A Thomas Muller brace was just about enough for Germany to see off Scotland in their Euro 2016 qualifying opener at Signal Iduna Park.
The first of three goals in this intriguing qualifier came in the opening 20 minutes, when Muller grabbed the first of his two goals. Sebastian Rudy, playing at right back, hung a cross from that wing to within 10 yards of goal, where Muller out jumped centre back Russel Martin. His subsequent header floated back across goal, beating Andy Marshall's despairing dive.
Scotland, however, did not capitulate, and whilst being backed by a strong away following, manged to equalize midway through the second half courtesy of Ikechi Anya. Germany had been playing a high line all game and this time it cost them. Substitute, Steven Fletcher, played a ball round the corner on halfway which put Anya in coming down the left, and with his pace, the Watford winger was one on one with Manuel Neuer. Anya held his nerve, and side footed past the keeper with his right peg.
Parity lasted just three minutes for the brave Tartan army as Muller struck again. Shortly after coming on, midfielder James McArthur turned a corner back into his own six yard box, where the Bayern Munich forward Muller swiveled and fired the ball into the roof of the net.
Recently crowned World Champions Germany made a bright start as you might expect at home, and came close to scoring just five minutes in. Eventual hero, Muller, put a header wide from eight yards after full back Elliot Durm found him in a lot of space with a right foot cross from the left only for the striker to miss the target.
The visitors first clear cut chance came just after half time courtesy of lone striker, Steven Naismith. Right Back, Alan Hutton, did brilliant work down the right by running straight at the German defence and getting to the edge of the box, before squaring the ball to the Everton forward, who fainted and avoided two challenges before hitting a right foot shot back across goal only to see it skim the outside of Neuer's right post.
The introduction of an extra forward in that of Steven Fletcher allowed Scotland to be more adventurous and the Sunderland striker played his part in Anya's goal, by playing the ball in behind the full press Germany defence.
Parity only lasted a couple of minutes however before Muller poached again following sub McArthur's error from a set piece. Although the Germans caught a break just after they retook the lead when Durm pulled back Naismith who appeared to be through on goal only for the referee to give the Dortmund defender just a yellow card.
Scotland ran out of gas really in the closing stages as they could not create another good enough opportunity to draw level again. The most notable action on their side of things was Charlie Mulgrew being sent off in stoppage time after receiving a second booking for dissent.
Finally in the 94th minute Thomas Muller could have completed his hat trick however his low left foot shot from just outside the box hit Marshall's left post and came out.
Overall Scotland can be very proud of their efforts and can feel aggrieved they didn't get anything from the game in which the officials did them no favours. Unconvincing from the recently crowned World Cup winners however when you have so many top quality players it's likely one of them at least will hurt you, and that's what Thomas Muller did.