London — Two months after winning the World Cup, Germany began its 2016 European Championship campaign with a 2-1 victory over Scotland on Sunday, while Portugal and Greece both slumped to defeat in their qualifying matches.
Thomas Mueller scored Germany's goals, a difficult backward header in the 18th minute and a close-range effort in the 70th — just four minutes after Ikechi Anya had scored a deserved equalizer for Scotland.
"I'm satisfied with the three points. It was important to start with a win," said Germany coach Joachim Loew, whose side is unbeaten in 33 European Championship or World Cup qualifiers.
Elsewhere, a Portugal side without injured Cristiano Ronaldo lost 1-0 at home to Albania, 10-man Romania beat Greece 1-0 and Serbia drew 1-1 with Euro 2016 host France in a friendly.