Seven hours to kick-off.

Time seems to be going very slowly.

Graham Fraser
BBC Scotland News in Munich

Marienplatz in Munich city centre has been the focus of fans – particularly the Tartan Army – since Wednesday afternoon at least.

The beautiful square has heard many a bagpipe tune this week. This was the scene at 13:00 local time, so eight hours to kick-off.

The crowds are gathering all the time. I hope you enjoy some timelapse of the scene, and I do not apologise for my choice of accompanying music!

Image source, Getty Images

Former Scotland goalkeeper Bryan Gunn is hoping son Angus will have "more good times" at Euro 2024.

The ex-shot-stopper told the BBC's Scottish Football Podcast he was over the moon when Scotland were drawn in the opening game against Germany.

"When the draw was made, Angus and I were on a bus going to Bristol City away and I was sitting in front of the TV just hoping it was a good draw," he said.

"It couldn't have been any better with the first team to come out against the hosts in the Allianz Arena in Munich.

"It was the easiest holiday plans that we ever had to try and get a hotel booked and get onto the train to get over to Germany straight away.

"I'm just his dad at the end of the day, so I've got those feelings that go with that.

"But I'm also a former goalkeeper, so I know some of the bad times, the hard times, but I also know how good the good times are, and I'm delighted that he's had some of those as well, and hopefully more to come."

Paul B: Without being a 'Negative Norman', in terms of substitutions (which may well prove important), Scotland have such a topsy-turvy squad in terms of quality i.e. the leagues the players play in. Will that be a major problem considering we have a few players in lower leagues?

Tom English: I think it will, Paul. Some really good bench options are not here because of injury and Steve Clarke's options are seriously reduced as a consequence.

That said, I like Tommy Conway's confidence and Lewis Morgan might surprise us all. There are a few too many guys who haven't played a lot of football in the squad.

Cross your fingers that there are no more injuries.

Tonight marks the start of Scotland's fourth quest to be European Champions - but how have they started their previous three tournaments?

Netherlands 1 Scotland 0 (June 12, 1992)

Scotland first qualified for the Euros in 1992 and were welcomed by the reigning European champions, who started with superstars such as Ronald Koeman, Ruud Gullit and Marco Van Basten. Dennis Bergkamp's 75th minute strike downed Andy Roxburgh's men in Gothenburg.

Netherlands 0 Scotland 0 (June 10, 1996)

Another introduction against the Dutch, this time at Villa Park, under the leadership of Craig Brown. Sadly, a goalless draw was not enough to help them progress.

Scotland 0 Czech Republic 2 (June 14, 2021)

At Hampden Park, many argued Scotland couldn't have wished for a better opportunity to begin their campaign. Sadly, any hype was soon quashed when Patrick Schick chipped David Marshall from the halfway line. Brutal.

Image source, Getty Images

Tom English
BBC Scotland's chief sports writer

Wandering about Munich city centre and the atmosphere is absolutely electric.

What feels like millions of Scots and bemused locals getting on famously. The mood is just so positive and friendly. It’s really quite something to behold.

Amy Canavan
BBC Scotland in Munich

This is the queue for the fan zone in Munich.

Kick-off isn't for another seven hours and 25 minutes, not that I'm counting...

Image source, Getty Images

Former Scotland captain Colin Hendry spoke to Good Morning Scotland earlier:

"Everyone is in a situation they've never been in before. As unique and exciting as it is, it's the unknown.

"I'm pinching myself thinking about walking out in France in '98 and the honour I had. I still struggle to put it into words exactly what it means and how you feel. Ultimately, they're solid professionals and they'll go into it as another game.

"My parents were there in '98, my late wife Denise was there, my two oldest children as well. Loads of pals from Keith who I went to school with - they're there tonight."

Angus Cochrane
BBC Scotland News

At a cafe above the ever-busier Marienplatz, father and son Craig and Sam Scott explain the striking contrast in their attire.

Craig emigrated 15 years ago and has settled with his German wife near Hamburg. While he’s cheering on Scotland, his son Sam is backing the hosts.

They’re both optimistic about the prospect of a party, but less about Scotland’s chances - though Craig says the ski goggles he’s sporting are just in case he needs to shield his eyes from champagne corks.

"Scotland's win was possibly getting the Euros," says Craig.

And what will Sam do if they Scotland do nick a goal?

"I’m sure he’d celebrate - it’s just all about having a good time," Craig tells BBC Scotland News.

Image source, SNS

Steve Clarke's message of "respect everyone; fear no one" was echoed by former Scotland boss Gordon Strachan as he reflected on his side's 2-1 loss to Germany in 2014.

"Germany are not at the same level now as they were then,” Strachan told media yesterday. “When you look back at the experience they had, they were a good group.

