Elsewhere in Group D, Poland crushed Gibraltar 7-0 and Aiden McGeady fired a double in Republic of Ireland's 2-1 victory in Georgia.
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Craig McCallum: A good performance - others will definitely do worse in Germany. I still bet Gibraltar will get their first point against us
'I thought we were going to win it'
Scotland manager Gordon Strachan
"They have got to go out there against real machines, real physical players. They stood up to it. Second half we were terrific.
"Okay they're going to make chances, that was going to happen, but we played with a freedom in the second half.
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"I thought we were going to get a point, I actually thought we were going to win it at one stage."
Scotland frustrated in Dortmund
Despite Scotland benefitting from German profligacy, Gordon Strachan will be heartened by the number of chances they created in the second half.
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BBC Sportsound pundit Willie Miller
The second half will give us hope, I just wish we could've had that in the first half.
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Tom Watson: How well Scotland do in the games where they r favourite will b the next test of how far this team has come under Strachan.
Kim: Heads held high, well done boys - ref shocking.
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Jim, Troon: Believe it or not that was our easy game because nobody expected us to win so let's not get excited please.
Andy in Armagh: Gordon Strachan has got Scotland going places. At long last there is a man who knows what he is doing in charge of the national team, and someone who can install belief and organisation into his players. His tactics are always spot on.
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Robbie Devenney: Lots of positives there, Mulgrew and Morrison let us down but so much better than 2 years ago. Optimistic.
Euan Little: Great match ruined by a ref. Oh wait, it's football, we should be used to this by now.
FULL-TIME
Germany 2-1 Scotland
Scotland lose narrowly to the world champions but will be heartened by their second half display and could have added to Ikechi Anya's goal in Dortmund. Food for thought for the rest of the Euro 2016 campaign.
HITS THE WOODWORK
That man Thomas Muller is at it again! He rifles in a low shot from distance that smacks the post and bounces to safety...
RED CARD
Scottish heads shaking in Dortmund and also back home as Charlie Mulgrew is given his marching orders for a second bookable offence: the Celtic man kicked the ball away in frustration and he trots off, head bowed, down the tunnel.
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Jack Kennedy: Scotland on course to be the first team to prevent Germany scoring 3 goals in a home qualifier since October '09 #bbcfootball
CLOSE!
Mario Götze, who scored the winner in the World Cup final, clips a shot beyond David Marshall... but just past the far post.
It remains 2-1 to Joachim Low's troops with the clock ticking down...
Post update
Like a seasoned NFL outfit, Germany are eating up territory and running down the clock as they inch ever closer to victory and three qualification points in Dortmund.
Three minutes plus added time remaining. Could there yet be a sting in the tail?
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Scott Donnell: Craig Levein would defend now keep it 2-1 , Gordon Strachan? Let's get intae them! C'mon Scotland
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BBC Sportsound pundit Willie Miller
Scotland need one more chance and you wouldn't discount them getting that chance. They're finding space...
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Gordon Strachan makes his final change in Dortmund: Shaun Maloney replaces Steven Naismith with eight minutes remaining of this entertaining Euro 2016 qualifier.
Anya Delivers
Scotland had the world champions rocking when the lightning-quick Anya showed a clean pair of heels to the German defence before slotting the ball beyond Manuel Neuer.
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Thomas Muller re-established Germany's lead with his second goal of the game but Watford's Anya continued to terrorise the Germans with his pace.
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Mbehan: A certain red card as it is a goal scoring opportunity! Really poor decision #BBCSportsound #bbcsportscot
Ian Greig: Clear foul before their goal and 100% red card, 2 shocking decisions.
Post update
Scotland have 17 minutes plus added time to find a second equaliser in Dortmund. Germany continue to slice through the visiting defence but the Scots continue to look dangerous on the counter. Ikechi Anya is terrifying the life out of the home rearguard and is speeding away like a young Michael Owen did against Argentina at France 98.
Great stuff!
YELLOW CARD
Scotland lick their wounds and come out for another go at Germany. Steven Naismith speeds away from Erik Durm who fouls the former Rangers man and earns a booking for his troubles.
From the subsequent free kick, Charlie Mulgrew can only smack the wall and the Germans breathe a sigh of relief.
GOAL
Germany 2-1 Scotland (Muller 69mins)
With the Tartan Army still celebrating that equaliser, Germany retake the lead as Thomas Muller lashes home from close range after the visitors fail to deal with a corner.
