Scotland’s Euro 2024 campaign got off to a desperate start as they were thumped 5-1 by host nation Germany in Munich.
It was a night to forget for head coach Steve Clarke and his players, who struggled right from the off to compete with the Germans, who raced into a 2-0 lead by the 20-minute mark. The team will need a complete reset for their next Group A match against Switzerland on Wednesday after optimism ahead of the tournament opener before taking on Hungary in Stuttgart. They have to quickly get this performance and result out of their heads while the Tartan Army will also have to regroup.
We give each Scotland player involved in the match a mark out of ten for their performance in Bavaria - and unsurprisingly, there are some grim ratings.
We give each Scotland player involved in the match a mark out of ten for their performance in Bavaria - and unsurprisingly, there are some grim ratings.
5. Anthony Ralston - 3
You have to feel for Ralston. It is not his fault that he is not Celtic’s first-choice right-back, behind the uber-consistent Alistair Johnston at Parkhead. His lack of first-team football showed here, as Germany clearly identified him early on as the weak link in the defence. Scotland missed Aaron Hickey and Nathan Patterson. Florian Wirtz gave him such a difficult time in the opening stages and came off their flank to score the first goal. He looked uneasy in possession and this was not the type of match to get the best out of him, where his athleticism and energy often contributes in attack. Must keep his head up after such a tough night in Bavaria. | Getty Images
6. Ryan Christie - 4
Some eyebrows would have been raised with his selection ahead of Billy Gilmour in midfield, but Christie's excellent season at Bournemouth and all-round game was required here. This was the former Celtic man's 50th cap but he will not remember it fondly. Fouled twice early by the terrier-like Robert Andrich, he never had time on the ball to drive forward. So nearly conceded a penalty for a foul on Jamal Musiala but VAR said that original contact was just outside box. Ended up leading the line in the second half, which was a thankless task given what he was up against. Understandably tired and made way for Lawrence Shankland. | Getty Images
7. Scott McTominay - 4
There had been some concerns over the Manchester United midfielder’s general fitness in the lead up to the match. Apparently he had been flying in training. Not so here, completely suffocated by Germany’s midfield battalion. The top goalscorer in the qualification campaign, McTominay simply could not get forward, required to help out an overworked defence. Was wiped out by Robert Andrich – a stick-on yellow card – but it summed up the Scotsman’s night. His powers were completely neutered, and Steve Clarke will try to find a way now to get him more involved in an attacking sense. It is where he is at his best for Scotland. | Getty Images
8. Callum McGregor - 4
The only Scotland player to score a goal at Euro 2020, the most experienced player in the Scottish midfield had a torrid evening against the German percussionist in Toni Kroos. McGregor never found any time or space to get his foot on the ball and was lucky not to pick up a yellow card in the first half for a couple of crude tackles. Did make one goal-saving block early in the second half but his resistance was paper-thin. Not used to this kind of encounter when dominant in possession with his club team Celtic. Replaced by Billy Gilmour on 68 minutes, no doubt with one eye on Cologne when Switzerland come calling. | Getty Images