Germany vs Scotland Preview
Euro 2024 is approaching fast and all eyes will be on the host nation this Friday. Germany hosts Scotland on June 14th at 8:00 pm in Munich. The tournament’s first game will see the three-time European Champions try to lift the trophy for the first time since 1996. Meanwhile, Scotland hopes to escape the group stage for the first time.
These are two flawed teams, but on paper, Germany is much stronger. They’ve improved drastically over the past six months under Julian Nagelsmann. Meanwhile, Scotland qualified in style, but their form has fallen off a cliff since then.
Germany might be better than Scotland, but they have problems. They’ve also lost the opening game of their past three international tournaments. Can Scotland pull off a massive shock in this compelling soccer game?
Germany vs Scotland Key Stats and Head-to-Head
It’s been an interesting period for Die Mannschaft. They’re a different team under Julian Nagelsmann who has led them through 2024 unbeaten. Germany defeated France and the Netherlands in this calendar year. Finally, it looks like they have a coherent system.
Scotland is suffering a dip in confidence. Their last two friendlies saw them beat Gibraltar and tie with Finland after letting a lead slip. Before the uninspiring Gibraltar victory, they went seven games without a win. There is some anxiety amongst the Scotland fanbase because they’re desperate to escape the group.
This German team has a strong spine with Manuel Neuer in goal and Antonio Rudiger in the heart of defence. Toni Kroos is coming off one of the best seasons of his career. He rocked the football world by announcing his retirement after Euro 2024. The world-class central midfielder is determined to finish on a high.
Kai Havertz will lead the line for Germany as a false nine. The Arsenal star isn’t the most prolific forward, but he has other attributes. There are some concerns about Germany’s ability to score goals. Niclas Füllkrug is the other option, but he only scored 12 goals for Borussia Dortmund this year.
Midfield appears to be Scotland’s greatest strength. John McGinn had a magnificent year with Aston Villa as he helped his team reach the Champions League. Scott McTominay is a polarising figure at his club but gives everything for Scotland. Billy Gilmour will probably complete the midfield three and offer a goal threat. Steve Clarke is desperate for his midfielders to get on the scoresheet because his forwards aren’t clinical. Che Adams only has six goals in 30 appearances for Scotland, but offers good movement and hold-up play.
Manuel Neuer has been one of Germany’s greatest servants and is one of the best goalkeepers ever. However, the 119-cap veteran has made several high-profile mistakes in his past few games. Nagelsmann confirmed that the Bayern Munich star will be his starting keeper. Marc-André ter Stegen is putting him under massive pressure.
Scotland suffered a clutch of injuries before this tournament. Right-back is a major issue for the team, as Aaron Hickey and Nathan Patterson are unavailable. Ross McCrorie or Tony Ralston will step in against Germany. Liverpool’s Andrew Robertson will provide width and quality on the left.
The managers will also have a massive influence on this game. Julian Nagelsmann arrived on an interim basis but agreed to extend his stay. The 36-year-old is one of the youngest head coaches in international football but has an incredibly bright mind. Nagelsmann demonstrated his character with some huge calls when he announced his squad. He left out the divisive Mats Hummels and big names like Leon Goretzka and Emre Can. Nobody can accuse him of being weak.
Steve Clarke has massive respect on the international stage after helping Scotland fulfil its potential. He stabilised the squad and now they’ve qualified for back-to-back European Championships. Clarke has a dour persona, but he’s a wily tactician.
This will be a fascinating game between two teams with big ambitions. Germany is more glamorous, but Scotland could disrupt them and cause problems. Don’t forget, the Germans are playing in front of their home crowd. This could motivate them, but it also creates pressure.
Germany vs Scotland Predictions
Predicted Score: Germany 2 – 0 Scotland
We predict Germany will comfortably win this game. They have more quality in all areas of the field and should have too much for Scotland. The Scots will give a fearless performance but it won’t be enough to beat Die Mannschaft. Making Euro 2024 predictions on the first fixture is never straightforward, but the host nation looks sharp.
