Germany torched poor Scotland 5-1 in the Euro 2024 opener on Friday with a dominant performance. The visitors failed to record more than one shot against the hosts in the one-sided contest.
With the game being so lopsided American fans turned their attention toward other aspects like the commentary provided by FOX Sports from Ian Darke and Landon Donovan.
This was Donovan’s second major tournament doing broadcasting in recent years after providing color commentary during the 2022 World Cup. Not everyone seems to be the biggest fan of his skills in the broadcast booth with some voicing their displeasure during the Germany-Scotland game.
Fans react to Landon Donovan Euro commentary
Landon Donovan on color commentary pic.twitter.com/IrI064Oji0
— Nico (@nicodegallo) June 14, 2024
Bro we deserve so much better than Landon Donovan calling these games. pic.twitter.com/kLAfiFyWjO
— RÝÄÑ D (aka Mr. Copa Euro) (@ItMeRyanD) June 14, 2024
I refuse to believe there is a single person who wants to listen to Landon Donovan call a soccer game
— Matt Levinson-Gould (@irvingblitzer) June 14, 2024
Landon Donovan should have been a politician. He has a great ability to say a lot without really saying anything.
— Zito (@_Zeets) June 14, 2024
Landon Donovan and Ian Darke is such an awful combination. Lease stop forcing this on us
— Kalon Fullerton (@cowlonfull) June 14, 2024
Landon Donovan couldn't make it 5 seconds without pissing me off
— Erik (@Arsenal_Pointes) June 14, 2024
The USMNT legend doesn’t seem to have the same aura with a headset on as he did with a ball at his feet. Let’s look at the highlights to see if it was really that bad.
Germany vs Scotland highlights
Germany came out guns blazing and showed why they’re one of the favorites to win the tournament. Goals in the opening 20 minutes by Florian Wirtz and Jamal Musiala set the tone for the game.
THE FIRST GOAL OF EURO 2024 BELONGS TO GERMANY
Florian Wirtz puts Germany out in front in his Euro debut pic.twitter.com/RghbuIqznX— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) June 14, 2024
Another look at that finish from Florian Wirtz pic.twitter.com/TfQvti0HD3
— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) June 14, 2024
There was no stopping this strike from Musiala ⚽️ pic.twitter.com/e5sICWqttr
— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) June 14, 2024
Scotland’s night turned from bad to worse right before halftime when Ryan Porteous was sent off for a dangerous two-footed tackled in the box. Germany were awarded a penalty kick and Kai Havertz confidently scored to give his side a 3-0 lead.
After a VAR check, a penalty is awarded to Germany for this challenge in the box
Do you agree with the call? pic.twitter.com/iLT8ukojhd— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) June 14, 2024
Too easy for Kai Havertz
Germany makes it 3-0 in the first half vs Scotland pic.twitter.com/KM78DtYcjW— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) June 14, 2024
Scotland parked the bus to try and prevent conceding more goals, however Niclas Füllkrug made it 4-0 with a blistering strike in the 68th minute.
Niclas Füllkrug with an absolute SCREAMER for Germany ⚽️
Germany makes it 4-0 pic.twitter.com/Edow5UbjvK— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) June 14, 2024
The thousands of Scotland fans in attendance finally had something to cheer for in the 87th minute when Antonio Rüdiger accidentally netted an own goal following a set piece.
AN OWN GOAL
The ball finds the back of the net for Scotland after Rüdiger heads it in pic.twitter.com/u1rp3C24V7— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) June 14, 2024
The moment of joy for Scotland was short-lived as Emre Can scored with the final kick of the game in the 93rd minute.
FIVE for Germany
3 days ago Emre Can wasn't even in the Germany squad, now he's got a goal pic.twitter.com/Wkcl24WJTu— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) June 14, 2024
One thing is for certain. Even if people didn’t like Donovan’s commentary, he still put on a better performance than Scotland did.
Scotland will need to bounce back in their second group stage game against Switzerland on Wednesday if they’re to have any hope of advancing to the knockout stages.
Germany will face Hungary on Wednesday.