GOAL
Germany 1-1 Scotland (Anya 65mins)
What a goal, what a goal! Scotland, on the counter attack produce a goal the world champions would be proud of.
Steven Fletcher threads a superb ball through to the lightning quick Ikechi Anya who is cool as a cucumber as he races away from the German rearguard before slotting the ball beyond Manuel Neuer.
You can come out from behind the couch. In fact, start dancing up and down on it and crash the cushions like giant cymbals...
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Calum in Kirkcaldy: Good to see us trying to break down Germany who are a class act. To you cynics: if 2nd place in this group comes down to goal difference you may thank this scoreline.
Anonymous: Come on Scotland!!! You can do it!!!
GREAT SAVE!
How on earth is this Euro 2016 qualifier still 1-0? Marco Reus is denied once again by David Marshall, with the keeper saving brilliantly with his legs.
Play rages up the other end and Steven Naismith's cross triggers a bullet header from substitute Steven Fletcher but the German defence somehow scramble clear.
"This could be 6-3," opines BBC Sportsound pundit Willie Miller.
Scotland spurn great chance
Steven Naismith was denied by the woodwork early in the second half but this time he's more in danger of taking out a supporter's Bratwurst as he blazes a wild effort high and wide following great work by Steven Whittaker.
Post update
Gordon Strachan shuffles his Scotland pack: Steven Fletcher and James McArthur trot on for Barry Bannan and Darren Fletcher.
Will the shake-up bear fruit?
Leap of faith
Steven Naismith has come closest to finding the net for Scotland in an entertaining and open Euro 2016 qualifier in Dortmund.
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The Everton marksman was denied by the post following superb work by Alan Hutton.
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Eck Wilson: Fail to see why we can't get a few chances in the second half, we are due a wee bit of luck and rub of the green #bbcsportscot
Weegie: Still believe we can get a draw out of this game, Strachan will have something up his sleeve to unlock Neuer, Mon the Scots!
Post update
Here come the Germans again... Alan Hutton heads a free kick clear and Schurrle blazes a volley over. It remains 1-0 to the world champions but those of a Scottish hue will be encouraged and emboldened by the start to the second half.
CLOSE!
Soooooo close! Alan Hutton gallops through the German midfield before finding Steven Naismith and the Everton hitman takes a touch before whipping a shot at goal that clips the outside of the post with Manuel Neuer stranded.
Scotland come agonisingly close to restoring parity, as they prove that they can get at the Germans.
KICK-OFF
No changes for either side as Scotland get us back under way and aiming to find an equaliser in Dortmund.
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Anonymous: As a passionate Scot, I can't believe Darren Fletcher has started this game. He's hardly had any game time at club level never mind at international level. This smacks of desperation by Strachan and a slap in the face to all other players who have turned up on many occasions and never been given a chance.
Danny from Pitlochry: Stop kidding yourselves & us on lads, it's gonna end up a cricket score.
Anonymous: Scotland lucky, Germany should be up at least 4-0.
HALF-TIME
Germany 1-0 Scotland
Scotland trail the world champions by a single goal but it could've been far worse but for some superb saves by David Marshall and profligacy from the hosts.
Hope springs eternal; Gordon Strachan will be urging his side to show greater composure in midfield to alleviate the pressure on Marshall and stem the tidal wave of German attacks.
Post update
Just a hint of a Scotland chance as Anya demonstrates some neat footwork to dance away from a blizzard of Germany defenders but the tricky winger can't test Manuel Neuer.
CLOSE!
Wave upon wave of German attacks down the left - Scotland's right - and Schurrle's low cross is teed up perfectly for Marco Reus but a combination of frantic defending and the huge mitt of David Marshall thwarts the hosts and denies them a second goal.
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Steven: So the Rep of Ireland have won and it looks like Poland and Germany are going to win only one game half played and we are now chasing everybody's tail. Why do we bother with these qualifiers? It always ends in misery, the whipping boys in this group will be us not Gibraltar, no doubt.
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bringthemonjpn: #bbcsportscot Scotland need a "Bobby Murdoch" to level things up...
Muller Light
Thomas Muller spurned two headed chances before splitting Scotland's central defence to make no mistake with his third header. Germany are a goal to the good and appear hungry for more.
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GREAT SAVE!
