The much-anticipated Euro 2024 finally kicks off in Munich on Friday, 14th June, with hosts Germany taking on Scotland. This Group A clash is expected to go the way of the home side, but Steve Clarke’s men have nothing to lose and won’t go down without a fight.
There’s no doubt all the pressure will be on Julian Nagelsmann and his team, and at times in the past, such expectation has caused Die Mannschaft to underperform. They lost their opening World Cup matches in 2018 (to Mexico) and 2022 (to Japan), as well as their opening game at the last Euros, although that was against France.
Germany’s tournament opener jitters will certainly give the Tartan Army hope of causing an upset, but do the out-of-form Scots possess enough quality to get the job done in Munich?
- Location: Munich
- Stadium: Munich Football Arena (Allianz Arena)
- Date: 14 June 2024
- Kick-off Time: 21:00 CEST (20:00 BST)
- Referee: Clément Turpin
- VAR: Jér?me Brisard
Germany Team News
There were no last-minute injury woes for Nagelsmann ahead of the Germany squad assembling for the tournament, though Bayern Munich midfielder Aleksandar Pavlovic has been struck down with tonsillitis, which will probably rule him out. Barcelona’s ?lkay Gündo?an will wear the captain’s armband, while it’s unclear at present who will lead the attack, with Niclas Fullkrug and Kai Havertz both in contention. I think Havertz, whose form has improved markedly this term at Arsenal, will be given the nod.
Scotland Team News
Steve Clarke has not been quite so lucky on the injury front. The withdrawal from the squad of QPR striker Lyndon Dykes was a big blow, with Liverpool winger Ben Doak also missing the cut due to injury. In better news, Andy Robertson, Stuart Armstrong, and Scott McTominay (who scored seven times in 10 games for Scotland in 2023) are fit to play after injury scares.
Clarke has a few big decisions to make at both ends of the pitch. There’s healthy competition for places and I think the Scotland boss will go with Jack Hendry at the back ahead of Grant Hanley, with the in-form Lawrence Shankland being edged out by Che Adams up top.
Germany vs Scotland H2H Record and Key Numbers
Germany and Scotland have met on 17 occasions over the years, with Germany having won eight and Scotland four, with five draws. Here are the last five matches between the sides.
Date | Result | Competition |
07 Sep 2015 | Scotland 2-3 Germany | UEFA European Championship – Qualifying |
07 Sep 2014 | Germany 2-1 Scotland | UEFA European Championship – Qualifying |
10 Sep 2003 | Germany 2-1 Scotland | UEFA European Championship – Qualifying |
07 Jun 2003 | Scotland 1-1 Germany | UEFA European Championship – Qualifying |
28 Apr 1999 | Germany 0-1 Scotland | International Friendly |
Possible Lineups
- Germany (4-2-3-1): Neuer – Kimmich, Tah, Rudiger, Mittelstadt – Kroos, Andrich – Musiala, Gundogan, Wirtz – Havertz
- Scotland (3-3-3-1): Gunn – Hendry, McKenna, Tierney – Ralston, McTominay, Robertson – Gilmour McGinn, McGregor – Adams
Where to Watch Germany vs Scotland Euro 2024 – TV and Online Live Streaming
The match will be broadcast on Telekom Deutschland’s MagentaSport in Germany, as well as Servus TV and ZDF, and on ITV 1 in the United Kingdom (including Scotland).
Prediction
Germany is the red-hot favourite to kick off the Euros with a comfortable victory, and I find little to suggest that Scotland will have enough to cause an upset. Having said that, the Scots are fired up and will cause problems for the home side, so it could be closer than many predict. I think a 2-1 victory to Germany is on the cards.
For more betting tips and odds, you can check out the Germany vs Scotland predictions page.