Germany - Scotland predictions and free betting tips [14/06/2024]

On Friday, 14 June, in the first round of the Euro 2024 group stage, Germany will face Scotland. Steve Clarke's team has never advanced to the playoffs in the history of continental championships, while this will be Germany's first official match in a year and a half.

Predicted Line-ups

Germany: Neuer; Kimmich, Tah, Rüdiger, Mittelstädt; Kroos, Andrich; Musiala, Gündogan, Wirtz; Havertz.

Scotland: Gunn; Hendry, Hanley, Tierney; Ralston, McTominay, Gilmour, Robertson; McGinn, Christie; Shankland.  

Germany

Four-time world champions and three-time European champions, the German national team needs no introduction. However, in recent years, Germany has been in crisis: after their triumph in 2014 and a semi-final finish at Euro 2016, they were eliminated in the group stages of the World Cups in Russia and Qatar! Meanwhile, at Euro 2020, Joachim Löw's squad was knocked out by England in the round of 16. After a disappointing recent World Cup under Hansi Flick, the "Nationalmannschaft" is now managed by Julian Nagelsmann, who aims to restore their former glory.

Following an unsuccessful November campaign, where they lost to Turkey (2-3) and Austria (0-2) in friendlies, Germany shone in March with convincing victories over France (0-2) and the Netherlands (2-1). However, in their June preparation matches for the Euros, Germany drew 0-0 at home against Ukraine, before a late goal from Gross secured a win over Greece (2-1).

Scotland

Scotland is gradually making its presence known on the continental stage, qualifying for the Euros for the second consecutive time. At the last tournament, their journey ended in the group stage, and they subsequently missed the World Cup in Qatar. Nonetheless, the team performed well in the Nations League, earning promotion to the elite division. In the qualifiers, Steve Clarke's men finished 2nd in a challenging group, behind Spain but ahead of Norway, Georgia, and Cyprus.

March was a dreadful month for the "Tartan Army," losing to the Netherlands (4-0) and Northern Ireland (0-1). In early June, Scotland logically defeated Gibraltar in their first friendly ahead of the Euros (2-0), then drew with Finland in their final rehearsal last weekend (2-2). Shankland and an own goal from Hoskonen put the British ahead in the second half, but the Finns equalised late in the match.

Head-to-Head

Scotland has not won any of their last four matches against Germany, most recently losing in the Euro 2016 qualifiers with an aggregate score of 5-3.

Prediction for Germany vs Scotland

Steve Clarke's men are considered underdogs in Group A, while Germany bears the responsibility to perform at their best in front of their home crowd. Although Nagelsmann's team triumphed against France and the Netherlands this year, they have not always been flawless in their play. Given that this will be their first official match in nearly a year and a half, it's unlikely the hosts will hit the ground running. Scotland might lack experience and skill, but rest assured, these players will put up a fight against any opponent. I'll back Scotland with a +2 handicap.