Borussia Dortmund's playmaker Marco Reus is warming to the task now and his shot is well saved by David Marshall; Schurrle's follow up is then superbly blocked by Russell Martin.
"We're living dangerously here," warns a whispering BBC Sportsound pundit Willie Miller in almost Hound of the Baskervilles tones.
Post update
Germany slice open Scotland again but their precision leading up to the penalty area suddenly deserts them as Marco Reus can't get a shot away, allowing the Scots to recover.
A ripple of appreciative applause from the home fans: they're more than happy with the opening 25 minutes in Dortmund.
German onslaught
Marco Reus forces David Marshall with a dangerous effort from the edge of the area following a pitching wedge of a cross from the goalscorer Thomas Muller.
BBC Sportsound pundit Billy Dodds is gnashing his teeth over Scotland's defending at Muller's goal.
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BBC Scotland's senior football reporter Alasdair Lamont at Signal Iduna Park, Dortmund
Thomas Muller is phenomenal in the air and after a couple of misses, he punishes Scotland with a terrific looping header, though Russell Martin and Grant Hanley will be disappointed that Muller out-jumped the pair of them. That's got the home crowd going!
GOAL
Germany 1-0 Scotland (Mueller 17miins)
Germany draw first blood in Dortmund as Thomas Muller ghosts in between Scotland's two centre halves to meet Rudy's centre and his looping header sails beyond the helpless David Marshall.
GREAT SAVE!
Germany respond immediately and the rampaging left back Erik Durm fizzes in a low shot that David Marshall does well to parry.
The hosts are getting some mileage down the left as they search for the opening goal. A cracking Euro 2016 qualifier so far!
HITS THE WOODWORK
Suddenly, the Scots break and good work by Anya and Morrison allows Barry Bannan to get a shot on goal... that's deflected wide for a corner.
From the set piece, Charlie Mulgrew finds himself free inside the area but his flashing drive comes back off the post! Germany saved by the woodwork and the offside flag.
Encouraging signs for Gordon Strachan's troops...
Post update
Scotland will look to soak up German pressure before utilising the pace of Anya on the counter. Nevertheless, Gordon Strachan will be concerned at how deep the visitors are sitting with a little over 10 minutes gone.
If you're near the couch, might be an idea to dart behind it now and again...
Post update
Thomas Muller spurns a second headed chance before Toni Kroos fires an angry, rising 25-yard effort high over David Marshall's goal.
CLOSE!
What a chance! Germany probe down Scotland's left and a sumptuous cross is begging to be headed home by the normally razor-sharp Thomas Mueller. However, despite peeling off Grant Hanley, the Bayern Munich man heads wide with the goal gaping. A huge let-off for Scotland. Joachi Low might roll those sleeves up after all.
Post update
Germany manager Joachim Low is sporting a long-sleeved shirt in the dugout tonight. Normally he's got the sleeves rolled up - as though he's about to give someone a hand washing the Sunday dishes...
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Scotland skipper Darren Fletcher picks a German pocket in midfield and kills a home counter attack before it can venture into Scottish territory.
The opening five minutes has been frenetic and features, understandably, lots of German possession but nothing to scare Gordon Strachan.
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Scotland's first touch of this Euro 2016 qualifier comes via Ikechi Anya, who concedes a corner. Real Madrid's Toni Kroos can't make the set piece pay dividends as the Scots repel the danger.
Pass, pass, pass
The Germans are pinging the ball about with the kind of assured swagger you'd expect as World Cup-winners.
Nothing of note, as yet, to trouble Scotland goalkeeper David Marshall.
KICK-OFF
We're under way. Can Scotland shock the world champions, I wonder?
Almost there...
The National Anthems spark pride and some singing with gusto from the respective camps; we're just about ready to get this Euro 2016 qualifier under way.
Give us a song...
The Scotland fans in Dortmund are "giving it laldy" as they say. How are the nerves?
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Barry Mitchell: Looking forward to tonight's game. I want us to get a win but if we play well whatever the score then I'll be happy.
Delza: Bring it on come on Scotland #daretodream #AgainstAllOdds #WeCanDoThis #bbcsportscot
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Tom English
BBC Scotland
If Scotland get their defence right then they can get a result...
Tom wrote earlier this week about the last time Scotland saw off the world champions - in 1957 - when a certain Tommy Docherty captained the Scots.
