England isn’t the only nation showcasing young talent at Euro 2004, a fact Scotland painfully realized. Germany’s impressive performance in Munich overwhelmed Steve Clarke’s team, hinting at future challenges for their rivals if Germany continues playing this way.
Scotland failed to replicate the intensity that helped them defeat Spain and Norway in the qualifiers. Instead, they looked more like the team that had only one win in nine games prior to the tournament, and that victory was against Gibraltar.
Assessments of Germany’s team should account for Scotland’s lackluster performance. Despite the support of Scottish fans, the players failed to make an impact. Nonetheless, Germany boasts its own stellar forwards, rivaling the hype around England’s lineup for their game against Serbia.
Gundogan and Havertz, familiar from the Premier League, are joined by Bundesliga stars Musiala and Wirtz as Germany’s future prospects. Musiala, a Bayern Munich player with English roots, chose Germany over England and stood out as the match’s best player, scoring and creating opportunities effortlessly. Wirtz, just shy of 21 and a record-breaking Bundesliga debutant, also made his mark with a goal.
With Gundogan orchestrating from midfield and Havertz’s clever play, Germany overwhelmed Scotland’s defense. The Scottish fans’ spirits dampened as their team struggled, unable to resist Germany’s relentless attacks.
Clarke now faces the task of rallying his team against Switzerland after a demoralizing defeat where Scotland barely threatened and scored only by chance.
Germany, under Nagelsmann, delivered a commanding performance that dispelled any pressure they might have felt hosting the tournament. While early success is promising, endurance will be key in this summer’s contest.