World media reacts as degraded Scotland watch the devils of Germany whip their kilts clean off in Munich mullering

Graeme Young
·3-min read

The scoreline prediction of 1-1 was a popular one for pundits and punters alike in the build-up to Germany vs Scotland.

But, in truth, that option was out the window long before Jamal Musiala rocketed the Euro 2024 hosts' strike high into the net after only 19 minutes. This was the type of pasting, a beatdown of such epic proportions, that any niceties about the Tartan Army in Munich tasted flatter than a pint of the local lager which had been left sitting unaccounted for in one of the many fan parks.

There was a palpable sense of embarrassment in Scotland and our display hasn't been sugar-coated across the continent. Yes, there is some scant praise for our excellent supporters, however, Steve Clarke's side have been labelled nothing more than cannon fodder – a fair verdict on the evidence of a chastening night in Munich. We still believe in Robertson, Tierney and Co, even if others don't. Record Sport is on hand to to check the temperature across the continent.

Gazetta dello Sport (Italy)

Italy's leading publication sees the brilliance of the hosts and why they are bonafide contenders to win on home turf. They stated: "This Germany is scary. A spectacle and five goals against a non-existent Scotland. Mamma mia, what a Germany. The home team is playing great at 'their' European Championship. A rain of goals on poor Scotland and a great goal show by Nagelsmann ’s champions.

Tagesanzeiger (Switzerland)

And it's a similar story in Switzerland – our group rivals – who rate the Germans and don't think much of us, and who can blame them? They stated: “Germany degrades the Scots to suffering extras. The hosts could not have started the European Championship better. They lead 2-0 against the Scots early on and win 5-1. And show why they have to be counted among the tournament favourites.”

AS (Spain)

And two key men were earning praise in Spain. They stated: “Two devils on the loose in Munich. Musiala and 21-year-old Wirtz were the heroes of the German team’s successful debut at the European Championship. Anyone who thought the hosts were not ready for their European Championship is wrong.”

L'Equipe (France)

The firmest markers on the continent aren't going overboard about Germany...yet, as Scotland come up short. They stated: "It is of course still too early to judge whether the German team will experience the summer fairytale that it has been hoping for since the 2006 World Cup, the last tournament on home soil, but in any case it has written a first chapter this Friday evening that looks very much like it."

Blick (Switzerland)

“Germans take off Bravehearts’ kilt”

DW (Germany)

"It was also a script that UEFA would have been delighted with had they seen it beforehand. The hosts won in thrilling style after both sets of fans enjoyed an afternoon of beer and bagpipes in the sunshine of Munich city centre. United by football indeed."

Le Parisien (France)

“The DFB team is starting the 2024 European Championship like a steamroller. Against a modest opposition, Julian Nagelsmann ’s men showed the extent of their offensive power. After 90 minutes that seemed like a concert, the German team enjoyed the game and gained confidence.”

Marca (Spain)

“Germany, what a machine! In 45 minutes they destroyed Scotland thanks to their attacking spirit and the leadership of Kroos. Not even the usual fear of the hosts in the opening game could stop the German machine with Toni Kroos and the horsepower of Musiala, Wirtz and Havertz.”

RMC (France)

“That’s what you call a successful start. Germany, which is considered an outsider for overall victory at 'its' home European Championship, did not let itself be unsettled in its first match against Scotland on Friday in Munich.”

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