EURO 2024 kicks off with a bang as hosts Germany take on Scotland in Munich.
The winner will give themselves a fantastic chance of qualifying for the knock-out round, so the pressure is on.
Germany already carry the weight of expectation that comes with being the host nation.
It is the first time they will host a major tournament since the 2006 World Cup, when they reached the semi-finals.
That will be the minimum goal for Julian Nagelsmann and his side, though Germany have struggled in recent years.
They were knocked out in the group stage of the previous two World Cups, while England beat Die Mannschaft 2-0 at Wembley at Euro 2020.
However with the likes of Mats Hummels, Jamal Musiala and Kai Havertz enjoying impressive campaigns for their clubs this season, there is a chance they could go far in the tournament.
Scotland will have something to say about that with a lot of excitement surrounding Steve Clarke’s side.
A superb qualifying campaign saw them finish second in their group ahead of a Norway team boasting Erling Haaland and Martin Odegaard.
They also proved they can compete with the best after a convincing 2-0 win over Spain at Hampden in March last year.
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And while Scott McTominay grabbed the headlines with seven goals in qualifying, the midfield duo of John McGinn and Billy Gilmour have been key to Scotland’s resurgence.
Path to the Euros
Germany qualified for the tournament as hosts but have played several top teams over the last few months in preparation.
They beat France and the Netherlands in March before drawing with Ukraine 0-0 on Monday, but appear to have got over the hiccup which saw them lose to Turkey and Austria in successive matches last year.
Meanwhile Scotland lost just once in qualifying – in Spain, winning five of their eight games.
However their form has dropped off since with defeats to Northern Ireland and the Netherlands, with the 2-0 win over Gibraltar a much needed confidence booster.
Team news
Forward Serge Gnabry has been ruled out of the tournament in a big blow to Germany.
The Bayern Munich star suffered a torn hamstring in the Champions League semi-final against Real Madrid and is facing weeks out.
While a thigh injury kept Timo Werner out of Tottenham’s final five games of the season, so he now faces a race against time to be fit.
Scotland were also dealt a setback last week with the injury to Lyndon Dykes, who now looks set to miss the Euros.
Lewis Ferguson will also be a big miss for The Tartan Army after undergoing knee surgery which could keep him out of action for six to seven months.
Ones to watch
Germany have a number of exciting players, perhaps none more so than Florian Wirtz who was a key part of Bayer Leverkusen’s invincible Bundesliga-winning team.
The 21-year-old scored 11 goals and produced 12 assists in the league this season, and has 17 caps to his name, with one goal.
Finding a way to get the best out of him and fellow midfielder Musiala will be pivotal for Nagelsmann, and the role Havertz plays could be key.
Mikel Arteta got Havertz back to his best this season operating as a false nine, but Nagelsmann has tended to prefer playing Nicolas Fullkrig as the focal point in attack.
For Scotland their midfield could be decisive in winning games.
Even without Ferguson the likes of Gilmour and McGinn will look to wrestle control of possession, with McTominay the key source of goals.
Captain Andy Robertson is ever reliable and Bournemouth’s Ryan Christie can produce moments of magic too.
Head-to-head
Germany will be favourites for the clash and history backs them up.
They have won eight out of 17 games against Scotland, losing just four of those with their most recent defeat in 1999.
Germany have won their last three meetings with Scotland, winning home and away in qualifying for Euro 2016.
SunSport prediction
Germany have not fared too well in recent major tournaments but with the help of home support they should prove too much for Scotland. 2-0.
When is Germany vs Scotland?
- Germany’s opening clash with Scotland will take place on Friday, June 14.
- The game will kick off at 8pm BST.
- The Allianz Arena in Munich, Germany will play host.
What channel is it and can it be live streamed?
- Germany vs Scotland will be shown live on ITV 1 and ITV 1 HD in the UK.
- You can live stream all the action from the ITV X app, which is available for download onto your mobile or tablet device.
Can I watch for FREE?
- Yes! The game is FREE to watch on ITV1, so long as you have a valid TV licence.
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Odds
- Germany – 1/4
- Draw – 9/2
- Scotland – 17/2
*Odds courtesy of Ladbrokes and correct at time of publication.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
