Germany v Scotland: Key statspublished at 17:44 14 June
17:44 14 June
Image source, PA
Germany and Scotland are facing each other for the third time at a major tournament. Germany won the two previous encounters, in the group stages of the 1986 World Cup (2-1) and Euro 1992 (2-0).
Germany are taking part in their 14th Euros, more than any other team. They have won the trophy three times, the joint most alongside Spain (3).
Scotland are making their fourth appearance at the Euros after 1992, 1996 and 2020. They have never reached the knockout stages.
Germany have conceded at least one goal in each of their last 12 games at major international tournaments (World Cup + Euros). The last time they kept a clean sheet was against Slovakia in the round of 16 at Euros 2016.
Scotland’s two wins (out of nine matches) at the Euros came against CIS in 1992 and Switzerland in 1996. They have failed to score in six of their nine matches.
Thomas Muller has scored 10 goals in 19 appearances at the World Cup (36 shots), while he’s never scored in 15 appearances at the European Championship (31 shots).
Scott McTominay scored seven goals for Scotland in qualifying, the joint most by a Scottish player in a Euros/World Cup qualifying campaign, along with Steven Fletcher (Euro 2016) and John McGinn (Euro 2020).
This is Steve Clarke’s second major international tournament as head coach, after Euro 2020. He’s the first Scotland boss to lead the team into two consecutive European Championships.
Watch Scotland's five Euros goals from over the yearspublished at 17:12 14 June
17:12 14 June
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Watch Scotland's five goals from their three previous Euros appearances. Can they add to that goals tally tonight?
'Fans & team will do the country proud'published at 15:53 14 June
15:53 14 June
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Sir Alex Ferguson and Darren Fletcher are among the high-profile Scots to offer a prediction
BBC Sport Scotland's Jonathan Sutherland has spoken to the great and good as the big kick-off nears.
Here are some of their predictions for the game against Germany:
Sir Alex Ferguson: I'm hopeful. They'll do well.
Darren Fletcher: This game won't define the group, but I'd take a good performance and a draw - let's say 1-1.
The fans will be the best in the tournament and do the country proud - just like the team will. They'll outnumber every other set of fans here.
Gavin Hastings: Before any big event, the anticipation is enormous and you wonder if this will be the occasion that Scotland rise to it.
Steve [Clarke] has done a great job and he seems to take the pressure off the players. He doesn't get too carried away, he's on a pretty level keel all the time. I'll go for 1-1.
David Coulthard: I looked at the stats, and it's not good reading [for Scotland] but let's keep our fingers crossed. I'd be happy with a draw, but the dream would be a win.
Amy McDonald: I have a good feeling. I don't think Germany are having their manager, there's noise about 'keeping the seat warm for Klopp'. I think we've got a chance. I'll say 2-1 Scotland.
How have Scotland fared in previous Euros openers?published at 14:45 14 June
14:45 14 June
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Patrik Schick scored from the halfway line as Scotland lost their Euro 2020 opener to Czech Republic
Tonight marks the opening of Scotland's fourth appearance at a European Championship - but how have they started their previous three?
Netherlands 1-0 Scotland (June 12, 1992)
Scotland first qualified for Sweden 92 and were welcomed by the reigning European champions, who started Ronald Koeman, Ruud Gullit and Marco Van Basten. Dennis Bergkamp's 75th-minute strike downed Andy Roxburgh's men.
Netherlands 0-0 Scotland (June 10, 1996)
Another introduction against the Dutch, this time in England, under the leadership of Craig Brown. Sadly, a goalless draw was not enough to help them progress.
Scotland 0-2 Czech Republic (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 as Patrik Schick headed the opener then chipped David Marshall from the halfway line. Brutal.
'Cheats! Cheats!' - memories of Scotland's defeat by Germany in 2003published at 14:04 14 June
14:04 14 June
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Former Scotland players Steven Thompson and Neil McCann recall the feisty 2-1 defeat by Germany in a Euro qualifier under Berti Vogts in September 2003.
Strachan echoes Clarke's 'fear no one' mantrapublished at 13:05 14 June
13:05 14 June
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 a Euro qualifier 10 years ago.
"Germany are not at the same level now as they were then," Strachan said. "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 the defender's involvement in tonight's opener against Germany.
“Grant will never let you down, people are often surprised by how quick he is, but my only concern with Grant is his fitness," he added.
"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."
Euro 2024 winners? Scottish musicians have their saypublished at 11:26 14 June
11:26 14 June
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Image caption,
'King of Scotland' John McGinn has been backed to light up Euro 2024
The big kick-off is here!
BBC pundits and readers have already had their say - now it's time for some of the music industry's finest to predict what will happen, and how Scotland will do.
Travis bassist Dougie Payne
Who will win Euro 2024? England. The squad is pretty incredible. It seems like a happy camp and a team where they can play with a bit of freedom and self-expression.
How will Scotland do? I’m feeling cautiously optimistic. Obviously Germany are favourites to win the group but I think we could get results against Switzerland and Hungary. So, I reckon we might actually get out the group. Which would be incredible. And a first!
Who will be the star player? It’s a bit obvious but I feel like it's going to be between Jude Bellingham and Kylian Mbappe. I really hope Bellingham has a great tournament. I just love watching him play.
What's your favourite Euros moment? All of Euro '96. The band had just moved to London and it felt like the centre of the world. The sun was shining, Scotland were there and the whole thing was just joyous. Even that unbelievable Gazza goal couldn't dampen our spirits!
Ross & Sam from Twin Atalantic
Who will win Euro 2024? Scotland. We're going to win, we're Scotland.
Who will be the star player? King of Scotland, John McGinn.
What's your favourite Euros moment? Scotland beating Spain 2-0 in the qualifiers for these Euros and the Spanish players crying about the grass being too long afterwards!
Singer Nina Nesbitt
Who will win Euro 2024? Scotland will win it.
Who will be the star player? John McGinn.
What's your favourite Euros moment? It will be sitting in a pub garden with a pint of cider watching Scotland play.
The Snuts drummer Jordan MacKay
Who will win Euro 2024? As much as I'd love to say Scotland, I think France will take the crown.
How will Scotland do? Would love to see us make it out the groups.
Who will be the star player? From the season he has already had at club level, Phil Foden is the man to look out for.
What's your favourite Euros moment? Not old enough to have seen it live but Marco van Basten’s famous volley in 1988 against the Soviet Union must be up there.
'Kroos isn't the player he once was'published at 10:32 14 June
10:32 14 June
Image source, Getty
Former Scotland winger Neil McCann thinks Steve Clarke's Kilmarnock tactics could offer an insight into what to expect from the national side tonight in the Allianz Arena.
"Stevie Clarke was magic with Kilmarnock because he went a 4-4-1-1, he offered the wide areas and protected the heart of the pitch," said McCann.
"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 was speaking on the Scottish football podcast, and added that he's got no concerns over Germany having the bulk of possession in tonight's Euro 2024 opener.
"I'm fine with Germany dictating play if we're really structured and deep. I don't think [Toni] Kroos is the player he once was, although he'll dictate play," he added.
"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, [Ilkay] Gundogan hitting the box, it's the boys in front I'm worried about, that front four, wow."
Image source, Getty Images