BBC Scotland's senior football reporter Alasdair Lamont at Signal Iduna Park, Dortmund
The German media have been quizzing Joachim Low about his defensive options this week and he's had to do a bit of tinkering tonight.
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He's brought in the Hoffenheim midfielder Sebastian Rudy to play at right back, while Erik Durm - ripped to shreds by Angel di Maria on Wednesday - keeps his place at left back. Could those be areas where Scotland can get a bit of joy or am I being hopelessly optimistic?
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BBC Scotland's Chick Young has wondered aloud whether a win in Dortmund would be the greatest result in Scotland's history... would beating the reigning world champions top the lot for you?
Text 80295 of take to Twitter using @bbcthomasmcg using #bbcsportscot to offer your views...
Ireland off to a flier...
Aiden McGeady's late winner gave Scotland's Group D rivals the Republic of Ireland a 2-1 win over Georgia in Tbilisi.
The Everton winger put the Irish ahead with a composed finish before Georgia equalised when Tornike Okriashvili's dipping shot flew into the top corner.
McGeady went close three times in the second half before he completed his double in the last minute.
A bending strike from 18 yards sneaked in to secure a last-gasp victory.
It's beginning to bubble away nicely...
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Cardifff City
Good luck to David Marshall tonight as the @ScottishFA take on World Cup winners @DFB_Team. Go get 'em Marshy
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MackerOnTheMed: Positivity is a great thing but Scot are up against Ger let's be real! So they lost 4-2 the other night, back 2 business 2nite.
Dany @Doineann: Can I wish good luck for both? I am from Germany and love Scotland - really difficult for me here...
Safe pair of hands
David Marshall starts in goal for Scotland ahead of Allan McGregor while defender Russell Martin is fit to take his place in defence. Barry Bannan is included in the midfield and Steven Naismith leads the attack.
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Germany make four changes following Wednesday's 4-2 defeat by Argentina with Sebastian Rudy, Thomas Muller, Jerome Boateng and Mario Gotze coming in. Mario Gomez is among those dropping out.
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BBC Scotland's senior football reporter Alasdair Lamont at Signal Iduna Park, Dortmund
What a place to get the Euro 2016 qualification campaign under way. This is a magnificent arena. Can't wait to see it fill up...
Scotland: Marshall, Hutton, Russell Martin, Whittaker, Hanley, Mulgrew, Morrison, Darren Fletcher, Bannan, Anya, Naismith. Subs: Allan McGregor, Greer, Maloney, Steven Fletcher, Bryson, McDonald, Burke, Reynolds, McArthur, Forsyth, Chris Martin, Gordon.
Referee: Svein Oddvar Moen (Norway)
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William O'Neill: 2-1 Scotland #bbcsportscot
Caleb: We'll probably get beat, but will support the team anyway. #bbcsportscot
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How will Scotland fare in Dortmund tonight? Can they get their Euro 2016 campaign off to a positive start? Will Gordon Strachan guide his side to their first finals since France 98?
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German efficiency
With the national side still basking in the glory of winning the World Cup in Brazil, Germany manager Joachim Low is attempting to re-tune his champions.
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Miroslav Klose, Per Mertesacker and captain Philipp Lahm have all retired, while Bayern Munich's combative midfielder Bastian Schweinsteiger is sidelined with a knee injury.
Good evening and welcome to our live text commentary of Germany v Scotland.
The Scots begin the campaign in fine fettle: life under Strachan has yielded plaudits from fans and pundits alike, and a six-match unbeaten run to boot has given the Tartan Army an extra spring in their collective step.
Gordon Strachan's Scotland side enter the lion's den in Dortmund's Signal Iduna Park tonight, seeking to cause an eye-rubbing upset by beating Germany.
"For us it's a good time to be playing together," said Strachan ahead of the opening Euro 2016 qualifier.
"We're in a good place at the moment and we're respectful, we understand how good they are, but we're happy with what we've been doing in the last year."
Live Reporting
Thomas McGuigan
All times stated are UK
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Latest PostScotland's hopes
Scotland's Euro 2016 campaign gets off to a losing start against the world champions in Dortmund. However, Gordon Strachan will be heartened by their second half display which augurs well for the future.
Thanks for your company tonight, see you soon.
Scotland's Euro 2016 rivals
Elsewhere in Group D, Poland crushed Gibraltar 7-0 and Aiden McGeady fired a double in Republic of Ireland's 2-1 victory in Georgia.
