Euro 2024 updates: Germany thrash Scotland in record win.........
**Germany Dominates Scotland in Record-Breaking Euro 2024 Opener**
MUNICH -- Hosts Germany, led by standout performances from Jamal Musiala and Florian Wirtz, achieved the most decisive opening game victory in European Championship history, defeating Scotland 5-1 in their Euro 2024 opener.
Musiala and Wirtz, both 21 and heralded as the future of German football, each scored early goals that set the tone for a dominant performance by Julian Nagelsmann's squad. Scotland's hopes of a comeback were dashed when defender Ryan Porteous was sent off in the 42nd minute for a studs-up challenge on Ílkay Gündogan. The incident, reviewed by VAR, resulted in a penalty for Germany and a red card for Porteous, further cementing Germany's control over the match.
Germany entered the tournament as one of the favorites, alongside France, England, and Portugal, despite a turbulent period under coach Julian Nagelsmann and his sacked predecessor, Hansi Flick. The team's recent history of early exits—failing to advance past the group stage in the last two World Cups and a round-of-16 defeat to England at Euro 2020—had raised concerns about their prospects. However, the apprehension among the home supporters quickly dissipated within the first 10 minutes of the match. Bayer Leverkusen's young star, Florian Wirtz, scored the opening goal after a seamless buildup involving Toni Kroos, Ilkay Gundogan, and Joshua Kimmich, setting a confident tone for the game.
Bayern Munich forward Jamal Musiala doubled Germany's lead in the 19th minute after linking up with Kai Havertz. With the score at 2-0, Germany appeared to have the match under control, and they solidified their dominance when Havertz scored from the penalty spot following Porteous's foul on Gundogan.
Scotland, reduced to 10 men and facing upcoming group games against Switzerland and Hungary, saw coach Steve Clarke opt for damage limitation in the second half by substituting forward Ché Adams with defender Grant Hanley. This change helped mitigate the pressure, though Scotland remained largely outplayed by the hosts. Niclas Füllkrug added a fourth goal for Germany in the 68th minute, and moments later, he thought he had made it 5-0, but VAR ruled it out for offside.
An own goal by Antonio Rüdiger in the 87th minute gave the sizable contingent of Scotland fans something to celebrate, and they did so exuberantly. However, Emre Can sealed a comprehensive victory for Germany, scoring their fifth goal in the final minute of stoppage time. -- Mark Ogden
Mbappémania comes to Germany.
MUNICH -- On Thursday, the French national team held a training session at Paderborn SC's stadium, drawing a crowd of 4,000 enthusiastic fans. The venue, located just 15 minutes from their base in Bad Lippspringe, was buzzing with excitement.
The fans were there for one main reason: to see Kylian Mbappé. Although the Real Madrid forward was sidelined due to minor back and knee pains, which kept him from participating in the training session, he made a memorable appearance. Coach Didier Deschamps wasn't overly concerned about Mbappé's condition, and the player received treatment from the physios before joining the team for the final 30 minutes of the session. His presence on the touchline sent the stadium into a frenzy.
The French Football Federation reported an overwhelming 100,000 ticket requests for this open session, with the 4,000 available tickets selling out in just four minutes. While Antoine Griezmann and Ousmane Dembélé received some cheers, it was the French captain, Mbappé, who stole the show. His broad smile lit up the afternoon as he stayed afterward to take photos and sign autographs, thrilling dozens of young fans chanting his name.
-- Julien Laurens
England Draws Inspiration from Kim Kardashian. Wait, What?
BLANKENHAIN, Germany -- In their relentless pursuit of marginal gains to secure their first men's trophy in 58 years, England's national football team has taken an unexpected cue from the likes of Kim Kardashian, Prince Harry, and Jennifer Aniston. Yes, really.
The Three Lions have been seen wearing Oura Rings, a wellness tracker popular among celebrities, during their initial training sessions at the Weimarer Land Spa & Golf Resort.
Priced between $299 and $549, plus a $5.99 monthly subscription fee, the Oura Ring monitors sleep, body temperature, and heart rate variability. Even manager Gareth Southgate has been spotted wearing one on his index finger.
Oura, which also counts the U.S. Army among its clients, claims that its users experience an 87% improvement in overall health. England will certainly be hopeful that this technology can help them overcome various challenges and finally triumph in Euro 2024. -- James Olley
Scotland's Tartan Army Marches On.
