Euro 2024 got off to an explosive start as tournament hosts and three-time winners Germany ran riot with an emphatic 5-1 victory over hapless Scotland. Goals from Florian Wirtz, Jamal Musiala, Kai Havertz, Niclas Füllkrug, and Emre Can buried the Scots who could only manage a late consolation through an Antonio Rüdiger own goal with the game already decided. From the kickoff the Germans never seriously looked in danger as Scotland were pinned in their own half and never looked threatening on attack.
It is difficult to say that the match really had a turning point as Germany were dominant from start to finish however Scotland’s day did go from bad to worse with an incident that occurred late in the first half. With Germany already leading 2-0 they were threatening once again. Germany midfielder Ilkay Gündogan had a header on goal which was saved by Scotland goalkeeper Aaron Gunn. The rebound fell once again to Gündogan and as he went to strike the ball he was tackled horrifically by Scottish defender Ryan Porteus. Porteous launched himself at Gündogan with both feet off the ground, studs showing, and caught the German squarely on the lower shin and ankle. Gündogan was fortunate to escape without serious injury, but the incident served as a grim reminder of the potential for career-threatening injuries with such challenges. The severity of the tackle was initially missed by the referee but after a VAR review he rightfully brandished a red card to Porteous thus giving him his marching orders and reducing Scotland to ten men for the remainder of the match.
While Gündogan avoided a major injury the tackle could have easily resulted in several types of catastrophic injuries. One of those injuries is a compound fracture of the tibia and fibula which is one of the most gruesome and debilitating injuries in sports. A compound fracture occurs when the bone breaks through the skin, exposing the fracture site to the external environment. The tibia, or
shinbone, is particularly vulnerable in such challenges due to its location and lack of protective muscle mass. A forceful impact can cause the bone to snap, with the sharp ends potentially piercing through the skin and exposing the fracture site. The consequences of a compound fracture are severe and can have long-lasting effects on an athlete's career. Immediate medical attention is crucial to prevent infection and further complications. The recovery process is arduous, involving surgery, immobilization, and extensive rehabilitation.
Additionally, given the area of impact, Gündogan could have easily suffered an ankle dislocation. This occurs when the talus bone in the foot becomes completely displaced from its normal position between the tibia and fibula bones of the lower leg. This can occur from a forceful impact or twisting motion, such as a dangerous tackle as we saw today. In an ankle dislocation, the strong
ligaments that hold the ankle joint together are torn, allowing the talus to shift out of place. This can lead to significant soft tissue damage, including stretched or torn tendons and blood vessels. One of the most serious potential complications is a compound (open) dislocation, where the talus bone breaks through the skin. This exposes the injury to the outside environment and risks infection. Just as with a compound fracture, a compound dislocation requires immediate medical treatment and surgery to realign the bones and repair the soft tissues. Even in a closed dislocation without an open wound, there is a high risk of associated fractures, especially of the fibula bone. The ankle joint can become grossly deformed and unstable after dislocation, making it extremely painful to move or bear weight. Prompt reduction (realigning the talus) is critical, often requiring muscle relaxants or anesthesia due to the severe pain and muscle spasms. If left unreduced, the blood supply can be compromised, leading to potential long-term consequences like arthritis, chronic instability, and disability.
Ryan Porteous' reckless tackle serves as a stark reminder of the potential dangers in football. While Ilkay Gündogan escaped serious injury, the incident highlights the need for stricter enforcement of rules and a zero-tolerance policy for such challenges. Furthermore, it serves as a lesson for players to keep their composure when facing adversity in a match. When the game is not going one’s way it is quite easy to lose your head and commit a rash and dangerous challenge. It only takes a rush of blood and a brief lapse in judgement to potentially cause a catastrophic and career threatening injury to an opponent. Being mindful at all times and training your mind to always remain composed can go a long way in avoiding these situations.
References
Parekh HP, Dwidmuthe SC, Patil SD, Sonar S. Complex Compound Fracture of Tibia Managed with Distraction Osteogenesis. J Orthop Case Rep. 2014 Jul-Sep;4(3):56-8. doi: 10.13107/jocr.2250-0685.198. PMID: 27298985; PMCID: PMC4719330.
Featherstonhaugh H. Compound Dislocation of Ankle-Joint Provincial Medical and Surgical Journal 1843; s1-6 :49 doi:10.1136/bmj.s1-6.133.49
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