Germany v Scotland | Friday 14 June | Allianz Arena | 21:00
Finally! Finally, the international stage becomes relevant once again, our thirst for real competitive football is once again satisfied and before you know it many of us will be adorning international European jerseys and supporting countries, we have only dreamt of…
Nevertheless, let’s just immerse ourselves in Euro 2024!
To Win (90 mins)
Germany 2/7
Draw 44/10
Scotland 17/2
Germany
You can be absolutely sure that the Allianz Arena will be bouncing, German pride will be at an all-time high and if this could be anything like the FIFA World Cup in 2006, the current negativity surrounding this football side might begin to ease up. Julian Nagelsmann has been tasked with leading the German onslaught and given that he has seen a more consistent performance in recent weeks – and the fact that they face a Scotland side void of any real confidence – there is an air of expectation.
Germany has absolute talent all over the pitch! Their attack is dangerous and explosive, but their defensive instability remains a concern. Manuel Neuer’s shaky form is still evident and whilst he will be a German hall of famer for sure, he might be past his best days…
You would not be faulted for concluding that the stage might be set for a dominant home display and victory for the Germans, I’m just not so sure that might be the safest betting route.
Scotland
Scotland come into this game with very little confidence, they have won just once across their last nine games and have conceded at least twice in seven of those fixtures. I mean, the slump to which the visitors fell after securing qualification for this tournament is extraordinary.
I know a lot has already been made about the absence of Aaron Hickey and Nathan Patterson – Scotland’s two first-choice right-backs – but on this sort of stage you can be sure that it will be felt.
Kieran Tierney will be keen as ever to push up and support the likes of Andy Robertson and Scott McTominay – but I can’t help but wonder whether an over-zealous approach in the final third might leave them exposed and awfully vulnerable.
For me, what is interesting about this game is that while I struggle to see Scotland come away with a victory here, their offensive talents coupled with their team’s brash approach could mean they put their hosts under immense pressure. I think the Scots score – I’m just not sure they keep a clean sheet!
Prediction: Both teams to score + Over 2.5 goals (16/10)
For the duration of this tournament, defensive instability will likely be what proves to be the biggest issue for both of these teams. For the purposes of this fixture, I think backing an open game and many goals will be the order of the day.
If you have to have a winner, backing Germany and both teams scoring should prove to be the right call, but I’m happy with over 2.5 goals and both teams scoring. Get on!
Written by Ryan Liberty