Germany started their Group D campaign by beating Scotland 2-1 in Dortmund on the first night of qualifying for Euro 2016.
The World Cup winners were in control for the majority of the first half, and were ahead in the 18th minute thanks to a header from Thomas Muller.
Hopes of an unlikely draw for Scotland were raised just after the hour mark when Ikechi Anya levelled with a calm finish past Manuel Neuer, but Germany were back in front with 20 minutes remaining as Muller helped himself to a second goal.
Charlie Mulgrew was sent off in stoppage time for a second yellow card as a promising display from Scotland ended in disappointment.
Read below to find out how the drama unfolded.
Hello everyone, and welcome to our live text coverage of the Group D opener between Germany and Scotland as these two sides begin their Euro 2016 qualifying campaign in Dortmund. Can Scotland cause an upset by taking anything off the world champions tonight?
There's no doubt that Germany are favourites to win Group D. They're officially the best side in the world, and we'll almost certainly be seeing them in France in two years. However, Scotland can head into this match with no fear following their recent impressive form under Gordon Strachan. There's certainly a sense of optimism in the Scottish camp ahead of this campaign.
GERMANY: Neuer; Rudy, Boateng, Howedes, Durm; Kramer, Kroos; Muller, Reus, Schurrle; Gotze,
SCOTLAND: Marshall; Hutton, Whittaker, Hanley, Martin; Morrison, Fletcher, Mulgrew, Bannan, Anya; Naismith
Joachim Low would have been very disappointed with some of his players in the 4-2 defeat to Argentina on Wednesday, so it's no surprise to see him make changes this evening. Jerome Boateng is back in defence to add some much needed experience for the hosts. Thomas Muller is also in the starting lineup, while Mario Gotze looks set to be deployed in a false nine role.
Strachan hasn't really surprised us with his selection tonight. Steven Naismith starts in attack, with support arriving from the likes of James Morrison, Barry Bannan and Ikechi Anya. The captain's armband is worn by Darren Fletcher, who will be vital in the centre of midfield tonight, while Russell Martin shakes off a groin problem to start.
One match has already finished in Group D tonight, with the Republic of Ireland kicking off their campaign by beating Georgia 2-1 thanks to a brace from Aiden McGeady. Strachan is likely to see the Irish as one of Scotland's big rivals for qualification, so it could be the games between those two sides which make the difference.
There's no doubt about it, Scotland are huge underdogs to take anything from this game this evening. However, the matches against the world champions will not decide Scotland's success, so the visitors will head into this match full of confidence. Strachan has seen his team playing well since taking over, and with Germany missing a couple of key players due to injury, anything is possible.
Many of the World Cup winners remain in this Germany squad, but the retirements of Miroslav Klose, Per Mertesacker, and most importantly, Philipp Lahm, has piled pressure on other players. Bastian Schweinsteiger is the new captain, but he is not available tonight due to injury, and there is also no Mats Hummels. There were clear signs of defensive frailties against Argentina, so questions will continue to be asked of the newer players.
Let's take a quick look at the players on the bench this evening.
Germany: Großkreutz, Ginter, Podolski, Sam, Zieler, Rudiger, Weidenfeller, Gomez
SCOTLAND:A.McGregor, Greer, Maloney, S.Fletcher, Bryson, McDonald, Burke, Reynolds, McArthur, Gordon, Forsyth, C.Martin
The stadium in #Dortmund is slowly filling with excited supporters. Kick-off is an hour away! #GERSCO pic.twitter.com/LojbWQ1M5d
— Germany (@DFB_Team_EN) September 7, 2014
This will be a great occasion for all of the travelling Scottish supporters. We've seen just how noisy the locals can be in Dortmund, and they're certain to put on a show with the national team in town. It would be a famous result if the visitors can secure at least a point.
PREDICTION: Scotland supporters don't need me to tell them just how difficult this game could be tonight. I'm expecting the visitors to provide a test for the world champions, but I just can't look past Germany. 3-1 to the hosts.
Scotland travelled to Dortmund with a little gift for the World Cup winning manager. He'll be hoping to toast a victory with a small glass later tonight.
