Thomas Muller (2) & Ilkay Gundogan Secure Germany 3-2 Win over Battling Scotland

Scotland's hopes of qualifying for Euro 2016 were all but finished after defeat to Germany at Hampden Park.

Bayern Munich forward Thomas Muller gave Germany an 18th-minute lead with a tame strike that took a cruel deflection off Scotland defender Russell Martin, wrong-footing goalkeeper David Marshall and finding it's way into the back of the net.

Scotland weren't disheartened, however, and equalised soon after when Germany goalkeeper Manuel Neuer could only push Shaun Maloney's bouncing free-kick straight back at Mats Hummels, the ball rebounding into the net.

"

El AUTO-GOL de Mats Hummels en propia puerta. #Escocia 2-2 #Alemania. #Euro2016. https://t.co/Cp6fioJaiR

— Mercado Fútbol® ⚽ (@Mercado_Futbool) September 7, 2015"

Germany replied decisively, Muller nodding home his second via the post after Marshall's initial save.

"

And just like that, Germany scores a goal from Thomas Muller to put them back into the lead (2-1) against Scotland https://t.co/8MtxpoRpUi

— World Soccer Talk (@worldsoccertalk) September 7, 2015"

That wasn't the end of the first half action, however, as Scotland responded again, James McArthur firing a brilliant half-volley past Neuer to equalise for a second time.

"

Deflection, no deflection? Who cares!! James McArthur makes it Scotland 2 Germany 2!! pic.twitter.com/3TokjuDwRM

— ByTheMin SPFL (@ByTheMinSPFL) September 7, 2015"

The side's went into half-time level at 2-2, but it took the visitors only nine minutes of the second half to pull in front for a third time. Muller turned provider, picking out Ilkay Gundogan to side foot home off the post.

"

Fine move and finish, Scotland chasing shadows. Gundogan scores 3-2 Germany. pic.twitter.com/Y3RSVaqWTx

— ByTheMin SPFL (@ByTheMinSPFL) September 7, 2015"

Scotland searched for an equaliser but were kept at bay by a resolute German defence, effectively ending their chances of qualifying for next summer's European Championships.

World Champions Germany need three points from their final twogames to be sure of qualification.

[Twitter]