Germany see off spirited Scotland in Euro 2016 qualifier
World champions Germany got their Euro 2016 qualifying campaign off to a shaky start with a nervy 2-1 win over Scotland in Dortmund on Sunday.
Germany lost 4-2 against Argentina in a friendly on Wednesday but a goal in each half from Bayern Munich attacker Thomas Mueller ensured they won their first competitive fixture since the World Cup.
Scotland delivered a spirited performance though and they were rewarded for a positive second-half approach when winger Ikechi Anya raced clear to equalise on 66 minutes.
But the visitors failed to clear a corner four minutes later and Mueller capitalised to thump home his 24th international goal.
Germany midfielder Marco Reus, who missed the World Cup win with an ankle injury, turned the same ankle during the game but coach Joachim Loew hopes it will not be as bad.
The 25-year-old Borussia Dortmund attacking midfielder had only recently come back following his injury in Germany’s final World Cup warm-up game against Armenia in June.
“Reus turned his ankle again and it is the same one as the one against Armenia,” Loew told reporters. “Initial diagnosis suggests it may not be as bad as before the World Cup. But we will have to wait for more checks.”
Photos: Reuters, AFP
Reus, a transfer target for almost every top European club, went down in stoppage time, grimacing in pain, before being helped off the pitch.
He looks certain to miss Borussia Dortmund's first Champions League group match against Arsenal on Sept 16.
Other Euro 2016 qualifying results:
Faroe Islands 1 Finland 3
Gibraltar 0 Poland 7
Greece 0 Romania 1
Portugal 0 Albania 1
Denmark 2 Armenia 1
Georgia 1 Rep of Ireland 2
Hungary 1 Northern Ireland 2
Sources: Reuters, AFP
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