On Friday evening, the anticipation ends as Euro 2024 kicks off at Allianz Arena in Munich, where Germany faces Scotland. Here's to a fantastic tournament! Read on for our Germany vs. Scotland prediction.
Germany vs. Scotland prediction
For the Germany vs. Scotland match prediction, we believe the final score will be 2-1 in favor of Germany based on our analysis. While Scotland has demonstrated the ability to trouble teams on the counterattack, they generally lack the overall quality to secure a result against a superior German team, which is expected to have too much offensive firepower.
Can Scotland defy the odds and upset the hosts on the tournament's opening night? Probably not, but they may manage to keep the game respectable against a German squad that might need some time to find their rhythm before hitting top gear as the tournament progresses.
Our Germany vs. Scotland predictions are as follows, each explained in detail below:
Both Teams to Score @ +120 with bet365
John McGinn to Be Booked @ +210 with bet365
Lawrence Shankland to Score Anytime @ +600 with bet365
Germany vs. Scotland betting odds
Germany vs. Scotland head-to-head statistics
This will be the first meeting between Germany and Scotland since 2015, when Germany won 3-2 in Scotland. Since their first encounter in 1969, these two nations have faced off nine times, with Scotland winning just once. Germany has won six of the other eight matches, including the last three, all by a single goal, with both teams scoring in each of those matches.
Germany vs. Scotland preview
This is a crucial game for Germany, who as tournament hosts, will be under significant pressure. The starting lineup chosen by Julian Nagelsmann has the challenging task of kicking off the tournament and affirming their status as favorites.
On the other hand, Scotland approaches this match with less pressure. They aren't expected to cause an upset, making this a potential win/win scenario. If they lose, they can focus on the remaining two games, neither of which are unwinnable. If Steve Clarke’s team manages to pull off a surprise in Munich, they'll be ahead of schedule.
Germany has the quality to secure a win on opening night, especially in the attacking third, which could be decisive. However, don't be surprised if they win by a narrower margin than the odds suggest. Germany didn't shine in their warm-up games, and Scotland has proven they can be tough opponents.
Scotland's qualification for this tournament was impressive, overcoming Spain and a Norway team featuring Premier League stars Erling Haaland and Martin Ødegaard. Although Scotland has lost some defensive solidity recently, keeping only one clean sheet in their last four matches, they will likely aim to keep things tight against Germany.
Germany vs. Scotland betting picks
Ahead of the eagerly awaited Euro 2024 opener, we have three standout bets:
Both teams to score
From a betting perspective, 'Both Teams to Score' at +120 offers good value. Scotland will likely sit back and play on the counterattack, a strategy that recently troubled Germany against Greece, Austria, Turkey, and Mexico. Despite their poor defensive record against top nations, Scotland has scored against most of them since the beginning of 2023. This makes 'Both Teams to Score' an appealing bet.
John McGinn to be booked
John McGinn's tenacity and hardworking approach will be crucial for Scotland, and at odds of +210, betting on him to receive a booking is worthwhile. The Aston Villa captain has a history of picking up yellow cards, with two yellows in his last four matches for club and country and nine in the Premier League last season. In high-pressure games, he often gets booked, which makes this a smart bet.
Lawrence Shankland to score anytime
At +600, Lawrence Shankland to score anytime is an attractive option. The Hearts striker had an excellent season in the Scottish league and recently scored in a warm-up game. With the pressure on Germany's forwards, Shankland could capitalize on counterattack opportunities. Given Germany's recent defensive vulnerabilities, betting on Scotland's number nine to score is a solid choice.
Recap - Germany vs. Scotland betting picks
Both Teams to Score @ +120 with bet365
John McGinn to Be Booked @ +210 with bet365
Lawrence Shankland to Score Anytime @ +600 with bet365
