Germany vs Scotland tips and predictions: Sauer start to hosts Euro 2024 campaign in Munich
- George Dempsey
- 12 June 2024
Euro 2024 hosts Germany kick off the tournament against one of qualifying’s surprise packages, Scotland, at the Allianz Arena in Munich on Friday (2000 BST)
Hosts Germany are emphatic favourites to top Group A at Euro 2024 and they’ll be expected to make light work of Scotland in the opening match.
However, including Euro 2020, which was hosted in multiple cities, there have been 12 instances of a host nation failing to win their opening match.
The Scots will put forth a stubborn rearguard action for as long as they can in a hostile atmosphere but could be lost in the occasion if the Germans take the lead.
Steve Clarke’s side were the surprise package in qualifying, beating Spain at Hampden Park and producing a stunning comeback against Norway, but it’s been all downhill since.
The Tartan Army produced five wins on the spin to book their place on the plane yet since beating Cyprus 2-0, England, Spain, France and the Netherlands have humbled them.
Julian Nagelsmann’s side are of a similar ilk and if they respond well to the occasion and settle early, it’ll take a mighty effort from the visitors.
Regardless of recent form, this is largely the same Scotland squad that failed to utilise home advantage at Euro 2020 when losing 2-0 to Czechia and 3-1 to Croatia.
No one expects them to beat FIFA’s top-ranking nations regularly, but recent setbacks against Northern Ireland and Finland were disappointing.
It’s hard to know which version of either side will turn up on Friday, especially as both teams managing the occasion is such a factor, but we think it’ll be easier for Scotland to settle.
Top teams can take time to get going at major tournaments, so coming up against such an organised, deep-lying side early on could be a challenge for Germany.
The outcome isn’t as cut and dry as the odds suggest, so we’ll back Clarke’s men to throw the cat among the pigeons by scoring the first goal of the tournament.
Germany’s defence has always been their achilles heel. They've conceded in 12 of their last 14 matches, during which time they allowed Japan to score three, while Turkey and Belgium netted three.
Euro 2024 In Play: Bet £10 In Play Germany v Scotland, get a £5 free bet if there is a 1st half goal
Team news
Ilkay Gundogan is set to captain a full-fit Germany squad on Friday.
According to reports, Germany’s Antonio Rudiger and Niclas Fullkrug had a physical altercation in training this week.
Kai Havertz, Florian Wirtz, Toni Kroos and Manuel Neuer will all feature.
Scotland will be desperate to see Andrew Robertson’s name on the teamsheet on Friday after he and Lawrence Shankland were injured in training on Monday.
Callum McGregor is also doubtful.
Che Adams, Scott McTominay, John McGinn and Kieran Tierney are expected to start.
Key stats
- Both teams have scored in the last four meetings
- Germany won the most recent meetings, 3-2 and 2-1, in 2015
- Germany have kept two clean sheets in their last four matches
- Japan, Turkey, Belgium, Austria, Mexico and Colombia scored two or more
- Scotland scored in seven of their eight Euro 2024 qualifiers
