Euro 2024 Group A gears up for a thrilling contest between Germany and Scotland at Munich Arena this Friday. Live coverage of this highly anticipated match will be provided by RTÉ 2 and ITV.
Julian Nagelsmann, the German coach, who’s 36 and hails from a place more populated by cows than people, urges everyone to maintain their calm. “It feels like we’re back in school with all the buzz. I request everyone to relax,” says Nagelsmann, ahead of the European Championships opener in Munich against Scotland. Clearly, the passionate coach is overwhelmed but also admits to being a bit anxious.
To calm the waters at the Allianz Arena, Nagelsmann ropes in Toni Kroos, the 34-year-old midfield maestro from Real Madrid, whom he persuaded to step out of international retirement.
When it comes to addressing Scotland, Nagelsmann takes a rather unconventional route. Instead of resorting to the customary “British style” euphemisms, he acknowledges the threat that the Scots present. “Despite not having world-class players, they are a formidable team known for their physical toughness, aggressive play, and crossing capability,” Nagelsmann explains. He’s confident that despite having less ball possession, the German players are prepared to emerge victorious.
As Germany prepares to recreate their Sommermärchen, tens of thousands of Scottish supporters have already taken to the streets of Munich, appearing in traditional kilts and relishing local beverages.
Andy Robertson, the Scottish captain, expresses his excitement: “It’s as if the entire nation has travelled here, which is simply mind-boggling.” The captain also acknowledges that they’ve been waiting for this match for years. Aware of the rapid passage of time, Robertson urges his team to make every moment count during the match, especially since it’s Scotland’s first major tournament outside the UK since 1998.
“We understand the weight of the historic moment we are shaping, but we also acknowledge the substantial challenge that the extraordinary German team on their home soil presents. It’s a test of the highest degree. Outsiders may have no expectations from us, but we demand much more from ourselves,” stated a firm belief.
A father-son duo from Glasgow found their way to the old town’s Viktualienmarkt to savour some delectable bratwurst. The boy focus shifts to the Scottish team’s scoring ability, as he says, “We are only potent through our midfield players” – a sentiment heartily endorsed by his father and the accompanying press.
We are in a golden period for Scottish players making late entrances into the penalty box. Scott McTominay’s efforts saw him score seven times in the qualifiers, making Erik Ten Hag reassess his career at Manchester United. Aston Villa’s John McGinn displays unparalleled commitment.
McGinn’s calibre places him higher than both McTominay and Celtic’s captain, Callum McGregor. Still, the trio is geared up to pit their skills against Germany’s outstanding midfield pair İlkay Gündoğan and Kroos.
Three years ago, Billy Gilmour shone brightly at Wembley against England in the Euro championships. Recently, his career at Brighton experiencing a slowdown, the 23-year-old is anticipated to come off the bench late in the game.
Gilmour asserts, “Our plan is to dismantle their defence and triumph in the match. Sometimes people doubt us, often labelling us as ‘Typical Scotland’. It’s a narrative we must change.”
Back at the old town, the father fondly remembers the thrill of past competitions – Archie Gemmill’s dazzling goal against the Netherlands in the 1978 World Cup, which was hastily followed by their elimination due to goal difference. Consistently falling short at the Euros has become an unwelcome tradition – like in 1992, Paul Gascoigne’s successfulstrike in ’96, and the regrettable losses at Hampden Park in 2021.
However, the son remains optimistic, envisioning the potential of McGinn and McTominay to brighten up this gloomy German summer.
Steve Clarke, Scotland’s Manager, spoke about the team’s mantra, “We respect all competitors but fear none.”