PIC | From Scotland to @BVB - a gift for @DFB_Team coach Joachim Löw @thefamousgrouse #GERSCO #WeAreScotland pic.twitter.com/mscpx6ntMN
— Scotland (@ScottishFA) September 7, 2014
Both sets of players are out on the pitch at Signal Iduna Park. Just the national anthems left before this match gets underway.
Here we go then. It's going to be Germany who kick off in Dortmund. Plenty of noise coming from both groups of supporters already.
No surprise to see Germany looking relaxed in possession early night. It could be an interesting night for Sebastian Rudy, who has been asked to fill a gap at right-back tonight. Scotland will surely target him going forward.
It's been all Germany in the opening few minutes. Scotland are being forced to chase the ball around the pitch at the moment, but some of the pressure is relieved when a poor Kroos corner is cleared.
Germany have struggled to pick out the right pass in the final third of the pitch so far. Scotland are doing a good job of getting behind the ball, with Naismith defending from the front for the visitors. The first shot of the match comes from Schurrle, who fires wide of the target from outside of the box.
Thomas Muller has been dropping deep early on, and almost creates an opening with a chipped pass over the top. However, Alan Hutton does well to beat Reus to the header.
CHANCE! Germany should be ahead. They lose focus at the back as Whittaker appeals for offside when a cross is delivered from the left. Muller looks set to break the deadlock, but he shocks the crowd by heading wide.
Excellent work from Durm on the left as he storms forward before delivering an inviting cross for Muller, who is unable to direct a header at goal under pressure at the back post. Scotland struggling to enjoy any possession.
Low will be sitting pretty comfortably, but a goal would make things even sweeter. Germany are in complete control of this match at the moment, with Kramer and Kroos dominating in midfield.
Much better from Scotland. Anya causes problems for Boateng from a wide position, before combining well with Mulgrew to pick out Bannan. He targets the top corner, but his effort is deflected just wide. Germany are then able to clear the corner.
SAVE! Scotland are almost punished for not closing Durm down, but Marshall reacts well to make a good save from the full-back's 25-yard strike.
GOAL! GERMANY 1-0 SCOTLAND (MULLER)
Germany break the deadlock! Anya offers to much room to Rudy, who lifts the ball towards the back post. Muller is under pressure, but he does extremely well to head the ball past the outstretched hand of Marshall. It could be a long night for Scotland from here.
Naismith is left one on one with Howedes as a long ball is delivered forward. It looks like the German defender brings down his opponent, but the referee is not interested. Naismith is furious with that decision.
The worrying sign for Scotland is that Germany still appear to be in about third gear. Plenty more to come from the world champions as powerful effort from Reus is easily held by Marshall.
Germany on top again as Muller chests the ball down to Reus, who loses control inside the box. Gotze regains possession in a congested area, but he's crowded out just as he prepared to unleash a shot.
Scotland are being positive going forward, but are often struggling to get enough players forward to concern the hosts. As the match goes on, Strachan's side must take more risks.
SAVE! Marshall is forced into action once again to get two hands on a strike from Reus. The ball falls to Schurrle, but he can't force home a second as Martin makes a vital block.
Anya is exciting going forward, but he must do more to help his teammates out defensively. It's far too easy for Rudy at the moment as he cuts inside before hitting a weak effort straight at Marshall. Scotland can't afford to make those errors.
Confusion in the box almost gifts a second goal to Germany. Initially, it's very good work from Kramer as he reaches the byline with a great run. Scotland have two chances to clear, and they're fortunate to see Gotze fire a shot straight at Martin.
Spaces are starting to open up for Germany as Scotland flirt with the idea of sending more players forward. As expected, the hosts are still dominating possession as Reus wins a free kick in a promising position which is eventually cleared away for a corner.
Excellent work from Bannan as Scotland deal with the corner comfortable and launch a counter attack. Naismith is an isolated figure, and he runs out of options in Germany's half of the pitch.
The ball just won't drop for Kramer as the away supporters breathe another sigh of relief when a German attack breaks down. Replays suggest that Muller may have been fouled by Mulgrew inside the box a few moments ago, but the referee didn't spot the pull of the shirt.