Kai Havertz and Florian Wirtz are elite forwards who will trouble Scotland’s defence. Clarke’s centre-backs mostly play in the SPL and the Championship, so this is a problem area for the team. There’s also a massive opportunity for Jamal Musiala to have a breakout tournament and announce himself to the world.
Scotland must close Toni Kroos and prevent him from orchestrating their downfall. The Real Madrid maestro is one of the best passers in the sport. John McGinn and Scott McTominay can disrupt him, but this may come at a cost. The Tartan Army depends on their midfield for goals and they may have too much to do.
Scotland will probably exert a lot of effort against their opponents. However, the Germans have too much cutting edge and will show their quality at key moments in this game. Conversely, Steve Clarke will treat this game as a free hit. The Scots will target four points against Switzerland and Hungary. Anything they get from this game is a bonus.
The hosts want to put on a show for their fans and kick off the tournament in style. This is ominous for Scotland, who could experience an arduous night in Munich. Live betting is a good option for this game if the Scots take a shock lead.
Germany vs Scotland Betting Tips
Germany should win this game against Scotland because they are one of Europe’s strongest sides. They enter this match as 1/4 favourites against the Tartan Army. This means that a €10 stake could win €2.50. Betting on Germany to win outright isn’t the most lucrative option. If you think Scotland could pull off a massive shock, they’re available at 10/1 with a potential €100 profit. A draw is their most likely positive result, and this is 9/2 on the betting site.
There are plenty of profitable ways to back Germany in this game. Consider betting on our predicted 2-0 scoreline at 9/2. This time, a successful €10 stake would make €45. The over/under goals market is another great way to make some cash. Going for over 1.5 goals is worth 6/4 with potential returns of €15 at our online sports betting site.
Both teams had goal-scoring issues over the past few months. Kai Havertz remains Germany’s principal threat. It’s 11/10 for him to score at any time against Scotland. Meanwhile, Niclas Füllkrug could come off the bench to seal the win. The same bet on the Dortmund star is available at 5/4 with a potential €12.50 profit. Che Adams isn’t the most prolific international goal scorer but remains the focal point of Scotland’s attacks. It’s 4/1 for him to snatch a goal against Die Mannschaft. Scott McTominay has an excellent recent record for the Scots, so it might be wise to bet on him at 5/1.
Placing bets on the Euros will be exciting. There are 51 games in 30 days and any team could make it out of the group stage. As this is the first fixture, now is a good time to sign up and claim our welcome bonus. New users can use this welcome offer on any sport or market available.
We're off to Germany 🛫#EURO2024 pic.twitter.com/VPcWPJEEIH
— Scotland National Team (@ScotlandNT) June 9, 2024
Germany Team News and Predicted Line-Up
Julian Nagelsmann has some big decisions in this game against Scotland. Manuel Neuer will start in goal despite his recent patchy form. Joshua Kimmich didn’t have the best club season with Bayern Munich, but he is one of this team’s leaders.
Bayer Leverkusen makes up the core of this German side for the first time with the likes of Jonathan Tah and Florian Wirtz emerging as key figures. Germany doesn’t have any major injury concerns ahead of this game.
- Predicted Line-Up: Manuel Neuer, Joshua Kimmich, Antonio Rudiger, Jonathan Tah, Max Mittelstadt, Robert Andrich, Toni Kroos, Jamal Musiala, Ilkay Gundogan, Florian Wirtz, and Kai Havertz.
Scotland Team News and Predicted Line-Up
Steve Clarke has the unenviable task of stemming the tide against this German team. He also has several injury concerns. Andy Robertson is the biggest immediate concern after he picked up a knock in training. However, the Liverpool star should be available for their opening fixture.
Right-back is a problem for Scotland after Aaron Hickey and Nathan Patterson’s injuries. Tony Ralston is in pole position to start against the Germans, but Ross McCrorie is another option. Scott McTominay didn’t play in Scotland’s final friendly against Finland but should also be fit for this opening game.
- Predicted Line-Up: Angus Gunn, Jack Hendry, Scott McKenna, Kieran Tierney, Tony Ralston, Scott McTominay, Andrew Robertson, Callum McGregor, Billy Gilmour, John McGinn, and Che Adams.
