Predictions and Pre-match Analysis
Germany vs Scotland opens the EURO 2024 tournament in Munich on June 14. Germany’s betting odds improved significantly when Toni Kross announced he would come out of retirement after three years. Still, Die Mannschaft has won just three out of the last 11 games. Nagelsmann told his players to study Germany’s basketball team, which won the World Cup. In contrast, Scotland is looking to make it out of a major international tournament group state for the first time in their history. If it works, the Tartan Army could clash with England, Denmark, Serbia, Slovenia, Spain, Italy, Croatia, or Albania.
Based on the trend, the host could bring the heat and beat Scotland as they have over the last matches. That said, we could also see an upset. Die Mannschaft have lower odds to win since they are the favorites. The winning probability is 76.34% (Germany), 8.33% (Scotland), and 16.67% (draw). One thing we’re confident of is that the opening match will be a goal-fest. Likely factors that may affect the result include home advantage, future injuries, availability, and weather conditions. Scotland may face additional pressure playing away from home. At the end of the day, it comes down to tactical approaches by the coaches. Likewise, the mental resilience in the high-stakes match.
Germany Latest Team News
There has been somewhat of a resurgence from German players in the final half of the domestic season, with Wirtz returning from injury and finding his form right away and Havertz emerging as a genuine match winner for Arsenal. There are plenty of attacking options for Julian Nagelsmann and he’ll need to find a way to get the best from his younger players.
Defensively the German side still look a little suspect and much depends on the form of Antonio Rudiger, who has become the lynchpin in a back four that has seen a few changes over the past couple of years. Both full back positions haven’t had as much consistency as Nagelsmann would’ve liked, with Benjamin Henrichs, Maxi Mittelstadt, Joshua Kimmich and Jonathan Tah all playing at various points.
Germany’s success in their opening match could well come with how well they cope with Scotland’s midfield press. If they can manage that obstacle, they certainly have the attacking players able to break down the Scottish defence.
Scotland Latest Team News
Scotland might not have the household names in key positions that their opponents will possess on June 14 but there is a certain industry and togetherness that could see Steve Clarke’s side do well.
The likes of Scott McTominay, who may be called upon to present a goal threat, and John McGinn aren’t likely to give up the game at any point but the team does lack a genuine goal threat. Lyndon Dykes and Che Adams will be contested the striking berth this summer but neither has really ever proved themselves consistently on the international stage.
Defensively, Ryan Porteous has emerged as the most important part of the backline, being an ever present in their qualifying campaign. The back line certainly isn’t rock solid though and Scotland are expected to line up with five at the back for the most part.