Germany Women 3 - 0 Scotland Women

A RUTHLESS German side took full advantage of Scotland’s errors to get their Euro 2013 preparations off to a winning start.

Two goals in 60 seconds for striker Celia Okoyino da Mbabi, who will spearhead the defence of their European title in Sweden next month, were a blow from which the Scots never recovered.

Disappointed coach Anna Signeul said: “If you make mistakes like we did for ten minutes against that quality of opposition you will get punished. That’s what these young players learned today.”

The opening 30 minutes were uneventful, even if Scotland did show their opponents too much respect. As often happens, the European champions went ahead immediately after Scotland’s best chance when Kim Little’s free kick was headed just too high by Arsenal team-mate Jenny Beattie. Silvia Neid’s side took the lead all too easily when Anja Mittag sent in a low cross from the right. Midfielder Lena Goessling was unmarked on the edge of the box and she sent a high shot past Gemma Fay.

Signeul’s side unravelled during a disastrous spell just before the interval. Leanne Ross lost possession to Celia, and the striker took full advantage. Then Celia scored again a minute later, this time after Babett Peter provided the assist.

In the second half, Scotland captain Fay did well to fingertip a Mittag lob against a post, and again came to the rescue when she blocked Svenja Huth’s close-range shot.

The Scots came close to scoring ten minutes from the end after good work by Emma Mitchell and Hayley Lauder. Caroline Weir got a touch to Lauder’s cross but goalkeeper Nadine Angerer saved on the line.