Scotland.
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The energetic hosts led by Julian Nagelsmann were never really challenged by Clarke’s men. From the very first minute, there were warning signs. The aggressive press, the charging off-the-shoulder runs and the vulnerable high line being repeatedly exposed. Scotland’s lone shot on goal, which struck Rudiger and deceived Manuel Neuer, resulted in a goal. Such obvious disregard for the fact that goal differential could be crucial if Clarke can inspire his squad to produce more in their final two games against Switzerland and Hungary will be extremely concerning.
Germany’s Young Guns
Two players 21 years of age or younger have scored for the same side in a single game for the first time at the Men’s European Championships. Both goals were scored by 21-year-old Florian Wirtz and Jamal Musiala, who doubled the lead.
At a European Championship, Wirtz is only the third German player to score the first goal, following Gerd Müller in 1972 as well as Karl-Heinz Rummenigge in 1980. He is the youngest ever player to score for the Germans in the competition, having turned 21 years and 42 days old. His goal for Germany in 9 minutes & 54 seconds is the second quickest in the opening encounter of the Euros, after Giorgios Karagounis’ goal for Greece in 2004.
Germany netted 3 goals in the opening half of a European Championship game for the first time in history. In its first game of the European Championship, it looked extremely aggressive under Julian Nagelsmann, its youngest coach in history.
Germany’s victory in their opening game at the European Championship was not just a win, but a testament to their dominance in the tournament. No other team has achieved this feat more than six times, making Germany’s 8th opening game win a significant milestone in the Championship’s history.
Today’s Fixtures
In Group B, which also features European champions Italy and surprise entrant Albania, Spain and Croatia will open their Euro 2024 campaign on Saturday with a rerun of the thrilling UEFA Nations League final from the previous year.
Croatia seeks revenge for its defeat against Spain in the Nations League final. Recalling a shootout loss to Spain, Croatia is poised to defy pre-tournament assumptions once more in its pursuit of a major title. Conversely, Spain will try to get off to a strong start in their attempt to challenge for a third European Championship. Switzerland vs. Hungary is another game that is scheduled for today.