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Craig McCallum: A good performance - others will definitely do worse in Germany. I still bet Gibraltar will get their first point against us
'I thought we were going to win it'
Scotland manager Gordon Strachan
"They have got to go out there against real machines, real physical players. They stood up to it. Second half we were terrific.
"Okay they're going to make chances, that was going to happen, but we played with a freedom in the second half.
"I thought we were going to get a point, I actually thought we were going to win it at one stage."
Scotland frustrated in Dortmund
Despite Scotland benefitting from German profligacy, Gordon Strachan will be heartened by the number of chances they created in the second half.
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BBC Sportsound pundit Willie Miller
The second half will give us hope, I just wish we could've had that in the first half.
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Tom Watson: How well Scotland do in the games where they r favourite will b the next test of how far this team has come under Strachan.
Kim: Heads held high, well done boys - ref shocking.
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Jim, Troon: Believe it or not that was our easy game because nobody expected us to win so let's not get excited please.
Andy in Armagh: Gordon Strachan has got Scotland going places. At long last there is a man who knows what he is doing in charge of the national team, and someone who can install belief and organisation into his players. His tactics are always spot on.
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Robbie Devenney: Lots of positives there, Mulgrew and Morrison let us down but so much better than 2 years ago. Optimistic.
Euan Little: Great match ruined by a ref. Oh wait, it's football, we should be used to this by now.
FULL-TIME
Germany 2-1 Scotland
Scotland lose narrowly to the world champions but will be heartened by their second half display and could have added to Ikechi Anya's goal in Dortmund. Food for thought for the rest of the Euro 2016 campaign.
HITS THE WOODWORK
That man Thomas Muller is at it again! He rifles in a low shot from distance that smacks the post and bounces to safety...
RED CARD
Scottish heads shaking in Dortmund and also back home as Charlie Mulgrew is given his marching orders for a second bookable offence: the Celtic man kicked the ball away in frustration and he trots off, head bowed, down the tunnel.
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Jack Kennedy: Scotland on course to be the first team to prevent Germany scoring 3 goals in a home qualifier since October '09 #bbcfootball
CLOSE!
Mario Götze, who scored the winner in the World Cup final, clips a shot beyond David Marshall... but just past the far post.
It remains 2-1 to Joachim Low's troops with the clock ticking down...
Post update
Like a seasoned NFL outfit, Germany are eating up territory and running down the clock as they inch ever closer to victory and three qualification points in Dortmund.
Three minutes plus added time remaining. Could there yet be a sting in the tail?
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Scott Donnell: Craig Levein would defend now keep it 2-1 , Gordon Strachan? Let's get intae them! C'mon Scotland
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BBC Sportsound pundit Willie Miller
Scotland need one more chance and you wouldn't discount them getting that chance. They're finding space...
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Gordon Strachan makes his final change in Dortmund: Shaun Maloney replaces Steven Naismith with eight minutes remaining of this entertaining Euro 2016 qualifier.
Anya Delivers
Scotland had the world champions rocking when the lightning-quick Anya showed a clean pair of heels to the German defence before slotting the ball beyond Manuel Neuer.
Thomas Muller re-established Germany's lead with his second goal of the game but Watford's Anya continued to terrorise the Germans with his pace.
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Mbehan: A certain red card as it is a goal scoring opportunity! Really poor decision #BBCSportsound #bbcsportscot
Ian Greig: Clear foul before their goal and 100% red card, 2 shocking decisions.
Post update
Scotland have 17 minutes plus added time to find a second equaliser in Dortmund. Germany continue to slice through the visiting defence but the Scots continue to look dangerous on the counter. Ikechi Anya is terrifying the life out of the home rearguard and is speeding away like a young Michael Owen did against Argentina at France 98.
Great stuff!
YELLOW CARD
Scotland lick their wounds and come out for another go at Germany. Steven Naismith speeds away from Erik Durm who fouls the former Rangers man and earns a booking for his troubles.
From the subsequent free kick, Charlie Mulgrew can only smack the wall and the Germans breathe a sigh of relief.
GOAL
Germany 2-1 Scotland (Muller 69mins)
With the Tartan Army still celebrating that equaliser, Germany retake the lead as Thomas Muller lashes home from close range after the visitors fail to deal with a corner.
GOAL
Germany 1-1 Scotland (Anya 65mins)
What a goal, what a goal! Scotland, on the counter attack produce a goal the world champions would be proud of.
