Scotland’s captain, Andy Robertson, has shared that he is in peak condition, ready to lead his team in what promises to be a fierce and competitive encounter. His confidence and current top form are set to inspire his teammates and provide an edge in this high-stakes clash.
Of the 24 teams participating in Euro 2024, Germany is the team with the most participation in the final round. Die Mannscahft has participated in the European football finals 13 times , 2 times more than the second ranked team (Spain, 11 participations). The German team has won the championship three times (1972, 1980, 1996), but the last time they were crowned in the European arena was 28 years ago.
Under Joachim Low’s reign, Germany won the world championship in 2014, but they only appeared in the Euro final once, which took place in 2008 (lost to Spain). Certainly, the German team is now very hungry for the Euro championship title, especially when they are the host country. Of course, to keep the big dream alive, Nagelsmann and his team must prove their strength and ambition from the first match.
After winning the World Cup 10 years ago, the German team began to decline sharply in the continental and world arenas, leading to the departure of veteran coach Low. The decline of the German team continued during Hansi Flick’s time (World Cup 2022 and the series of matches in early 2023). However, before Euro 2024, Germany had positive results with 4 consecutive unbeaten matches, including 3 wins and a draw.
Nagelsmann’s team defeated France and the Netherlands in March, drew with Ukraine and won against Greece earlier this month. As hosts, Germany does not need to compete in qualifying, but recent positive results against a series of top European teams, combined with home advantage, have given Die Mannscahft their position. a leading candidate competing for the championship. Notably, home field has great significance for Germany as they have at least reached the semi-finals of three major tournaments as the host country.
When the tournament host is desperate to regain glory, the ambitions of the guests – Scotland – are much smaller. Scotland has only participated in the Euro three times (1992, 1996, 2020). At this year’s tournament, coach Steve Clarke’s team is looking to get past the group stage for the first time.
Scotland won one group stage in the 1992 and 1996 tournaments, however in the tournament three years ago they had only one draw and two defeats, finishing bottom in the group with England, Croatia and Czech Republic. However, although history is not a big fulcrum, Scotland can still be an ominous opponent for the home team tonight when they have proven their strength when they find sublimation.
Indeed, Euro 2008 and 2012 champions Spain were among Scotland’s victims during their incredible five-match winning run in qualifying before they went winless in their final three matches. The recent decline in performance is something that makes coach Clarke somewhat worried. His players have only had 1 victory in the last 9 matches in all tournaments.
Since a 1-0 win in a friendly match in 1999, Scotland have not won in the last four clashes with Germany, most recently the two teams were in the same group in Euro 2016 qualifying, Germany won 2-1 on the field. home and won 3-2 away. Tonight, at the Allianz Arena, against a hungry home team, Scotland may continue their winless streak.
Nagelsmann skipped Leon Goretzka, Serge Gnabry and Timo Werner for different reasons, talented young midfielder Aleksandar Pavlovic missed Euro 2024 due to tonsillitis and Emre Can was called up as a replacement. However, the Borussia Dortmund midfielder hardly has a chance to start as Nagelsmann prefers the pair of Robert Andrich and Toni Kroos in the central midfield position.
Scotland: Gunn; Hendry, Hanley, Tierney; Ralston, McTominay, Gilmour, Robertson; McGinn, Christie; Shankland