If the sight of John McGinn shouting with joy and slapping his thighs as he danced in a traditional Bavarian ceremony is any indication, Scotland arrived in Germany for EURO 2024 in good spirits.
Now comes the difficult part: facing the hosts in Munich, in the opening game of the tournament, in a ridiculously difficult Group A.
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Germany have improved as they approach the big kick-off and Julian Nagelsmann will be delighted to see where his team are as expectations rise. But Germany will be severely tested in the group stage, with a robust Scotland, a dangerous Hungary and an experienced Switzerland to come. Players such as Florian Wirtz, Jamal Musiala and Leroy Sane will lead the attack, while Antonio Rudiger, Ilkay Gundogan, Toni Kroos, Joshua Kimmich and Manuel Neuer provide invaluable experience.
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Scotland will view a draw in their opener against Germany as a great result, especially as Steve Clarke has lost so many key players to injuries in recent weeks. The Tartan Army will be out loud in Munich as they celebrate winning their second major tournament in the last 26 years. But Clarke wants Scotland to exit the group, unlike their return to form at EURO 2020 when they limped out of the group stage.
How to watch Germany vs Scotland, broadcast link and start time
Start: 3pm ET, Friday (June 14)
Stadium: Allianz Arena, Munich
How to watch on TV in the US: Fox Sports
German national team news, focus
Nagelsmann found a nice mix of youth and experience in his formation, with Gundogan, Kroos and Pascal Gross being the creative and experienced center of this team. Kai Havertz, Musiala, Sane, Wirtz and Niclas Fullkrug are the main attacking threats and Germany appear to have timed their rise to perfection as they have been slow to establish themselves under Nagelsmann. Defensively there are some concerns, but with the support of the home fans, many are advising Germany to have a good campaign once again.
Scottish national team news, focus
Losing Lyndon Dykes, Nathan Patterson, Lewis Ferguson and Aaron Hickey to injury was a huge blow for Clarke, but Scotland have enough experience across their squad to put in a solid and robust display against Germany. Captain Andy Robertson has won it all, John McGinn is a leader in midfield, with Callum McGregor and Billy Gilmour busy alongside him and Kieran Tierney reliable in defence. Where will the objectives come from? That has been the big problem for this team as Che Adams and Lawrence Shankland are tasked with providing the threat up top. If Manchester United’s Scott McTominay can shake off his injuries, he will also be a key player in the final third, and if Scotland can hold on in this game, they will be dangerous from set pieces and on the counterattack.
Germany vs Scotland Prediction
This will be a tighter game than many expect and Scotland will have a 5-4-1 formation, but Germany’s extra attacking intelligence will get them over the line. Just. Germany 2-1 Scotland.
