Scott Mullen
BBC Scotland in Munich

It's funny the conversations you have while standing idle waiting on a German train platform.

With Scotland's big game almost upon us, I grabbed BBC Sport Scotland's finest pundits to see who their key man will be in the Allianz Arena on Friday night.

Former Scotland striker Steven Thompson

Down the left side with Kieran Tierney and Andy Robertson is an area of the pitch which has given us so much joy, we look to build down that side.

But I think John McGinn could be the key man. His goal record for Scotland is brilliant. His energy and enthusiasm rubs off on everyone else.

Ex-Scotland midfielder Leanne Crichton

John McGinn. His performances, the way he galvanises the squad and fans, I think his energy levels are incredible.

He's great on the ball and he's always capable of coming up with a moment of magic.

Former Scotland winger Neil McCann

Everyone. It's a collective effort for this one. Scott McTominay has been talismanic, as has McGinn.

Tierney has been superb for us on that left side because he allows Robertson to get up, so we'll need everyone.

Image source, PA Media

But who are the BBC Scotland pundits picking out in Steve Clarke's squad?

Our Scott Mullen asked the question in Munich...

By the way, both Jamal Musiala and Florian Wirtz feature in BBC Sport's 'ones to watch' piece.

Clicking here will take you right to the full 24-man list.

No Scots on there, scandalous stuff.

That's it, Chris.

Crank up the pressure on Germany. You know the drill.

Chris Sutton
Former Celtic striker on BBC Radio 5 Live

The Germans need a win because a draw against Scotland, with all due respect to them, the country would be flat.

They need to win and play well to get the country behind them and believing in them.

Image source, Getty Images

In all seriousness, Jamal Musiala could make a bit of a show of Scotland if he plays to his full potential and isn't nullified.

The same applies for fellow 21-year-old Florian Wirtz. The pair of them are serious, serious players.

Bayern Munich's Musiala and Bayer Leverkusen double winner Wirtz are among the brightest young stars in Europe, having amassed 58 goal contributions between them last term.

But with the two of them regularly occupying the same position at club level, there have been suggestions Julian Nagelsmann is facing an Andy Robertson/Kieran Tierney-esque conundrum.

The Germany boss rejected that, however, and is reportedly set to start both tomorrow.

"We both want to win the title and we know we need each other for that," Bundesliga player of the year Wirtz said.

"It would not be healthy if we were trying to outdo each other. Personally it doesn't matter to me who scores more goals."

Meanwhile, Stuttgart-born Musiala warned Scotland that Germany have the flexibility to cope with whatever Steve Clarke's side can throw at them.

"We are very variable, can change teams and always cause problems for the opponent," Musiala said.

According to a report, external, Jamal Musiala seems to think Scotland are "worried" about Germany.

Meanwhile, Scotland:

Raphael Honigstein
German football journalist on BBC Radio 5 Live

It's not the most difficult group on paper and Scotland are probably not the most difficult team within the group, but Germany will have to be careful.

Balance has been a problem for this Germany team in recent tournaments, they've been a bit top heavy, tried to force the issue a bit too much and conceded silly goals.

This is not a team that can sit back and counter-attack or play slow methodical football.

They have all the best players in number 10 positions and they need to have the ball in that area to be effective.

Image source, Reuters

Is a counter-attack approach Scotland's route to a stunning win in their Euro 2024 opener with Germany?

Scottish coach and analyst John Walker believes so.

"I wouldn't want Scotland to be high pressing," he told the BBC's Scottish Football Podcast. "So I'm looking for Germany to get impatient, crowd on their back, still goalless after an hour.

"Then they might try to force those passes and you've got Kieran Tierney, Andy Robertson, Scott McTominay and John McGinn on the counter.

"I could see [any potential goal] being like both goals in Gibraltar, both goals in Finland, coming from Robertson crossing positions or McGinn underlapping.

"If you can counter Germany, you can get in their box and you can get a numerical advantage. You can get goals against this German side."

That view coincides with the concerns Germans have about their side, according to Derek Rae, who says Julian Nagelsmann's men are struggling "to break down teams like Scotland".

Put your hands up if you want to be convinced Scotland are winning tomorrow night...

Aye, same.

'How Scotland can beat Germany' was the theme of today's Scottish Football Podcast.

Steins and cans in the sun. In Munich. Socialising. Football.

Ha, that sounds absolutely rubbish! Why would anyone want to do that?

Not jealous at all. Not one bit. Quite happy here in our Glasgow office.

Be right back, away to cry into my Tesco meal deal.

Image source, PA Media

Image source, PA Media

Image source, PA Media

Image source, PA Media

Angus Cochrane
BBC Scotland News in Munich

After one central Munich pub reported it had run out of beer yesterday, the locals could be forgiven for having a sense of trepidation about the invading Tartan Army.

But the scramble of locals around any hint of a bagpipe suggests the novelty is not wearing off.

Father and daughter Selina and Andreas, from Munich, tell BBC Scotland News they enjoy having the Scots here.

“We love the atmosphere with the Scotland fans,” says Selina.

She likens the Tartan Army to Germany supporters - “a little bit crazy”. And that, she insists, is a compliment.

From a man who gets a stitch putting his trainers on these days, a very well done to Craig Ferguson.

That's some effort, plus a load of cash raised for a good cause.

Get that man a stein.

Graham Fraser
BBC Scotland News website

The Scotland fan who walked from Hampden Park in Glasgow to Munich has arrived to cheers from the Tartan Army.

Craig Ferguson, 20, travelled solo through six countries to raise funds for Brothers in Arms, a men's mental health charity based in Glasgow.

He left the city in May and arrived in Marienplatz to a guard of honour and the world’s media.

He shouted “thanks so much for coming down”, before enjoying some champagne in the Munich sun and joining in on a rendition of Flower of Scotland.

He has raised over £51,000 for the charity.

Andrew Southwick
BBC Scotland in Germany

This is where Scotland will take on Germany tomorrow night.

The Tartan Army will be behind that goal and around the corner, though many more will have acquired tickets somehow all around the stadium.

There's a buzz of activity in and around the ground already as the world's media descend on the place.

With 67,000 fans expected on Friday, it's only going to get louder.

These Scotland fans have also made it to the Allianz early.

The game isn't until tomorrow, lads. Steins are calling.

Image source, Getty Images

Scott Mullen
BBC Scotland in Munich

Hello Europe, Munich calling.

It’s all starting to simmer nicely out near the Allianz Arena. The finest of BBC Sport Scotland - and me - wandered up this morning for a look.

Already a clutch of Scotland fans are gathering, including one bloke with a kilt on a bike who almost wiped me out. Special mention to the young Partick Thistle fan showing his colours as well.

We’ll be back here in just a couple of hours for the Scotland press conference. Time for a currywurst.