Steven Fletcher threads a superb ball through to the lightning quick Ikechi Anya who is cool as a cucumber as he races away from the German rearguard before slotting the ball beyond Manuel Neuer.
You can come out from behind the couch. In fact, start dancing up and down on it and crash the cushions like giant cymbals...
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Calum in Kirkcaldy: Good to see us trying to break down Germany who are a class act. To you cynics: if 2nd place in this group comes down to goal difference you may thank this scoreline.
Anonymous: Come on Scotland!!! You can do it!!!
GREAT SAVE!
How on earth is this Euro 2016 qualifier still 1-0? Marco Reus is denied once again by David Marshall, with the keeper saving brilliantly with his legs.
Play rages up the other end and Steven Naismith's cross triggers a bullet header from substitute Steven Fletcher but the German defence somehow scramble clear.
"This could be 6-3," opines BBC Sportsound pundit Willie Miller.
Scotland spurn great chance
Steven Naismith was denied by the woodwork early in the second half but this time he's more in danger of taking out a supporter's Bratwurst as he blazes a wild effort high and wide following great work by Steven Whittaker.
Post update
Gordon Strachan shuffles his Scotland pack: Steven Fletcher and James McArthur trot on for Barry Bannan and Darren Fletcher.
Will the shake-up bear fruit?
Leap of faith
Steven Naismith has come closest to finding the net for Scotland in an entertaining and open Euro 2016 qualifier in Dortmund.
The Everton marksman was denied by the post following superb work by Alan Hutton.
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Eck Wilson: Fail to see why we can't get a few chances in the second half, we are due a wee bit of luck and rub of the green #bbcsportscot
Weegie: Still believe we can get a draw out of this game, Strachan will have something up his sleeve to unlock Neuer, Mon the Scots!
Post update
Here come the Germans again... Alan Hutton heads a free kick clear and Schurrle blazes a volley over. It remains 1-0 to the world champions but those of a Scottish hue will be encouraged and emboldened by the start to the second half.
CLOSE!
Soooooo close! Alan Hutton gallops through the German midfield before finding Steven Naismith and the Everton hitman takes a touch before whipping a shot at goal that clips the outside of the post with Manuel Neuer stranded.
Scotland come agonisingly close to restoring parity, as they prove that they can get at the Germans.
KICK-OFF
No changes for either side as Scotland get us back under way and aiming to find an equaliser in Dortmund.
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Anonymous: As a passionate Scot, I can't believe Darren Fletcher has started this game. He's hardly had any game time at club level never mind at international level. This smacks of desperation by Strachan and a slap in the face to all other players who have turned up on many occasions and never been given a chance.
Danny from Pitlochry: Stop kidding yourselves & us on lads, it's gonna end up a cricket score.
Anonymous: Scotland lucky, Germany should be up at least 4-0.
HALF-TIME
Germany 1-0 Scotland
Scotland trail the world champions by a single goal but it could've been far worse but for some superb saves by David Marshall and profligacy from the hosts.
Hope springs eternal; Gordon Strachan will be urging his side to show greater composure in midfield to alleviate the pressure on Marshall and stem the tidal wave of German attacks.
Post update
Just a hint of a Scotland chance as Anya demonstrates some neat footwork to dance away from a blizzard of Germany defenders but the tricky winger can't test Manuel Neuer.
CLOSE!
Wave upon wave of German attacks down the left - Scotland's right - and Schurrle's low cross is teed up perfectly for Marco Reus but a combination of frantic defending and the huge mitt of David Marshall thwarts the hosts and denies them a second goal.
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Steven: So the Rep of Ireland have won and it looks like Poland and Germany are going to win only one game half played and we are now chasing everybody's tail. Why do we bother with these qualifiers? It always ends in misery, the whipping boys in this group will be us not Gibraltar, no doubt.
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bringthemonjpn: #bbcsportscot Scotland need a "Bobby Murdoch" to level things up...
Muller Light
Thomas Muller spurned two headed chances before splitting Scotland's central defence to make no mistake with his third header. Germany are a goal to the good and appear hungry for more.
GREAT SAVE!
Borussia Dortmund's playmaker Marco Reus is warming to the task now and his shot is well saved by David Marshall; Schurrle's follow up is then superbly blocked by Russell Martin.
"We're living dangerously here," warns a whispering BBC Sportsound pundit Willie Miller in almost Hound of the Baskervilles tones.
