Scotland entered their EURO 2024 opener against Germany full of hope - hope which was crushed within moments of kick-off in Munich.
The Tartan Army descended on the Allianz Munich Football Arena for the opening game of the European Championships, with the enormous Scottish fanbase getting huge attention from media outlets across the continent.
After one of the most stirring renditions of 'Flower of Scotland' you're ever likely to hear, the life went out of the Scottish charge in Munich, as Germany ultimately handed their guests a footballing lesson in a chastening first-half.
It took Florian Wirtz just ten minutes to have the hosts in front, before fellow 21-year-old Jamal Musiala doubled their lead a further ten minutes later.
Things went from bad to worse for Scotland, who could barely string together more than a few passes in the first half.
Ryan Porteous would be sent off for a horrendous tackle on Ilkay Gundogan, with Kai Havertz scoring the resultant penalty to send Germany in 3-0 up. Frankly, it was a margin which flattered the flat-footed Scots.
The ITV panel dissected the action at half-time, with Roy Keane pointing to two glaring errors from midfield veteran Callum McGregor which epitomised how far off the pase Scotland were.
READ HERE: Roy Keane Questions If Gareth Southgate Has "Learned Lesson" From Past Failures
READ HERE: Chelsea Legend Zola Feels Let Down By Club's Choice Of Manager
Germany v Scotland: Hosts tear Tartan Army apart in first-half in Munich
After watching Germany obliterate Scotland in the opening 45 minutes, the ITV panel attempted to make sense of a wild opening to EURO 2024.
Roy Keane, ever the outspoken pundit, took aim at Celtic man Callum McGregor, highlighting the role he had played in facilitating Germany's second goal.
🇩🇪 2-0 🏴
Jamal Musiala blasts home Germany's second goal as they threaten to run riot against Scotland #euro2024
📺@rte2
and @RTEplayer
https://t.co/XnOP6grnB7
📱 Live updates https://t.co/45qGbZmYrD pic.twitter.com/Mgq3fnG9Oo— RTÉ Sport (@RTEsport) June 14, 2024
Keane highlighted two separate errors from the 31-year-old in the buildup to Musiala's belting finish.
In midfield, McGregor initially found himself the wrong side of Ilkay Gundogan, with the German then playing a perfect through-ball to Kai Havertz. By the time Havertz passed to Jamal Musiala, McGregor had made his way back but his flying attempt at a tackle opened up the space for the Bayern Munich youngster to score.
Needless to say, Roy Keane was thoroughly unimpressed.
Look at McGregor here. You cannot gamble like that in the middle of the park against these players.
He's gambling, there's no need. Stay goalside.
Even when he comes back...it's a gamble. He's an experienced player, use your head.
Possibly [he's trying to make up for his mistake]. He's obviously made a big mistake and he's compounded it with a second one.
Things did not improve in the second half for Scotland, with Niclas Fullkrug adding a fourth for Germany and having another strike ruled out for offside.
Though an Antonio Rudiger own-goal ensured that Scotland got something on the scoreboard, it could not even bring much respect to the scoreline after a dismal even for Steve Clarke's side.
An utterly miserable start to the tournament for the Scots, then, who will have to dust themselves down before their second game against Switzerland at 8pm on Wednesday night. Next up for hosts Germany are Hungary at 5pm that same evening.
SEE ALSO: Damien Duff Aims Dig At LOI Agents As Shels Confirm Molloy Departure
