Germany are aiming to become the first host nation to win the European Championships since France in 1984, but Julian Nagelsmann’s team are in turmoil right now, having lost five times in their past eight games. With an abundance of talent including Ilkay Gündogan, Joshua Kimmich, Leroy Sané and Jamal Musiala, Germany can still turn their fortunes around, but they have a difficult group.
Hungary are one of the most improved nations in Europe, with Liverpool’s Dominik Szoboszlai their driving force in midfield, while Scotland have become a well-organised side under Steve Clarke, defeating Spain in the qualifying campaign. Switzerland have a proud record of qualifying for the knockout stages at recent major tournaments and they have top-level experience in goalkeeper Yann Sommer, Manchester City’s Manuel Akanji and Bayer Leverkusen’s Granit Xhaka. Chicago Fire forward Xherdan Shaqiri is also a proven performer at tournament level.
MUST-SEE MATCH: Germany vs. Scotland
The opening game of a tournament is a crucial moment for any host nation, and Germany need to get off to a winning start against Scotland in Munich on June 14. While Scotland lack firepower up front, they make up for it in terms of goals from midfield via Scott McTominay and John McGinn, while Kieran Tierney and Andy Robertson have a formidable partnership down the left.
Much depends on Germany’s form going into the tournament, but while they clearly have the talent to win this game comfortably, Scotland will be organised and tough to beat. They could frustrate the hosts to make things interesting.
Germany Euro 2024 Tickets
June 14: Germany vs Scotland (Munich) – Buy Euro 2024 Tickets
June 19: Germany vs Hungary (Stuttgart) – Buy Euro 2024 Tickets
June 23: Switzerland vs Germany (Frankfurt) – Buy Euro 2024 Tickets
