Germany vs Scotland: Three key battles that may decide the Euro 2024 opener

Both sides’ players will be looking to make a big difference in the opening game.

The youthful Julian Nagelsmann, who once manned the Allianz Arena touchline during his brief tenure at Bayern Munich—which many felt ended very prematurely—returns to the “home” dugout on Friday evening. He will hope to provide the ideal beginning to Germany’s most recent attempt at European fame, the Euro 2024.

Die Mannscahft are competing in their first Euros after the departure of Joachim Low. This summer’s championship is only their second competition since the 2014 FIFA World Cup-winning manager resigned after the conclusion of Euro 2020, which resulted in a heartbreaking last-16 loss to well-known opponents England.

Scotland’s inability to end their World Cup finals drought, which now dates back to 1998, was preceded by their failure to secure just one point out of nine available at Euro 2020. Although Euro 2024 qualifying was a tale of two halves, a superb first half was enough to send Steve Clarke’s team to Germany.

Due to a recent collapse in their form, Clarke’s team comes into Munich with just one victory from their previous nine games across all competitions.

Three key battles that may decide the Euro 2024 opener

3. Leroy Sane vs Andrew Robertson

Scots are definitely pleased with Andrew Robertson‘s quickly rising reputation at Liverpool and in the English game at large. That should come as no surprise. The Scotland national football team captain may be an elite footballer but his likely duel will be against one of the former Manchester City winger. They surely have faced each other in the past.

Robertson will face off against Leroy Sane, and this will be their most difficult matchup yet. Sane and Andrew Robertson have had numerous Premier League meetings while the former was a City player. As a result, it will be an exciting fight to re-witness at the big Euro stage.

Also read: Scotland predicted lineup for UEFA Euro 2024

2. Antonio Rudiger vs Che Adams

This summer, Che Adams will play for Scotland at Euro 2024 after being named in Steve Clarke’s final 26-man team. In light of the injuries to forwards Ben Doak and Lyndon Dykes, he is anticipated to play a significant part against Germany.

Since making his debut for Scotland in 2021, Adams has netted six goals in thirty games. The forward will have to deal with Antonio Rudiger mostly. Defender Rudiger is notorious for getting under every striker’s skin. We have seen the Real Madrid centre-back even keep Erling Haaland calm during both legs of the UEFA Champions League quarter-final games.

1. Toni Kroos vs Scott McTominay

If Scotland are to make history and progress past the group stage at a major event for the first time, a large portion of the burden will fall on Scott McTominay. McTominay’s versatility allows him to play in practically any position. The Scottish team will be happy to have him on their side and as their captain.

However, he will face some of the current most formidable German midfielders. One of them is Toni Kroos, who was convinced to rejoin the national team by coach Julian Nagelsmann. Kroos had retired after the exit of his nation in Euro 2020. The German sniper will be vital in helping his teammates with accurate long passes. The Manchester United player, McTominay, will be crucial in neutralising Kroos’s threat.

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