Germany 5-1 Scotland: Euro 2024 begins with a bang for the host nation

Germany's rebuild has been swift and total. Coach Julian Nagelsmann took over in late 2023 and gave his underperforming players an ultimatum: Anyone who wasn't willing to work hard would be unceremoniously dropped. Long-serving German national team players like Mats Hummels, Leon Goretzka, Robin Gosens, Serge Gnabry and Julian Brandt didn't live up to Nagelsmann's high expectations; all were left at home for Euro 2024.

Their replacements — promising kids from across Germany's Bundesliga and returning legend Toni Kroos — changed Germany's fortunes overnight with their hunger and drive. In the second half of 2023, Germany won two games, lost five and drew one; in 2024, under Nagelsmann's watchful eye and careful rebuild, it went undefeated.

This eye-catching opening-day win over Scotland became something of a debutant ball for Germany's stellar young players. Wirtz, the Bayer Leverkusen winger with an eye for goal, opened the scoring in the 10th minute with a perfect run through Scotland's injury-ravaged defense.

But it was Germany's second goal that proved just how successful its rebuild had become. The move began with Arsenal forward Kai Havertz, who charged into Scotland's box but unselfishly crossed the ball to his teammate Musiala. Musiala, alone in the center, had a minute to think about his next move, and he slammed the ball past Scotland goalkeeper Angus Gunn.

Germany's old guard was known for its ego, and its forwards would never have had the generosity to pass the ball out like Havertz did for Musiala. But that generosity begat a truly special goal — a goal that pushed the game out of Scotland's control and set Germany up for its dominant second-half performance.

There's more to come for Germany; it will face Hungary and Switzerland in the group stages before its likely advancement to the knockout rounds of the tournament. But early signs show that Nagelsmann's attitude-based rebuild is working. For the first time in a decade, Germany looks ready to win.

The European Championships continue Saturday with Hungary versus Switzerland, Italy versus Albania and Spain versus Croatia. Germany will return on Wednesday, June 19 to face Hungary at the MHP Arena in Stuttgart.