Post update
Germany slice open Scotland again but their precision leading up to the penalty area suddenly deserts them as Marco Reus can't get a shot away, allowing the Scots to recover.
A ripple of appreciative applause from the home fans: they're more than happy with the opening 25 minutes in Dortmund.
German onslaught
Marco Reus forces David Marshall with a dangerous effort from the edge of the area following a pitching wedge of a cross from the goalscorer Thomas Muller.
BBC Sportsound pundit Billy Dodds is gnashing his teeth over Scotland's defending at Muller's goal.
Post update
BBC Scotland's senior football reporter Alasdair Lamont at Signal Iduna Park, Dortmund
Thomas Muller is phenomenal in the air and after a couple of misses, he punishes Scotland with a terrific looping header, though Russell Martin and Grant Hanley will be disappointed that Muller out-jumped the pair of them. That's got the home crowd going!
GOAL
Germany 1-0 Scotland (Mueller 17miins)
Germany draw first blood in Dortmund as Thomas Muller ghosts in between Scotland's two centre halves to meet Rudy's centre and his looping header sails beyond the helpless David Marshall.
GREAT SAVE!
Germany respond immediately and the rampaging left back Erik Durm fizzes in a low shot that David Marshall does well to parry.
The hosts are getting some mileage down the left as they search for the opening goal. A cracking Euro 2016 qualifier so far!
HITS THE WOODWORK
Suddenly, the Scots break and good work by Anya and Morrison allows Barry Bannan to get a shot on goal... that's deflected wide for a corner.
From the set piece, Charlie Mulgrew finds himself free inside the area but his flashing drive comes back off the post! Germany saved by the woodwork and the offside flag.
Encouraging signs for Gordon Strachan's troops...
Post update
Scotland will look to soak up German pressure before utilising the pace of Anya on the counter. Nevertheless, Gordon Strachan will be concerned at how deep the visitors are sitting with a little over 10 minutes gone.
If you're near the couch, might be an idea to dart behind it now and again...
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Thomas Muller spurns a second headed chance before Toni Kroos fires an angry, rising 25-yard effort high over David Marshall's goal.
CLOSE!
What a chance! Germany probe down Scotland's left and a sumptuous cross is begging to be headed home by the normally razor-sharp Thomas Mueller. However, despite peeling off Grant Hanley, the Bayern Munich man heads wide with the goal gaping. A huge let-off for Scotland. Joachi Low might roll those sleeves up after all.
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Germany manager Joachim Low is sporting a long-sleeved shirt in the dugout tonight. Normally he's got the sleeves rolled up - as though he's about to give someone a hand washing the Sunday dishes...
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Scotland skipper Darren Fletcher picks a German pocket in midfield and kills a home counter attack before it can venture into Scottish territory.
The opening five minutes has been frenetic and features, understandably, lots of German possession but nothing to scare Gordon Strachan.
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Scotland's first touch of this Euro 2016 qualifier comes via Ikechi Anya, who concedes a corner. Real Madrid's Toni Kroos can't make the set piece pay dividends as the Scots repel the danger.
Pass, pass, pass
The Germans are pinging the ball about with the kind of assured swagger you'd expect as World Cup-winners.
Nothing of note, as yet, to trouble Scotland goalkeeper David Marshall.
KICK-OFF
We're under way. Can Scotland shock the world champions, I wonder?
Almost there...
The National Anthems spark pride and some singing with gusto from the respective camps; we're just about ready to get this Euro 2016 qualifier under way.
Give us a song...
The Scotland fans in Dortmund are "giving it laldy" as they say. How are the nerves?
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Barry Mitchell: Looking forward to tonight's game. I want us to get a win but if we play well whatever the score then I'll be happy.
Delza: Bring it on come on Scotland #daretodream #AgainstAllOdds #WeCanDoThis #bbcsportscot
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Tom English
BBC Scotland
If Scotland get their defence right then they can get a result...
Tom wrote earlier this week about the last time Scotland saw off the world champions - in 1957 - when a certain Tommy Docherty captained the Scots.
"Docherty laughs at the memory of it. Getting some stick for only winning 3-1 in Germany. How times have changed..."
German tinkering
BBC Scotland's senior football reporter Alasdair Lamont at Signal Iduna Park, Dortmund
The German media have been quizzing Joachim Low about his defensive options this week and he's had to do a bit of tinkering tonight.