**MUNICH** — After a 23-year hiatus, Scotland made their long-awaited return to a major tournament at the COVID-19-delayed Euro 2020 in 2021. With two games held in Scotland and one in front of 22,500 fans at a restricted-capacity Wembley, the Tartan Army couldn't travel abroad in their usual massive numbers.
This year in Germany, however, they more than made up for it. UEFA anticipated over 100,000 Scots to journey for the group stage, but that estimate seems to have fallen short. Train stations and airports have been awash with a sea of dark blue as the influx of kilt-wearing fans has taken over Munich. The city's bars, cafes, restaurants, and even the Englischer Garten have been overtaken by the boisterous Scottish supporters.
Scotland has never advanced beyond the group stage of a World Cup or European Championship. Should they achieve that milestone this time, it could trigger the largest movement of Scots since the days of Braveheart. — Ogden
Group A: Hungary vs. Switzerland (Cologne, 3 p.m. CEST / 9 a.m. ET)
Odds (via ESPNBET): Hungary +400, Draw +280, Switzerland -160
COLOGNE -- Hungary and Switzerland face off in Cologne on Saturday to kick off their campaigns, which are being viewed quite differently in their respective countries.
Switzerland's path to the tournament was less than stellar, securing second place in their group after winning only four out of ten matches against Romania, Israel, Belarus, Kosovo, and Andorra. This has tempered expectations for their performance in Germany, despite Granit Xhaka's exceptional domestic season. The former Arsenal midfielder played a crucial role in Bayer Leverkusen's historic Bundesliga title win and their German Cup triumph, both achieved without a single defeat.
In contrast, Hungary has emerged as a popular dark horse pick for the tournament. Under the guidance of popular coach Marco Rossi, they went unbeaten through qualifying. There is optimism that Hungary can progress from Group A and make a significant impact in the knockout stages. Recent victories over Germany and England in the UEFA Nations League have served as a stark warning to their European competitors. -- Dawson
Group B: Spain vs. Croatia (Berlin, 6 p.m. CEST / 12 p.m. ET).
BERLIN -- Spain and Croatia clash at Olympiastadion, both aiming to reach the final on July 14. Despite not being favorites this year, both teams have a strong tournament history and believe they can contend for the title.
A fast start in this group, which also includes Italy and Albania, will be crucial for their ambitions. The midfield battle will be pivotal, with Croatia, who finished third at the Qatar World Cup, likely relying on the experienced trio of Luka Modrić, Marcelo Brozović, and Mateo Kovačić. They face a challenge from Spain's Rodri, Pedri, and either Fabián Ruiz or Mikel Merino.
One of the most intriguing aspects of this match will be the performance of Spain's young wingers. Lamine Yamal, set to become the youngest player ever in the men's Euros at 16 if he plays, along with Nico Williams, provide the three-time European champions with a directness and cutting edge they have often lacked in recent finals.
Group B: Italy vs. Albania (Dortmund, 9 p.m. CEST / 3 p.m. ET).
DORTMUND -- Italy, despite missing the past two World Cups, secured a triumphant victory at the last Euros. The lead-up to this tournament has been turbulent, with Roberto Mancini's sudden departure last year to manage Saudi Arabia. Luciano Spalletti now takes charge of a squad blending seasoned players with promising young talent.
Italy faces injury concerns with Davide Frattesi, Nicolò Barella, and Nicolo Fagioli, the latter fresh from a seven-month suspension for betting on football. However, Spalletti remains hopeful of a full squad selection. Gianluca Scamacca is poised to lead the attack after a prolific season with Atalanta, while tactical decisions between a three or four-man defense are yet to be finalized.
In pre-tournament press conferences, Italy exudes quiet confidence in their prospects at Germany, where they lifted the World Cup in 2006. Nevertheless, they anticipate a challenging opener against Albania, managed by Sylvinho with assistant coaches Pablo Zabaleta and Doriva. Italy's captain Gianluigi Donnarumma labels the match a potential "banana skin," wary of Albania's pacey threats.
Albania boasts a contingent of Italy-based players including Inter Milan's Kristjan Asllani, enhancing their belief of causing an upset. Despite historical setbacks, including four defeats against Italy, Albania remains bolstered by a strong core featuring Ylber Ramadani of Lecce, Nedim Bajrami of Sassuolo in midfield, Berat Djimsiti from Atalanta in defense, and Chelsea's Armando Broja up front. -- Hamilton
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