Spooky Express previews Friday's Euro 2024 opener between Germany and Scotland, including our free play and possible starting XIs.
Euro 2024 kicks off tonight, June 14, when hosts Germany take on Scotland at the Fussball Arena Munchen.
Soccer fans can look forward to a month of thrilling matches with high-stakes, spectacular goals, and unforgettable moments. Euro 2024 is set to showcase Europe's finest football talent, culminating in the crowning of the new champion after the final match on July 14.
Germany won the last encounter (Euro 2016 qualifier) between the sides, winning 3-2 at Hampden Park in September 2015. Thomas Muller scored a brace and assisted for Ilkay Gundogan's winner in that game, whereas Mats Hummels scored an own goal.
The Germans are on a three-game winning streak against Scotland - since a 1-1 draw in June 2003, when Berti Vogts's Scottish side earned a point from the recent World Cup finalists.
Die Mannschaft are set for their first competitive match since the World Cup fiasco in Qatar-their second in a row after 2018.
Tonight, tournament hosts Germany will kick off Euro 2024, aiming to become the first solo hosts to win the continental crown since France in 1984. Of course, defending champions Italy were one of the co-hosts at the rescheduled Euro 2021, even though the final four took place at Wembley in London.
Germany (previously known as West Germany until the post-reunification age) has not missed a final tournament since they failed to qualify for Euro 1968.
After replacing Hansi Flick last year, Nagelsmann did not get off to the best of starts, but friendly wins against France and the Netherlands in March hint at a brighter future under the 36-year-old. Opening day success in Munich would certainly raise hopes of a deep run into the European Championship.
There is encouraging news for Germany and its newly appointed head coach, Julian Nagelsmann: the team has a strong track record of performing well on home soil during major tournaments.
Historically, the Germans have always reached the final four when hosting a major tournament solo. They triumphed at the 1974 World Cup, reached the semi-finals at Euro 1988, and won the bronze medals in the 2006 World Cup.
Nagelsmann has shaped his preferred starting formation, including some key figures of Bayer Leverkusen's unbeaten domestic campaign.
The Scots are making their fourth appearance at the European Championship. However, they have yet to reach the knockout phase of the tournament and will be eager to finally do so in Germany this summer.
Steve Clarke's side performed admirably during the Euro 2024 qualifying, securing second place in a challenging group that featured three-time winners Spain, Georgia, and Norway. They recorded five victories, the most they've ever achieved in an eight-game qualifying group for a major tournament. The standout performance arguably was a 2-0 win over Spain at Hampden Park.
On that occasion, Scott McTominay netted both goals, contributing significantly to the campaign with seven goals. This tally makes the Manchester United midfielder the joint-highest scorer for Scotland in Euros or World Cup qualifying campaign.
I remember Scotland playing at the 1998 World Cup opening match in France. The Tartan Army enjoyed the early European summer on Parisian boulevards before a challenging clash against defending champion Brazil. A star-studded squad featuring the likes of Ronaldo, Rivaldo, Bebeto, Roberto Carlos, Dunga, Cafu and many other stars.
And it was never an easy match for the Brazilians of Mario Zagallo, who eventually won 2-1 after Tom Boyd's second-half own goal.
Germany is the favorite to get off to a winning start in Munich, but the brave hearts of the Scottish nation will fight to spoil the German party on Friday night.
With a squad combining seasoned veterans and promising young talent, Germany is well-positioned as the country hopes to restore the former glories of the 1972, 1980, and 1996 European champions.
Yet, Germany's firepower remains questioned, and it has not been established by prolific goal-corers like Gerd Müller, Miroslav Klose, Lukas Podolski, Mario Gomez, or Jurgen Klinsmann. Let's not underestimate Oliver Bierhoff, who scored both the equalizer and the golden goal in the final extra time against the Czech Republic to guide the Germans to their last European title in 1996.
