Scotland hoping to upset Germany in Euro 2024 opener.
As UEFA Euro 2024's opening clash unfolds this Friday at Allianz Arena, host nation Germany seeks to embark on a quest for a record fourth European title against an underdog Scotland eager to shake up Group A's expectations.
Germany
Host nation Germany will roll out the red carpet for the maiden game of the tournament this Friday when they go head-to-head with Scotland. Die Mannschaft, who qualified automatically, are now ready to prove themselves worthy enough to become the first nation to win the European title four times.
New boss Julian Nagelsmann took a no-nonsense approach in putting together a competitive squad, going as far as leaving out the likes of Mats Hummels and Julian Brandt. This will be the third time these two sides clash in a major tournament, with Germany emerging as winners twice in the past.
Placed in Group A, along with Switzerland and Hungary, Germany are making a record 14th appearance at the European Championship. A win for the Germans will set the right tone as they look to win their first European title since 1996.
The host nation will begin the one-month-long contest with a four-game unbeaten run (LWWDW) where they defeated the likes of France, Netherlands, and Greece. They scored six goals in those five matches while conceding four times.
In Friday’s 2-1 comeback win against Greece, Germany lined up in a 4—2—3—1 formation, leaving Kai Havertz in attack. A similar shape is expected for this fixture against Scotland.
"We’re heading into the tournament full of confidence and positivity and are aware that our fate is in our own hands," Niclas Füllkrug, who could replace Kai Havertz in attack, said ahead of Friday’s clash.
Scotland
Scotland are obviously the underdogs in this contest of ninety minutes, especially having won only once in their last five games (DLLWD). The Tartan Army secured five victories out of eight matches during the qualifying round (W5, D2, L1). They will be keen to upset not only Germany on Friday but also the ultimate outcome of Group A.
"Absolutely, stranger things have happened in football," forward Lewis Morgan said about Scotland's chances of running away with more points than imagined. However, Scotland have only won one of their last 13 games against Die Mannschaft [1W, 4D, 8L].
While Scotland’s squad may pale in comparison to the Germans, Steve Clarke will be counting on Scott McTominay once again. The Manchester United player was the Tartan Army’s top scorer in the qualifying round, scoring seven goals.
Steve Clarke deployed a 3-4-2-1 formation with Lawrence Shankland in attack for last Friday’s 2-2 draw against Finland and is expected to do so again here.
Team form
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