Germany will play Scotland in the opening match of Euro 2024 after being fired up.

Germany @ Getty Images

Germany, the hosts, will play Scotland in the opening match of Euro 2024 on Friday in Munich. 

The three-time continental winners hope that their adventure will end on July 14 in Berlin with victory in the final. 

After losing in the group stages of the World Cups in 2018 and 2022, as well as three consecutive terrible tournaments, Julian Nagelsmann's team will attempt to return Germany to the elite ranks of Europe.

Last year's three victories out of 11 games lowered already low expectations, but under Nagelsmann, things have steadily improved, and fan excitement has grown. Germany is hoping to replicate the magic that helped reignite support for the national team during a similar period of doldrums. 

This is their first major tournament as hosts since the 2006 World Cup. According to Nagelsmann, 36, "I think it's normal that you feel a little bit of pressure before a tournament and before important games like these," he stated on Thursday. 

"The players are fired up, they want it, they are hungry for better results than in the last tournaments."

Last year's three victories out of 11 games lowered already low expectations, but under Nagelsmann, things have steadily improved, and fan excitement has grown. Germany is hoping to replicate the magic that helped reignite support for the national team during a similar period of doldrums. 

This is their first major tournament as hosts since the 2006 World Cup. According to Nagelsmann, 36, "I think it's normal that you feel a little bit of pressure before a tournament and before important games like these," he stated on Thursday. 

"The players are fired up, they want it, they are hungry for better results than in the last tournaments."

Last year's three victories out of 11 games lowered already low expectations, but under Nagelsmann, things have steadily improved, and fan excitement has grown. Germany is hoping to replicate the magic that helped reignite support for the national team during a similar period of doldrums. 

This is their first major tournament as hosts since the 2006 World Cup. According to Nagelsmann, 36, "I think it's normal that you feel a little bit of pressure before a tournament and before important games like these," he stated on Thursday. 

"I want the country to spur us on, we want to use the home advantage," Nagelsmann added.

Germany will be fancied to top Group A, which also features Hungary and Switzerland, given the quality at their disposal, from veteran playmaker Toni Kroos to younger stars Florian Wirtz and Jamal Musiala.

Manuel Neuer remains the first-choice goalkeeper despite a series of recent errors, while Antonio Rudiger adds steel to the defence.

Captain Ilkay Gundogan, who played at the last two World Cups and Euro 2020, where Germany exited in the last 16, said it was essential the hosts started well on Friday.

"No other game is like the first one," said the Barcelona midfielder.

"After this you can use the momentum and euphoria for the next ones. That's why the most important goal tomorrow is to win the game."

- Scots travel in numbers -

An estimated 150,000 traveling Scots are set to descend upon Munich for the opening game, dreaming of shocking the Germans in their own backyard.

It is just Scotland's second major tournament since 1998. They returned to the big stage at Euro 2020 but finished bottom of the group, picking up their only point in a dour 0-0 draw with England.

"We know it's a big game, but for us it's the opening game of a four-team section, three matches, we know what we have to do to qualify and that's all we focus on," said Scotland boss Steve Clarke.

"It's a difficult game. One of the mantras I've had is respect everyone and fear no one."

Clashes against Switzerland and Hungary after taking on the Germans would appear to offer an easier path to the four points Clarke is targeting to qualify for the knockout stages of a major tournament for the first time.

Scotland captain Andy Robertson believes his side have what it takes to get beyond the group stage.

"We know that's what's at stake. We've got a lot of incentive to do well but one is becoming that legendary squad, that has to drive us forward," said the Liverpool defender.

"It's important we show up to our maximum and if we do that we can create a bit of history."

"We've waited a long time for this game. We're all really excited," he added. "There's no real pressure on us, no real expectation from the outside world."

Scotland lost striker Lyndon Dykes to a knee injury, but Clarke said everyone in his squad was "fully fit and flying" including Scott McTominay, who played no part in two recent friendlies.

The Manchester United midfielder was the top scorer with seven goals, one ahead of Erling Haaland, in a qualifying group consisting of Spain, Norway and European Championship newcomers Georgia.

On Saturday, Hungary take on Switzerland in Cologne in the other match in the section before Spain play Croatia in the opening Group B game in Berlin.

Reigning champions Italy round out the action on day two against Albania in Dortmund.