Germany vs Scotland: A look at the Euro 2024 curtain raiser

Euro 2024 is almost upon us, and for hosts Germany, there is a chance to win the competition for the first time since 1996. It’s been a period of transition over the last few years, with Hansi Flick unable to orchestrate any real change in a side that won the 2014 World Cup in Brazil, and now former Bayern Munich coach Julian Nagelsmann is tasked with winning on home soil.

The Germans are amongst the favourites in the Euro 2024 winner odds, and with a strong squad, they certainly have what it takes to reach the final in Berlin later this summer. Nagelsmann’s cutthroat approach to squad selection means a plethora of senior players have been left out of his side, including Borussia Dortmund duo Mats Hummels and Marco Reus. It will be interesting to see if that gamble pays off for the young coach.

There is an exciting blend of efficiency and youthful exuberance for Germany, who begin their Euro 2024 campaign in the tournament’s curtain raiser against Scotland. The match in Bavaria will go a long way to seeing what this side can do in Group A alongside Switzerland, and World Cup semi-finalists Croatia.

Here, we assess Germany’s opening game against Scotland and see which side could start their Euros campaign in style.

Scotland analysis

The Tartan Army have quietly gone about their business and know many Euro 2024 betting offers will have them as underdogs heading into this one. Scotland are enjoying their own golden generation of players, with Steve Clarke managing to qualify for consecutive European Championships for the first time this century.

While the Scots were disappointed that they were unable to reach the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, they have a heap of Premier League talent, coupled with some skilful youngsters that stand them in good stead for the future.

Captain Andrew Robertson is joined by Aston Villa’s John McGinn, as well as Scott McTominay, whose seven goals in the qualifying rounds were crucial to Scotland’s progression. He joined the likes of Harry Kane and Kylian Mbappe as some of the top scorers for qualifying.

Clarke will know this game is something of a free hit though. Not many expect Scotland to win against Germany on home soil, and recent injuries to Lyndon Dykes and Lewis Ferguson only inflict more damage on the squad depth. Perhaps their best chance is to go for it and then approach the other two games differently later on.

German analysis

The Germans have great strength in depth all over the pitch, as demonstrated by the quality of players they have been able to leave out. The likes of Timo Werner, Julian Brandt, and Serge Gnabry will all be watching from home this summer, as İlkay Gündoğan looks to lift the trophy in front of the home fans.

Nagelsmann plays very attacking, aggressive football, so expect Germany to come out of the blocks fast, with Gündoğan crucial to linking attack and defence. The Barcelona man was injured for his nation’s World Cup win a decade ago, providing him with extra incentive to get the job done.

Goals on the night will likely come from Arsenal forward Kai Havertz. The 24-year-old enjoyed a strong debut campaign in north London in which he challenged for the Premier League title, and with Florian Witz and Niclas Füllkrug offering dynamism and physicality on either side, the Scots should be easy enough to break down.

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Overall, the opening game of Euro 2024 looks to be an exciting prospect. Expect an attack vs defence scenario for large portions of the game. Clarke’s side have shown they can beat the biggest teams after their win over Spain in qualifying, and if Germany are wasteful or complacent at any point in the game, Scotland will be sure to punish them on the break. However, Germany should have too much quality for them on the night and we can see them picking up all three points.