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Scotland were shown a new VAR feature in their brutal defeat to Germany (Image: GETTY)
Scotland felt the benefit of a new VAR feature despite slumping to a 5-1 humiliation at the hands of Germany at Euro 2024. Steve Clarke's side were utterly torn apart in Munich, with goals from Florian Wirtz, Jamal Musiala, Kai Havertz, Niclas Fullkrug and Emre Can helping Germany to a huge win.
Scotland thought they had conceded a penalty in the first half when Ryan Christie chopped down Musiala on the edge of the area. The referee initially pointed to the spot but a VAR intervention revealed the foul had taken place just outside the box, with a free kick being given.
As the decision was announced, a message flashed up on the big screen to explain why it was a free kick and not a penalty. This new feature has been introduced at the Euros in a bid to increase transparency by making it clearer to fans why certain decisions have been reached.
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Unfortunately for Scotland, they ended up conceding a legitimate penalty just moments later when Ryan Porteous thundered into Germany skipper Ilkay Gundogan. He was deservedly shown a straight red card, with replays showing that his studs were planted firmly into the leg of his opponent.
Germany twisted the knife after the break, with Fullkrug adding a fourth in the 68th minute before Can wrapped up an emphatic victory in the dying seconds. A late consolation gave Scotland fans something to cheer about but it was certainly a night to forget for the underdogs, who were simply dreadful throughout.
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Scotland captain Andy Robertson cut a despondent figure after the final whistle as he admitted that his side fell drastically short of expectations. He said: "First half, we just got it all wrong really, didn't show up, weren't aggressive enough and we let good players get on the ball.
"Second half, we're down to 10 men and I thought lads dug in really well. We’re so well backed over here, today was hugely disappointing. We have to bounce back quickly because there was lots wrong here and it’s a quick turnaround now. Maybe it's a reminder of how tough this tournament is.
"Their big players showed up and were excellent all over the park and had an answer for pretty much everything we had. I don't think we’ve played to our maximum. We have to dust ourselves down and go again."
