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Germany beat Scotland 2-1 in their opening Euro 2016 Group D qualifier at Signal Iduna Park on Sunday night.
Thomas Muller scored in each half to give the Germans a win in his unique style of always being at the right place at the right time. Ikechi Anya scored the equaliser for Scotland before they lost the lead again.
Scotland had a number of chances to earn at least a point with Germany missing many chances on goal. But Muller stamped his authority as the World Champions go off to a winning start in the qualifiers.
Scotland did however become the first team to prevent Germany from scoring three goals in a home qualifier in almost five years.
The night didn’t end well for the Scots as a frustrated Charlie Mulgrew was sent off after he kicked the ball away, only to get his second yellow card and get his marching orders.
Scotland could have won the game: Strachan
When Scotland equalised, their manager Gordon Strachan thought his team had a chance.
“At 1-1, I genuinely believed we were going to win the game," he said.
“I saw players playing with no fear. The first 20 minutes, it wasn't fear,
“They tried to rush passes. We lost the ball quite a lot and it gave Germany easy possession. The Germans are always going to have more of the ball and probably more chances, that goes without saying.
“The second half we played with no fear. They really should be proud of what they did.”
Germany 1-0 Scotland: Muller (18’)
Sebastian Rudy floated in a pin-point cross from the right towards the centre of the box where Muller out-jumped the Scottish defence and sent a looping header over the outstretched arm of goalkeeper Marshall.
Germany 1-1 Scotland: Anya (66’)
With the Germans playing a very high line defence, Steven Fletcher released Anya down the left who was onside and he finished off a one-on-one chance past Manuel Neuer and into the right bottom corner.
Germany 2-1 Scotland: Muller (70’)
Muller scored the winner from a Germany corner kick. Scotland failed to clear the ball inside their box in spite of three defenders having a go and Benedikt Höwedes then laid it in the path of Muller who fired from close range into the roof of the net.