Scotland have gone slightly more direct in the past few moments, but Boateng and Howedes are looking pretty comfortable at the back. Schurrle earns space for himself again by cutting in from the left. However, his accuracy is poor again as another shot drifts wide.
SAVE! Mr Sweeper-Keeper is at it again. Neuer is off his line so quickly that he takes Anya by surprise, before launching an attack for his side. A cross is delivered from the left, and Marshall is forced to make a save to deny Reus, whose effort from close range took a deflection.
CHANCE! Big opportunity for Scotland just before the break. A long ball forward causes problems for the German defence, and the ball falls kindly for Anya. However, he's unable to beat Neuer as a half-volley safely arrives in Neuer's hands.
HALF TIME: GERMANY 1-0 SCOTLAND
Barely a second of stoppage time played in Dortmund as the first half comes to an end. We knew just how difficult tonight could be for Scotland, and it's no surprise that Germany are in front thanks to Muller's header in the 18th minute.
Can Scotland produce a response? Strachan would not have expected his side to enjoy anywhere near as much possession as Germany, but they've done pretty well to get bodies behind the ball for the majority of the first half. Germany's attacking players, in particular Muller, have displayed their qualities in the final third of the pitch, and Marshall has been forced to make a couple of very good saves. As the match progresses and Scotland chase an equaliser, the spaces which open up will help the hosts.
The message from Strachan at the break could be one of cautious optimism. Scotland may be behind, but a chance, decision, or moment of magic could go their way at any stage. Their biggest chance fell to Anya, who failed to connect powerfully enough to concern Neuer. The visitors aren't out of this one while the score is still 1-0.
It will be interesting to see which manager turns to their bench first. Strachan could turn to Chris Martin if he decides he needs a stronger presence in attack, and a move such as that one could see Naismith shifted wider. Low will be pretty happy right now, but he does have the likes of Lukas Podolski and Mario Gomez on the bench if he wants to freshen up things going forward.
The players are back out on the pitch. No changes from either manager yet. Scotland will get the second half underway.
CHANCE! Scotland are inches away from levelling the scores as Naismith does superbly well to earn himself a yard inside the box before drilling his shot just wide of the post. Neuer was watching on nervously there. So close for Scotland!
Scotland must take confidence from that Naismith chance. He's shown that he can cause problems when he receives the ball further up the pitch. Germany are still looking dangerous going forward, though.
YELLOW CARD! Optimistic to say the least from Whittaker as he fires a volley straight at Neuer from 25 yards. You can't blame him for trying. Hanley then becomes the first player booked when he pulls down Gotze on the right wing.
CHANCE! Germany threaten to double their lead from the free kick as Reus whips in a brilliant cross which is only half cleared to Schurrle, who decides against taking a touch as he volleys the ball into the stand.
Kroos continues to keep Germany ticking over with his superb passing. He might not be stealing the show tonight, but I'm struggling to think when he has put a foot wrong. Germany dominating possession once again.
Germany remaining patient with the ball, but are often struggling to unlock the Scottish defence on the edge of the box. Scotland deserve credit just for the amount of blocks they've made throughout this game. As long as it's 1-0, they know there's a chance of claiming something from this match.
SUBSTITUTION: Strachan decides to make two changes as Fletcher and Bannan come off to make way for Steven Fletcher and James McArthur. It looks like Naismith will play from the right now, with Fletcher taking up a familiar central role.
CHANCE! Scotland miss another opportunity. Anya does brilliantly on the wing to find the space to deliver a cross. Naismith is left unmarked at the back post, but he is unable to make the right contact with a half-volley. He probably could have taken a touch. That could prove to be a big moment in this game.
SAVE! Great stop from Marshall. Gotze's pass is inch-perfect for Reus, who is left disappointed as Marshall sprints off his line to make a vital save. That's a let-off for the visitors.
Scotland threaten to level the scores again! There's a huge response from the visiting supporters as Fletcher heads against Rudy from close range following more good work from Naismith. An yard either side of the defender and I don't think Neuer would have made a save.
Half chance for Muller when a Kramer cross is deflected into his path, but the Bayern Munich forward can only volley wide from just inside the box.
