Müller magic sees Germany past battling Scots
Sunday, September 7, 2014
Article summary
Germany 2-1 Scotland
Thomas Müller scored both goals for the world champions as they were pushed all the way by Scotland in the Group D opener.
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• Thomas Müller scores both as Germany start Group D campaign with win
• Ikechi Anya equaliser looks to have earned Scotland point
• Müller misses out on hat-trick as he hits post in added time
• Charlie Mulgrew sent off for visitors; Marco Reus limps off
• Next games: Scotland v Georgia, Poland v Germany (11 October)
Thomas Müller's double in Dortmund gave world champions Germany a winning start in UEFA EURO 2016 qualifying Group D – but they were pushed all the way by Scotland.
The hosts dominated the early stages and after seven minutes Müller should have scored, the FC Bayern München forward heading Erik Durm's cross wide when completely unmarked five metres out. Two minutes later he squandered another headed opportunity, but after 18 minutes Müller was third time lucky. Following a centre by right-back Sebastian Rudy, the No13 beat two opponents in the air to loop an effort into the net.
Soon afterwards Scotland keeper David Marshall parried a Marco Reus shot before defender Grant Hanley cleared André Schürrle's rebound off the line. Then, on the verge of half-time, Schürrle broke free to cross from the left and Hanley deflected the ball towards the corner, only for Marshall to tip around the post.
Three minutes after the break the Scots wasted their best opportunity yet. Alan Hutton played in Steven Naismith on the edge of the box and the striker weaved his way past three defenders before clipping the base of the post. However, on 66 minutes, the guests gained the reward for their enhanced offensive efforts. Stephen Fletcher sent Ikechi Anya clear and the winger kept his nerve in the face of an outrushing Neuer to slot into the corner.
But the joy for the Scots lasted just four minutes. After a corner Benedikt Höwedes steered the ball to Müller who swivelled a shot into the net from close range for his second of the night. In added time Scotland midfielder Charlie Mulgrew was sent off for a second caution, before Müller hit the post seconds later.