He's brought in the Hoffenheim midfielder Sebastian Rudy to play at right back, while Erik Durm - ripped to shreds by Angel di Maria on Wednesday - keeps his place at left back. Could those be areas where Scotland can get a bit of joy or am I being hopelessly optimistic?
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BBC Scotland's Chick Young has wondered aloud whether a win in Dortmund would be the greatest result in Scotland's history... would beating the reigning world champions top the lot for you?
Text 80295 of take to Twitter using @bbcthomasmcg using #bbcsportscot to offer your views...
Ireland off to a flier...
Aiden McGeady's late winner gave Scotland's Group D rivals the Republic of Ireland a 2-1 win over Georgia in Tbilisi.
The Everton winger put the Irish ahead with a composed finish before Georgia equalised when Tornike Okriashvili's dipping shot flew into the top corner.
McGeady went close three times in the second half before he completed his double in the last minute.
A bending strike from 18 yards sneaked in to secure a last-gasp victory.
It's beginning to bubble away nicely...
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Cardifff City
Good luck to David Marshall tonight as the @ScottishFA take on World Cup winners @DFB_Team. Go get 'em Marshy
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MackerOnTheMed: Positivity is a great thing but Scot are up against Ger let's be real! So they lost 4-2 the other night, back 2 business 2nite.
Dany @Doineann: Can I wish good luck for both? I am from Germany and love Scotland - really difficult for me here...
Safe pair of hands
David Marshall starts in goal for Scotland ahead of Allan McGregor while defender Russell Martin is fit to take his place in defence. Barry Bannan is included in the midfield and Steven Naismith leads the attack.
Germany make four changes following Wednesday's 4-2 defeat by Argentina with Sebastian Rudy, Thomas Muller, Jerome Boateng and Mario Gotze coming in. Mario Gomez is among those dropping out.
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BBC Scotland's senior football reporter Alasdair Lamont at Signal Iduna Park, Dortmund
What a place to get the Euro 2016 qualification campaign under way. This is a magnificent arena. Can't wait to see it fill up...
LINE-UPS
Teams from Dortmund
Germany: Neuer, Rudy, Howedes, Boateng, Durm, Kroos, Kramer, Gotze, Reus, Schurrle, Muller. Subs: Zieler, Grosskreutz, Ginter, Podolski, Sam, Rudiger, Gomez, Weidenfeller.
Scotland: Marshall, Hutton, Russell Martin, Whittaker, Hanley, Mulgrew, Morrison, Darren Fletcher, Bannan, Anya, Naismith. Subs: Allan McGregor, Greer, Maloney, Steven Fletcher, Bryson, McDonald, Burke, Reynolds, McArthur, Forsyth, Chris Martin, Gordon.
Referee: Svein Oddvar Moen (Norway)
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William O'Neill: 2-1 Scotland #bbcsportscot
Caleb: We'll probably get beat, but will support the team anyway. #bbcsportscot
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How will Scotland fare in Dortmund tonight? Can they get their Euro 2016 campaign off to a positive start? Will Gordon Strachan guide his side to their first finals since France 98?
Get in touch via text using 80295 or on Twitter @bbcthomasmcg using #bbcsportscot
German efficiency
With the national side still basking in the glory of winning the World Cup in Brazil, Germany manager Joachim Low is attempting to re-tune his champions.
Miroslav Klose, Per Mertesacker and captain Philipp Lahm have all retired, while Bayern Munich's combative midfielder Bastian Schweinsteiger is sidelined with a knee injury.
Mario Gomez and Marco Reus return to the squad having missed the World Cup success, and the hosts will aim to banish the blues following this week's 4-2 friendly defeat by Argentina.
Here we go...
Good evening and welcome to our live text commentary of Germany v Scotland.
The Scots begin the campaign in fine fettle: life under Strachan has yielded plaudits from fans and pundits alike, and a six-match unbeaten run to boot has given the Tartan Army an extra spring in their collective step.
Scotland 'in a good place'
Is there ever a good time to face the world champions?
Gordon Strachan's Scotland side enter the lion's den in Dortmund's Signal Iduna Park tonight, seeking to cause an eye-rubbing upset by beating Germany.
"For us it's a good time to be playing together," said Strachan ahead of the opening Euro 2016 qualifier.
"We're in a good place at the moment and we're respectful, we understand how good they are, but we're happy with what we've been doing in the last year."