Prior to Germany’s Euro 2024 opener against Scotland, manager Julian Nagelsmann will not concede that his team avoided one of the more difficult groups, such as the infamous “Group B.” However, Nagelsmann did not believe that playing Steve Clarke’s team would be an easy feat. Germany’s opening match is against The Tartan Army at the Allianz Arena on Friday night. Die Mannschaft is one of the favourites to win the Euros, which will be their first competition hosted since the 2006 World Cup. Scotland has never advanced past the knockout stages of an international tournament.
Speaking about Germany’s chances, the former Bayern Munich manager said: “It’s only the second time Germany has hosted a European Championship. For the players, and for myself as a manager, to take part in a tournament on home soil is a unique opportunity. There is pressure involved, but more so joy. If we can see that joy on the pitch, then we will have a great tournament.” Meanwhile, Clarke wants his Scotland players to stay laser-focused ahead of their monumental challenge amid all the distractions that come with the hosts,
He told the BBC Scotland post-draw show: “It’s good, you know when you’re up against it. It’s nice to be in the tournament and it’s nice to be involved in that first game and hopefully, we can start the tournament off with a good match.”
Clarke added: “Germany are going to be very good. It’s their home tournament and they won’t want to let anyone down. When it gets to the big stage, the German national team are always one of the most dangerous teams. We expect a tough game, but hopefully we can give Germany a tough game as well.”
Scotland finished second in their qualification group behind Spain with 17 points, winning five, drawing two and losing just one game. After the opener against Germany, they face Switzerland and Hungary as they attempt to make history.