GOAL! GERMANY 1-1 SCOTLAND (ANYA)
Scotland equalise, and you have to say they deserve it! A lofted ball forward reaches Fletcher, who takes a touch before playing a superb pass into the path of Anya. The winger just has Neuer to beat from there, and he shows great composure by sliding the ball past the world's best goalkeeper. What a moment for Scotland. Can they hold on for a famous result?
Strachan's side have been rewarded for being more positive in the second half. This match is far from over, though. There's going to be a big response from Germany, and the world champions are in control already.
SAVE! Germany work the ball well from left to right and Gotze eventually finds enough space to unleash a shot, which is easily pushed behind by Marshall.
GOAL! GERMANY 2-1 SCOTLAND (MULLER)
The response from Germany is immediate! Scotland struggle to clear a corner, with McArthur and Mulgrew both fluffing their lines. The ball drops kindly for Muller, who smashes the ball home from close range to hand his side the lead once again.
YELLOW CARD! Scotland respond well to falling behind as Naismith breaks free before being pulled down by Durm. There was cover inside the box, so it's just a booking for the German full-back. Mulgrew fancies his chances with the free kick, but he fails to beat the wall.
YELLOW CARD! Time is running out for Scotland. Germany are starting to find the gaps created by the tiring visiting defenders as Morrison picks up a booking for a late challenge on Schurrle.
You must admire this Scottish display. Germany still don't look comfortable at the back, and it's Fletcher's presence which has definitely made the difference. Scotland will need to send their central midfielders further forward now, but the energy levels are low.
Another foul hands Germany a free kick 30 yards from goal. Kroos chooses to chip a ball over the Scottish defence, but the execution is poor and leaves Muller with no chance of preventing a goal kick. The visitors move forward quickly, with Mulgrew firing well wide from outside the box.
Scotland still looking dangerous as they twice keep a move alive after losing possession. Anya continues his good work by beating Rudy on the left, but his cross fails to reach the head of Fletcher.
SUBSTITUTION: Naismith's impressive shift comes to an end as Strachan sends on Shaun Maloney for the closing stages.
Almost an opening for Scotland as a cross into the box finds McArthur, but he can only toe-poke a very weak effort straight at Neuer. Comfortable for the German goalkeeper.
SUBSTITUTION: Schurrle leaves the pitch to make way for Podolski, who is on to earn his 118th cap for Germany.
Kroos does brilliantly to earn some space on the edge of the box, but his strike is deflected behind for a corner, and Scotland survive another spell of pressure from the hosts.
Time is running out for Scotland, but can they find one last chance? Unfortunately for the visitors, it's Germany dominating possession at this late stage as Reus does well to win another corner for his side.
Scotland are forced to further back as the hosts pile on the pressure once again. The ball just keeps on coming back at the visitors, but they can finally breathe a sigh of relief when Gotze chips the ball over Marshall and past the post. Podolski was free inside the box, and he is not pleased with his teammate.
YELLOW CARD! Mulgrew is rightly punished for a really poor tackle on Reus which has left a few of the German players very angry. The fourth official confirms there will be three minutes added on, but it's going to be longer than that now due to the treatment required by Reus.
SUBSTITUTION: Not a good sign for Germany or Borussia Dortmund as Reus is helped off the pitch while in a lot of pain. Matthias Ginter is his replacement.
RED CARD! Scotland will finish this match with 10 men. A free kick goes against Scotland, and Mulgrew fires the ball into the stand in frustration. It's a silly booking to receive at this stage of the game. Two yellows in just a few minutes for Mulgrew.
WOODWORK! Muller is inches away from finishing the match with a hat-trick when he strikes the post with a low effort from the edge of the box. He then picks up a yellow card for pulling back McArthur.
FULL TIME: GERMANY 2-1 SCOTLAND
Scotland are furious at the final whistle as the referee brings the game to an end moments after the visitors had won a corner, but they can be very proud of their efforts tonight. Germany pick up the three points at the start of their Group D campaign thanks to Muller's brace.
As expected, Germany recorded the victory tonight, but they were made to work very hard by Scotland. Both of these sides will go forward confident for different reasons. That's all from our coverage tonight. Make sure you keep an eye out for analysis, ratings and reaction. Goodnight.
Written by
Callum Mulvihill
Callum Mulvihill
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