Germany vs Scotland Euro 2024: Kroos Magic & Passionate Key to Host’s Glory

As Germany prepares to host its first major football event in 18 years, the spotlight is on superstar Toni Kroos and the enthusiastic local fans to lead the team to victory.

Key Euros Stats for Germany

• Euro Appearances: 13
• Euro Titles: 3
• Best Finish: Winners (1972, 1980, 1996)
• Euros Record: W27 D13 L13
• Goals Scored: 78
• Most significant Win: 3-0 (most recent vs Slovakia in Euro 2016)
• Player to Watch: Florian Wirtz
• World Ranking: 16
• Euro 2024 Group Matches: Scotland (June 14), Hungary (June 19), Switzerland (June 23)

A Sense of Déjà Vu

Germany is in a familiar scenario with a team in transition, a new charismatic coach, and a significant home tournament on the horizon, reminiscent of the 2006 World Cup. Julian Nagelsmann has taken over as manager for Euro 2024, following the footsteps of Jurgen Klinsmann, who led the team in 2006.

2006, a youthful German side captivated the nation by unexpectedly running to the semifinals. A similar campaign is hoped for in 2024, though only sometimes expected. The past few years have been tough for the three-time European champions, who have yet to win. The last time they had a knockout game at a major tournament was Euro 2016. The 2022 World Cup in Qatar marked their second consecutive group stage exit, and a 4-1 loss to Japan last September led to Hansi Flick becoming the first Germany coach to be fired from the role.

Recent Performance and Optimism

Germany has won just five of their 13 games since the Qatar World Cup. However, the last two victories in the March international window have sparked optimism across the country ahead of Euro 2024.

Nagelsmann settled on a 4-2-3-1 formation, with Jamal Musiala, Ilkay Gundogan, and Florian Wirtz supporting Kai Havertz in midfield, injecting dynamism into the attack. Jonathan Tah and Antonio Rudiger brought solidity to the defense. The wing-back positions saw experimentation, but Joshua Kimmich and Stuttgart’s Maximilian Mittelstaedt have emerged as the preferred choices.

The Return of Toni Kroos

Central to Germany’s system is Toni Kroos, who has come out of retirement. Just seven seconds into his return, he set up Wirtz’s opener against France with a classic clipped pass. Kroos’ presence brings balance and frees up Gundogan to play a more offensive role.

Nagelsmann, who initially signed a short-term contract until the end of the Euros, extended his tenure until after the 2026 World Cup due to the positive impact of the March friendlies.

Bold Selections and Form Players

Nagelsmann has made bold choices for the Euros, overlooking experienced players like Mats Hummels and Bayern Munich’s Leon Goretzka. The squad features players in excellent form, with Havertz and Wirtz coming off standout seasons for Arsenal and Bayer Leverkusen, respectively. Kroos has delivered vintage performances for Real Madrid, and Rudiger has solidified his reputation as one of the world’s best defenders.

The Importance of Home Support

As the host of Euro 2024, Germany’s chances will heavily rely on harnessing home support. Drawn in a challenging group with Switzerland, Scotland, and Hungary, a strong start will be crucial.

Much like the 2006 World Cup, the Euros could signify a new era for the national team. However, a poor performance could lead to significant changes ahead of the 2026 World Cup campaign.

Germany Euro 2024 Squad

• Captain: Ilkay Gundogan
• Goalkeepers: Oliver Baumann (TSG Hoffenheim), Manuel Neuer (Bayern Munich), Marc-Andre ter Stegen (Barcelona)
• Defenders: Waldemar Anton (VfB Stuttgart), Benjamin Henrichs (RB Leipzig), Joshua Kimmich (Bayern Munich), Robin Koch (Eintracht Frankfurt), Maximilian Mittelstaedt (VfB Stuttgart), David Raum (RB Leipzig), Antonio Rudiger (Real Madrid), Nico Schlotterbeck (Borussia Dortmund), Jonathan Tah (Bayer Leverkusen)
• Midfielders: Robert Andrich (Bayer Leverkusen), Chris Fuhrich (VfB Stuttgart), Pascal Gross (Brighton & Hove Albion), Ilkay Gundogan (Barcelona), Toni Kroos (Real Madrid), Jamal Musiala (Bayern Munich), Aleksandar Pavlovic (Bayern Munich), Leroy Sane (Bayern Munich), Florian Wirtz (Bayer Leverkusen)
• Forwards: Maximilian Beier (TSG Hoffenheim), Niclas Fullkrug (Borussia Dortmund), Kai Havertz (Arsenal), Thomas Muller (Bayern Munich), Deniz Undav (VfB Stuttgart)

Germany’s journey in Euro 2024 promises to be intriguing, with a blend of seasoned stars and young talents under the guidance of Julian Nagelsmann.