Ryan Porteous Sent Off, Anthony Ralston and Angus Gunn Struggle in 2024 Euros Opener
The host nation decisively defeated Steve Clarke’s Scottish side in the opening match of the 2024 European Championship. Even Scotland’s most seasoned players needed help to make an impact.
Ryan Porteous received a red card, Angus Gunn performed poorly, and Scotland lost 5-1 to Germany in their first match of the 2024 European Championship.
The match started disastrously for Scotland when Florian Wirtz’s shot eluded Gunn in the 10th minute, giving Germany an early lead. Just nine minutes later, Jamal Musiala doubled Germany’s advantage, leaving Scotland in a difficult position. Things worsened before halftime when Porteous was sent off for a reckless challenge on Ilkay Gundogan, resulting in a penalty that Kai Havertz converted to extend Germany’s lead.
Substitute Niclas Fullkrug added a fourth goal for Germany in the 68th minute. Antonio Rudiger’s own goal provided a brief moment of consolation for Scotland three minutes from the end, but Emre Can’s late strike sealed a comprehensive victory for the hosts. This result means Scotland has won just one of their last ten matches, adding to a disappointing evening.
GOAL rated the Scottish players at the Allianz Arena as follows:
Goalkeeper & Defence
Angus Gunn (3/10):
Gunn conceded the tournament’s first goal when he couldn’t get a strong enough hand to stop Wirtz’s opener. Although he made some excellent reaction saves, Musiala’s powerful shot soon after was unstoppable. Overall, it was a night to forget for the Norwich City goalkeeper.
Anthony Ralston (3/10):
Ralston may have relied too much on numbers during Germany’s first goal instead of tightly marking Wirtz, who quickly scored. He also received a yellow card for a clumsy challenge early in the second half.
Ryan Porteous (2/10):
Porteous was caught out by balls over the top several times before being sent off for a desperate, reckless challenge on Gundogan, which led to Germany’s third goal from the penalty spot.
Jack Hendry (4/10):
Hendry started confidently but was soon overwhelmed by Germany’s relentless attacks. He was part of a disorganized and leaderless defense.
Kieran Tierney (4/10):
Tierney and Robertson, the usually effective left-sided pairing, struggled, unable to shine because they were smothered from the beginning.
Andrew Robertson (4/10):
Robertson was exposed several times by Musiala’s skillful footwork and dynamic movement. He fared slightly better against substitute Leroy Sane but still appeared isolated. He managed to whip in a good cross late on, leading to Scotland’s consolation goal.
Midfield
Scott McTominay (5/10):
Despite being outnumbered, McTominay held his ground and tried to drive forward from deep positions. However, he often collected the ball too close to his goal.
Callum McGregor (4/10):
McGregor was caught in the build-up to Germany’s second goal while attempting an interception. Although second-best for most of the match, he made a couple of well-timed blocks to keep the scoreline down.
Ryan Christie (4/10):
Christie was largely anonymous, chasing shadows throughout the night. After Porteous’s red card, he played as a false nine but was ineffective.
John McGinn (4/10):
McGinn attempted a few hopeful forward balls, but they needed to provide Che Adams with opportunities to engage in the game. He also held onto the ball too long at times.
Attack
Che Adams (4/10):
Adams was a virtual spectator during his 45 minutes on the pitch, receiving little to no service from his teammates and being substituted at halftime.
Subs & Manager
Grant Hanley (4/10):
Hanley was brought on to stem the bleeding and keep the goal difference down but was ultimately powerless against the Germans.
Billy Gilmour (4/10):
The game primarily passed Gilmour by after his second-half introduction.
Kenny McLean (5/10):
McLean was one of the few players who managed to get his foot on the ball and attempted to play.
Scott McKenna (5/10):
McKenna got a touch late in the match before Rudiger’s own goal.
Lawrence Shankland (N/A):
Shankland had no real time to make an impact.
Steve Clarke (3/10):
Clarke’s starting lineup was largely uncontested, aside from Gilmour being benched. However, Germany outclassed Scotland from the start. The defensive line was disorganized and shell-shocked, allowing a superior German side to take advantage. Clarke’s decision to remove Adams to limit the damage led to odd tactics, with Gunn and the defense frequently resorting to long balls without a forward target.
