Euro 2024 kicks off in Germany when the hosts take on Scotland at Munich’s Allianz Arena in Group A, June 14, 2024 Friday.
After group stage exits in two of the last three major tournaments, Germany will hope to summon the spirit of the 2006 FIFA World Cup – when Jürgen Klinsmann’s hosts defied the odds to reach the semi-finals – as they go in search of a record-breaking fourth EURO triumph.
Julian Nagelsmann did not get off to the best of starts after replacing Hansi Flick as coach last year, but wins against France and the Netherlands in March hint at a brighter future under the 36-year-old former Bayern boss. Victory in Munich would certainly raise hopes of a deep run into the tournament.
Hopes are certainly high in the Scotland camp after a sensational qualifying campaign that included victories over three-time winners Spain, Norway and Georgia. The first manager to guide the Tartan Army to back-to-back European Championships, Steve Clarke has built a settled squad and developed a system that brings out the best in the likes of Aston Villa captain John McGinn and Manchester United midfielder Scott McTominay, who plundered seven goals in eight qualifying appearances. Can Clarke’s team cause another upset here?
If Scotland are to get a result against the hosts, they will need to return to the performance levels that saw them string together five consecutive victories at the start of their qualification campaign.
Credit: uefa.com