“We had loads of respect for them but we had nothing to fear, and I think that’s the mood that Steve will be hoping for from his team. Respect them but don’t fear them, and I think he’s got players that can do it.”

Only Grant Hanley remains from that Scotland side, but Strachan is unsure of his involvement his evening: “Grant will never let you down, people are often surprised by how quick he is, but my only concern with Grant is his fitness.

“If he was fit, I’d pick him. I can absolutely understand why Steve’s given him every chance to play his way into it but he missed a lot of games last year for Norwich and I just wonder how fit he is."

Tom English
BBC Scotland's chief sports writer

More chance of a ticket for Taylor Swift in Munich next month I suspect...

Calum Macdonald
BBC Scotland in Munich

Former Scotland international Neil McCann thinks Steve Clarke's Kilmarnck tactics could offer an insight into what to expect from Scotland tonight in the Allianz Arena.

"Stevie Clarke was magic with Kilmarnock," McCann told the BBC's Scottish Football Podcast.

"He went with a 4-4-1-1, he offered the wide areas and protected the heart of the pitch, but they hit with pace on the wings, hit with pace when it went up to the front man, and they went quick. Out of possession, they just restructured."

McCann has got no concerns over Germany having the bulk of possession in tonight's Euro 2024 opener.

"I'm fine with Germany dictating play. We'll drop off; I'm not too worried about Kroos dictating play. I don't think he's the player he once was, although he'll dictate play.

"I don't have a fear about quality players dictating play in front of us, it's the wide players that have the real threat for me, the pace, Gundogan hitting the box, it's the boys in front I'm worried about, that front four, wow."

What say you, do we need to worry about Toni Kroos tonight?

Scotland fan Craig Ferguson has made a name for himself and raised a lot of money for charity Brothers in Arms by walking from Glasgow to Munich.

This is what he told GMS this morning: "It was a moment I'll never forget, after 41 days, getting greeted by family and friends.

"It was incredible and I have to thank every Scotland fan that was down there cheering me in. It just goes to show the support that Scotland fans have for each other.

"I've lost a bit of weight, but my mind is the same as it was at the start. My face may have changed but we got there in one piece. The feet are in a bad way but I've got more standing and jumping about to do in Munich."

He's even managed to get a ticket for the game: "It makes the walking here worth it because I'll be going to the historic game tonight."

Graham Fraser
BBC Scotland News in Munich

There are a fair amount of German fans in Marienplatz in Munich city centre this lunchtime, but the Tartan Army outnumber them 10, maybe 20 to 1. There are a lot of Scots here, and everywhere, in Munich.

One German fan attempted to start a sing-song on his megaphone, but a member of the Tartan Army took over to show him how it is done.

Of that all-time XI, who would you most want in the team this evening? In their prime of course.

Billy Bremner would make the current midfield even stronger, but then again, I would say that as a Leeds United fan.

Has to be King Kenny, right?

Image source, Getty Images

Ron: Tom, for a bit of fun, what would be your all-time Scotland and Germany tournament XIs be? And who do you think would win?

Tom English: You're testing me now, Ron.

This is my greatest ever Scotland XI: Leighton; McGrain, Miller, McLeish, Greig; Souness, Bremner, Mackay; Johnstone, Law, Dalglish.

And they'll be playing: Maier; Lahm, Kohler, Beckenbauer, Brehme; Netzer, Kroos, Mathaus, Rahn; Gerd Muller, KH Rummenigge.

I'll go with 3-2 Scotland.

Image source, PA Media

BBC Sport Scotland's pundits have picked their preferred XI for the game, but they can't agree on who should lead the line.

James McFadden thinks Che Adams should start, while Steven Thompson, Leanne Crichton and Neil McCann have all gone for Hearts captain Lawrence Shankland.

Who would you like to see up front? Thumbs up for Adams, thumbs down for Shankland.

If you're not excited for the game just yet, this might help get you in the mood..

Scott Mullen
BBC Scotland in Munich

I met Donnie this morning.

He flew all the way in from Australia yesterday for this game on a 26-hour journey to see 11 blokes in a blue jersey kick a football. That’s some effort.

As you walk through the rammed city centre, the thing that hits you is the amount of children and families here for Scotland. I’ve never seen anything like it. It’s basically Carluke Gala Day, but maybe a wee bit better…

Maxwell: Tom, what are your realistic thoughts on how our team will perform? I feel as though keeping the score down to one or two-nil would be a great result.

That is not being negative, we don't really have attacking prowess, and our defence can be shaky. Having said that I really hope they surprise us. Come on Scotland!

Tom English: I'm with you, Maxwell. 1-0 would be a very decent result so long as Scotland back it up with minimum three but ideally four points in their next two games. Goal difference might count for a lot.