Germany vs Scotland

Fans will flock to the Allianz Arena in Munich on Friday for the highly anticipated Euro 2024 opener, as hosts Germany face off against Scotland in Group A.

For Die Mannschaft, the home Euros offer a golden opportunity to make amends for recent disappointments, while Steve Clarke's men seek their first knockout-round appearance.

Julian Nagelsmann, who previously managed at the Allianz Arena during his brief Bayern Munich tenure, returns to the familiar sideline aiming for a strong start to Germany's quest for European glory.

This tournament marks Germany's first Euros without Joachim Low and only their second major competition since the World Cup-winning coach stepped down after Euro 2020, which saw them eliminated in the last-16 by England.

Following a disappointing World Cup 2022 under Hansi Flick, Germany are favored to top a group also featuring Hungary and Switzerland. Despite a slow start under Nagelsmann, the hosts enter Friday's match with momentum from a series of friendlies, boasting three wins and a draw in 2024, including victories over France and the Netherlands.

Germany haven't played a competitive match since their 4-2 win over Costa Rica in their final World Cup game, a stretch where they've failed to keep a clean sheet in 12 consecutive Euros/World Cup matches. However, they've reached the semi-finals in each of the last three major tournaments they've hosted.

While Germany aims to revive the glory of their 1972, 1980, and 1996 European championships, Scotland's goals are more modest. This will be their 10th match at the Euros finals, having previously managed group-stage victories in 1992 and 1996 but falling short in 2021.

Scotland's Euro 2024 qualification started strong with five consecutive wins, including a notable victory over Spain, but their form dipped, leaving them with just one win in their last nine matches. The Scots haven't beaten Germany since a 1999 friendly and recently lost both legs of their Euro 2016 qualifiers by a combined score of 5-3.

Nagelsmann faces some selection challenges with the absence of Leon Goretzka, Serge Gnabry, Timo Werner, and Aleksandar Pavlovic. Borussia Dortmund's Emre Can has been called up, but Nagelsmann is expected to rely on a midfield pairing of Robert Andrich and the retiring Toni Kroos.

In contrast, Scotland have been hit by injuries, with Lyndon Dykes, Ben Doak, John Souttar, and Craig Gordon all unavailable. However, key players like Andy Robertson, Scott McTominay, and Stuart Armstrong are expected to be fit for the match.

Germany possible starting lineup: Neuer; Kimmich, Tah, Rudiger, Mittelstadt; Kroos, Andrich; Musiala, Gundogan, Wirtz; Havertz

Scotland possible starting lineup: Gunn; Hendry, Hanley, Tierney; Ralston, McTominay, Gilmour, Robertson; McGinn, Christie; Shankland