Euro Championship
Euro 2024 kicks off on Friday night, with one game taking place. The host nation Germany are in action, the first game of Group A and they welcome Scotland for this one. There will be expectations on Germany, a game they are heavy favourites to win, but are they value, or can Scotland spoil the party on opening night?
Germany Form GuideFor the past couple of tournaments, Germany have been in a transition phase, where they've been building fresh with young talent. I don't think they're in that phase anymore, but at the same time, in my opinion at least, look like a team that will go well, but ultimately fall short.
They've played two friendlies over the past week, and I don't think they've looked anything special in either. Firstly, a 0-0 tie with Ukraine and then they rounded off their preparations with a 2-1 win over Greece. They are capable of much more, and to be honest, we need to see that if they are to trouble the better nations in this competition.
Scotland Form GuideThere's not much in the way of expectations for Scotland. If they can qualify from the group stage, by any means, this will be seen as a successful tournament. And with selected third placed teams doing that, it certainly gives Scotland a chance. As we've seen over the past 12 months, this team should not be underestimated, they can surprise good teams on their day.
Scotland have played two friendlies in the build up, firstly they won 2-0 away at lowly Gibraltar, and they backed that up with a 2-2 home tie with Finland. But it's what has happened prior that is how they should be judged, this is a team that has beaten Spain in the qualifiers, won away at Norway, they are capable of holding their own.
Match PredictionA big chance for Germany to lay down a marker on home soil on Friday night. But there will be nerves, they'll be looking to get past this by any means, and from a betting point of view, I think the value here is to oppose them. Scotland can make this tough, be frustrating to play against, and I will take a chance on Scotland on the double chance market, to win or draw, where they are a huge price.
