EC Scotland
Germany’s first opponent has the best team in decades
Status: 10.06.2024 | Reading time: 3 minutes
Scotland captain Andrew Robertson played under Jürgen Klopp at Liverpool FC
Quelle: UEFA via Getty Images/Alex Pantling – UEFA
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The German national team’s opening opponent in the European Championship is an extremely homogenous team. Scotland is difficult to beat – but also capable of making a mark in footballing terms. But the weak point is also quickly identified.
It was the climax of a confident qualification: In front of 50,000 fans in Hampden Park, the Scots pulled off a sensation. They beat three-time European champions Spain 2-0. The team, which also beat their closest rivals Norway, secured their ticket to Germany unusually early. The “Bravehearts” had already made it through in October – and since then many have been dreaming of the most successful European Championship in history ahead of the opening match against hosts Germany on Friday.
It is the second participation in a row, which is anything but a given for the Scots. After the 1998 World Cup, they missed five European Championships and five World Championships in a row. The fact that these times are a thing of the past is mainly due to the boss.
When coach Steve Clarke took over the national team five years ago, a new era began. Clarke, who played 330 games for Chelsea FC between 1987 and 1998, has managed to bring a new spirit to the team. The players are happy to come to the national team again, and Hampdon Park is regularly sold out. But above all, Clarke benefits from the fact that there have probably never been so many professionals playing at a high level for their clubs.
Experts say Scotland has the best team in decades
Scotland has significantly more quality than in previous decades and a number of stars: professionals such as captain Andrew Robertson from Liverpool FC, Kieran Tierney (Real Sociedad), John McGinn (Aston Villa) and Scott McTominay (Manchester United) form the framework of an extremely homogeneous team. They are difficult to beat – but also capable of making a footballing impact. Critics speak of the best Scottish team in decades.
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The number one is Angus Gunn. The Norwich City goalkeeper, who has a Scottish father, was persuaded by Clarke to play for Scotland just a year ago. In defence, the coach relies on a compact chain with three centre-backs. Jack Hendry, a typically British defender, takes on the central role.
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Clarke has an unusually wide range of midfield players to choose from for a Scottish coach. Whether it’s McTominay, Callum McGregor, Billy Gilmour or Stuart Armstrong – they’re all robust and clever players. McTominay in particular, although he’s more at home in the central defensive area, is a goal threat: the 27-year-old, who joined the Manchester United Academy as a five-year-old and has always remained loyal to the club, scored both goals against Spain and scored seven times in eight qualifying matches. But that also gives an indication of the weak point. Almost traditionally, there is a lack of a top-level centre-forward.
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It is above all the loyal fans who are hoping that the European Championship adventure could last longer than just three preliminary round matches, unlike in 2021. The “Tartan Army” is providing the necessary support: the vocal fans have been looking forward to the tournament for weeks. A jump into the knockout round would still be a small miracle.
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