Euro 2016 Qualifiers Match Report - Germany vs Scotland

Euro 2016 Qualifiers Match Report - Germany vs Scotland.

Lineups -

Germany starting XI: Neuer, Rudy, Boateng, Howedes, Durm, Kramer, Kroos, Muller, Reus, Schurrle, Gotze.

Scotland starting XI: Marshall, Hutton,
Whittaker, R.Martin, Hanley, Morrison,
D.Fletcher, Mulgrew, Naismith, Bannan,
Anya

World Champions played their first competitive match in front of their home fans at Dortmund's Signal Iduna Park against Scotland. A Thomas Mueller brace saved the day for the home side as they emerged 2-1 victors against a spirited Scottish side.

The match began on expected lines as Germany started on the front foot by dominating both possession. The Fearsome attacks of Andre Schurrle, Marco Reus, Mario Goetze and Thomas Mueller looked devastating.

On the other hand the visitors started the game shakily as they were closed down quickly by the German midfield giving them no time whatsoever on ball. Germany had quite a few chances before they opened their account with a sublime goal from Thomas Mueller.

Scotland too had a chance of their own within minutes after conceding through Steven Naismith but Sweeper Keeper Manuel Neuer stood up to the test. The defense was still a concern for Germany as their fullbacks Durm and Rudy both looked a bit vulnerable. Still Joachim Löw's side ended the half brightly.

The second half was a different story altogether. Scotland looked like a side rejuvenated as they started to take on Germany with more confidence. 

The game turned on its head as Watford winger Ikechi Anya scored in the 66th minute for Gordon Strachan's side. Substitution to bring on Steven Fletcher was the game changer as Scottish attack looked more venomous. It was Fletcher's ball that released winger Anya who ran almost 40 yards as he equalised and brought Scotland back in the game. All their hard work was undone by sloppy defending. Four minutes later their failure to defend a corner gifted Mueller the opportunity to score his second which he gladly accepted.

There was bit of drama in the closing stages as Charlie Mulgrew got sent off in stoppage time after getting booked for second time for a rough challenge on Marco Reus. This saw the winger limp off in the closing stages of the game.