Former Scottish international Paul Lambert warned the German national team about the supposed underdog before the opening match of the European Football Championship. “If the Germans underestimate us at the European Championship, it could be dangerous for them,” Lambert said in an interview with kicker. Scotland is the DFB team’s first opponent at the home tournament (June 14 to July 14) in Munich.
Lambert played 40 international matches for Scotland
Photo: AFP/SID/LINDSEY PARNABY
The former Borussia Dortmund professional (1996-1997) sees the high expectations in Germany as an advantage for the underdog. “The German public, the German media and everyone in the country expect Germany to win and go very far or even win the tournament,” he said, adding: “Scotland is under no pressure.”
Lambert is also hopeful about past experiences, as opening games are “always very difficult” for hosts or favorites. At the 1998 World Cup in France, the Scottish selection met defending champions Brazil in their opening match. The British lost 2-1 to world stars such as Ronaldo and Roberto Carlos, “but it was a match on equal terms and very close,” explained Lambert.
That’s why Scotland is apparently calm going into this opening match. “Our team is looking forward to the game and to the big stage,” he said. “Germany is the favorite and is under pressure.”
In the strong Group A, in which Hungary and Switzerland are opponents in addition to the two teams, a point win in the first game could “give the underdog a boost”. In these games, however, the Scots are under more pressure: “These are dangerous opponents for us. In Scotland, people expect us to be able to beat both teams.”
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2024-05-30 05:49:04
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