In their opening match of the 2024 European Championship, Ryan Porteous was sent off as elegant Germany defeated Scotland 5-1 in Munich.
“Respect everyone, fear no one” was Steve Clarke’s motto as they attempted to get past the group stage of a major tournament for the first time.
However, fans appeared astounded when Angus Gunn at the Allianz Arena was unable to stop Florian Wirtz’s shot in the tenth minute.
After Porteous was given a straight red card in the 44th minute for a rough challenge on Ilkay Gundogan after a VAR check, Jamal Musiala (19) then launched a strong effort into the roof of the net, and Kai Havertz made it 3-0 from the penalty spot.
The Germans, who hadn’t won the European Championship since 1996, weren’t done yet, as Niclas Fullkrug added to Scotland’s misery with a fantastic drive into the upper corner.
After Antonio Rudiger eventually gave the Scots cause for celebration by heading into his own net, Emre Can scored the game’s final kick to make it 5-1 and give Germany their largest victory in a first-round Euro victory.
Steve Clarke had little to say after their opening match as he urged the fans to “keep the faith.”
“A difficult night,” he said. “We didn’t play to our standard and I thought the German team were excellent.
“We’re disappointed, we feel as though we’ve let ourselves down. We’re better than that and hopefully we can show that in the next two games.
“This was always going to be a tough night to get something. We need four points from the next two games and that’s what we focus on.”
Asked if it was his toughest night as Scotland manager, he said: “No, I’ve had tough nights before. I’ll get over it,”
“I’ve never ever doubted my players.
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