Euro 2024 kicks off on Friday night as Germany take on Scotland at the Allianz Arena in Group A.
The situation is not so good in Germany compared to the start of the 2006 World Cup – the last major tournament hosted by the European Championships three times – but a bright start this summer will undoubtedly attract the country.
A productive March saw hope rise from the abyss following a dismal 2023, with Germany struggling to establish themselves on the international stage since being crowned world champions in 2014.
Julian Nagelsmann has a talented squad at his disposal, boosted by Toni Kroos’ return to international action, and they are expected to show up on Friday when they open the curtains despite their good performances against Ukraine and Greece heading into the tournament. .
Scotland lack motivation in Group A, and manager Steve Clarke has set himself a realistic target of four points in a bid to qualify for the round of 16. The Scots crashed out of Euro 2020, conceding just once on their way to the group stage. off the stage, but an impressive qualifying campaign has left some hoping they could pull off a surprise or two this summer.
Here it is 90 min preview of Friday’s Euro 2024 opener.
Germany vs Scotland H2H Record (Last Five Matches)
Current form (all competitions)
|
In Germany |
In Scotland |
|---|---|
|
Germany 2-1 Greece – 07/06/24 |
Scotland 2-2 Finland – 07/06/24 |
|
Germany 0-0 Ukraine – 03/06/24 |
Gibraltar 0-2 Scotland – 03/06/24 |
|
Germany 2-1 Netherlands – 26/03/24 |
Scotland 0-1 Northern Ireland – 26/03/24 |
|
France 0-2 Germany – 23/03/24 |
Netherlands 4-0 Scotland – 22/03/24 |
|
Austria 2-0 Germany – 21/11/23 |
Scotland 3-3 Norway – 19/11/23 |
|
The country |
TV channel/live streaming |
|---|---|
|
United Kingdom |
ITV1, ITVX, STV, STV Player |
|
United States |
Foxsports.com, FOX Sports App, FOX Network |
|
Canada |
TVA+, TSN4, TVA Sports, TSN1 |
Nagelsmann’s 26-man squad is loaded with attacking talent, with Florian Wirtz and Jamal Musiala set to complement Kai Havertz up top. Havertz will serve as a false nine on Friday.
Bayern Munich midfielder Aleksandar Pavlovic is out of the tournament due to tonsillitis, his place has been taken by Emre Can.
Jonathan Tah will partner Antonio Rudiger at center back, while Maximilian Mittelstadt will provide width from left back.
Germany predicted to face Scotland (4-2-3-1): Neuer; Kimmich, Tah, Rudiger, Mittelstadt; Kroos, Andrich; Wirtz, Gundogan, Musiala; Havertz.
Scotland suffered a few injuries before the tournament with Lyndon Dykes and Ben Doak both out of Clarke’s squad.
Dykes’ absence should pave the way for Lawrence Shankland to lead the line, with John McGinn and Ryan Christie set to cover the striker.
Ryan Jack missed practice on Tuesday before the start of Friday’s tournament, but his game status is not in doubt. He should be an option for Clarke off the bench.
Scotland predicted to face Germany (3-4-2-1): Gunn; Hendry, Hanley, Tierney; Ralston, McTominay, Gilmour, Robertson; McGinn, Christie; Shankland.
March has given hope that Germany will enjoy a successful home run at the Euros this summer, but their warm-up performances have suggested that Nagelsmann’s side are still a work in progress with the manager trying to find the right balance.
Therefore, the management may be a team that improves as the tournament progresses.
However, Germany, in front of their home crowd, should be able to grind down a stubborn Scotland outfit to settle for a point. The Scots could exploit Germany’s vulnerability in defensive transition, but Clarke’s side are unlikely to win in Munich.
Athletes can hunker down, and eventually find success at the end of the competition.
Prediction: Germany 2-0 Scotland
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