EURO 2024: Germany vs Scotland
The inaugural match of EURO 2024 kicks off at the Allianz Arena in Munich on Friday, with host Germany starting the competition against Scotland in Group A. Germany, the most successful team in Euro history with three titles, faces a Scotland side that has yet to progress beyond the group stage. The Germans are the -350 favorites, with the Scots priced at +900.
The Germans are expected to dominate the match, with their key players like Wirtz, Havertz, and Kroos leading the charge. Scotland will rely on their team spirit and the attacking prowess of McTominay and McGinn to challenge the favorites. The match is likely to be high-scoring, with both teams scoring and over 2.5 goals being a likely outcome.
Germany Strengths and Weaknesses
Germany has been prone to disappointing results against inferior opposition in recent years, but this does not appear to be one they will struggle with. They have been spotty in their recent friendlies, beating France twice, the Netherlands, and the United States but also suffering defeats to Austria, Turkey, and Poland. Germany has conceded at least 1 goal in the last 10 matches, and more than 1.5 goals have been scored in the last 4 matches. Both teams have scored in the last 4 matches for Germany, indicating a tendency to be involved in high-scoring matches.Germany's key players include:
- Florian Wirtz: The 21-year-old attacking midfielder from Bayer Leverkusen is expected to be a linchpin for Germany throughout the tournament. He had an outstanding season with 18 goals and 20 assists in the Bundesliga.
- Kai Havertz: The former Chelsea player, who played a pivotal role for Arsenal in the Premier League last season, could bring his impressive form to the national team. He is set to play as a false nine and his finishing prowess will be crucial against Scotland.
- Manuel Neuer: The experienced goalkeeper, who has not played for Germany since 2022 due to injury, will be playing his fourth European Championships.
- Toni Kroos: The 34-year-old midfielder, who announced international retirement after Germany's last-16 Euros exit to England in 2021, has returned to the squad for the home Euro.
- Jamal Musiala: The 21-year-old midfielder, who has grown out of his 'Bambi' nickname, will be participating in his third big tournament with the national team.
Scotland Strengths and Weaknesses
Scotland have been pesky opponents for any European side over the last few years even in defeat. They have not lost in 11 of the last 12 matches and have scored at least 2 goals in 7 of the last 8 matches. However, they have won only two of their nine previous matches at the European Championship and have not drawn in 20 of the last 23 matches.Scotland's key players include:
- Andy Robertson: The captain and defensive anchor, who will be crucial to Scotland's efforts. His ability to thwart Germany's wide attackers could determine the match's outcome.
- Scott McTominay: The Manchester United midfielder, who was instrumental in Scotland's successful qualifying campaign, scoring seven goals in eight games. His knack for finding the net adds an attacking threat that will challenge the German defense.
Prediction
Germany are strong favorites to win this match, with the Opta supercomputer rating their chances of victory at 58%. Scotland should have some confidence, but our model is not fancying their chances. They are handed just a 21% win likelihood before kick-off, with the draw also played out across 21% of the 10,000 pre-match simulations.The Germans are expected to dominate the match, with their key players like Wirtz, Havertz, and Kroos leading the charge. Scotland will rely on their team spirit and the attacking prowess of McTominay and McGinn to challenge the favorites. The match is likely to be high-scoring, with both teams scoring and over 2.5 goals being a likely outcome.
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