The Scotland national team kick-off their Euro 2024 campaign against tournament hosts Germany this evening, in what is surely the most anticipated fixture for Steve Clarke's side in some time.
Unlike their route to the last European Championships – when a post-extra-time penalty shoot-out against Serbia finished 5-4 in our favour – Scotland stormed their way to qualification this time around, finishing second in their group, beating Spain and Norway along the way.
Matched alongside Germany, Hungary and Switzerland in the competition's Group A, what lies ahead is likely to be less straightforward – especially as Steve Clarke and his men kick things off against a side who could feasibly lift the trophy on July 14 next month.
Come full-time tonight we'll know what's required in the games ahead, but until then here are our Germany vs Scotland predictions.
Kenny Ward Germany 1 – 2 Scotland
Scotland surprised everyone when they raced out the traps with five wins from five in their sensational Euro 2024 qualifying campaign. The home victory over Spain in March last year was the pick of the bunch and Scott McTominay was at the heart of it with his sublime double. The national team tend to perform best when the least is expected of them and Steve Clarke’s side have the chance to surpass expectations once more in Munich on Friday night. With McTominay back fit to start the Euros opener, I’m hopeful of another major upset.
David Irvine Germany 3 - 2 Scotland
A tournament opener for the ages is in store. Expect this to be Scotland's true introduction back to major tournaments with full fan backing. Steve Clarke's side have the tools to give Germany a shock but the hosts will have too much on home soil.
Graeme McGarry Germany 1 – 1 Scotland No, I haven’t been on the Paulaner steins a little bit early, though I may be a tad drunk on optimism, admittedly. But I really do think that our lads have a chance of getting something from this game. The pressure on Germany will be tremendous, and I think the way that Steve Clarke sets his Scotland team out is tailor made for occasions such as these. I worry a little about our defence, but it’s not as if the Germans have been blowing teams away of late, despite the undoubted quality they possess. And I just have a wee feeling that Billy Gilmour is going to produce a special performance.
So, I have a dream. A modest one, that we can nick a point.
Ewan Paton Germany 3 – 2 Scotland I think we're in store for an absolute classic to open Euro '24. Unfortunately, I also reckon Steve Clarke and the boys will fall just short of a marvellous result on matchday one of Group A. We've been far from free scoring since qualification for the tournament was secured last October, but with all the pressure on the hosts to perform in front of a home crowd at the Allianz, there is scope to catch them cold. Sadly, the Germans should have too much, but it'll be a tight game.
Check out our Scotland Euro 2024 LIVE Blog for updates before, during and after the big game
Liam Bryce Germany 1 – 1 Scotland This Scotland team have become defined by doing things that, throughout two decades of misery, we did not think Scotland teams were capable of doing. Beating elite nations, cantering to qualification, Steve Clarke and his players have defied the odds. Why can't we go one further now and get a result on the very biggest stage?
Matthew Lindsay Germany 3 – 1 Scotland This is such an emotive fixture. My heart has been telling me that Scotland can pull off a monumental upset in the Euro 2024 opener for weeks now, but my head always kicks in and says it is utterly impossible. I am afraid that I am now thinking more logically than passionately. I just think there are too many weaknesses in the national side at the moment for them to get a result against the host nation in Munich. Grant Hanley, Anthony Ralson and Scott McTominay have hardly played in recent weeks and ultimately I think that will show.
It will hopefully be a different story against Switzerland in Cologne next Wednesday and Hungary in Stuttgart on Sunday week. I still believe a place in the last 16 is achievable. But for me this game is coming too soon for Scotland. I expect their opponents to edge it. Avoiding a damaging mauling against the third favourites in their “ain midden” will be an achievement of sorts.
I would, of course, dearly love to be proved wrong.
Tony Haggerty Germany 2 – 1 Scotland This has Mexico 1986 written all over it in terms of the scoreline against the Germans. It has France 1998 written all over it in terms of the opening game performance and scoreline. Scotland will take the lead before going down fighting on centre stage.
Steve Clarke's Tartan Army to break our hearts… once again.
Chris Jack Germany 2 – 0 Scotland The hosts have said all of the right things to be hospitable towards Steve Clarke’s side and the Tartan Army this week, but when the pleasantries end one of the favourites for the tournament will show their class. This is a great occasion for Scotland but it is not a match that they can expect to win and scoring goals at one end looks as difficult a task as keeping them out at the other.
Ryan McGinlay Germany 1 – 1 Scotland Despite the host nation being heavy favourites to pick up the first victory of the tournament, I believe that a shock could be on the cards if Scotland stay organised for the duration of the game. The game will be won – and lost – in the midfield, though I reckon that Steve Clarke’s side have enough firepower in the middle of the park to potentially cause an upset. A scored draw will set up the rest of Group A nicely.
Joshua Barrie Germany 2 – 1 Scotland Germany aren’t without weaknesses and Scotland’s preferred game state is transitioning forward without the ball. They have the technical players in the centre to compete but the host nation’s quality middle to front is elite. Steve Clarke’s side have a template to follow from their win over Spain - speaking realistically managing a point would more than rival that result.
Joe Donnelly Germany 0 – 0 Scotland Opening games in major tournaments are often stuffy and cagey. I reckon Germany will sit back and dictate most of the play at the Allianz Arena, with an energetic Scotland forced to chase shadows for most of the evening. Steve Clarke's men will be tested at the back, but will remain focused throughout. It won't always be pretty, but I think Scotland are capable of showing resolve against the odds in what will hardly be a classic, but a hard-fought and well-earned point nevertheless.
Jonny McFarlane Germany 3 – 0 Scotland While not a vintage team by their own high standards, Germany have better players than Scotland in every area of the pitch aside from left-back. As hosts they will have fanatical backing and the wind in their sails. If Naglesmann gets his men even remotely cohesive they will win well. That said, opening games are notorious for upsets…
