Germany kicks off Euro 2024 with high hopes against Scotland
Germany begins their quest for a major title as the Euro 2024 hosts, starting their Group A opener against Scotland today. The country hopes this will be the start of a month-long celebration for fans.
Germany, a powerhouse with four World Cups and three European Championships, has struggled since their 2014 World Cup victory. They were eliminated in the group stage of the last two World Cups and exited the last Euros in the round of 16. Hosting the tournament, the German fans expect nothing less than winning the title.
Despite a disappointing 2022 World Cup and poor results since, including a 4-1 home defeat to Japan, Germany remains focused on the big prize. Coach Julian Nagelsmann, who took over in October 2023, emphasized the team’s goal: “We want to win it.”
Nagelsmann’s squad blends young talent like Jamal Musiala and Bundesliga champion Florian Wirtz with experienced veterans, including 2014 World Cup winners. However, their goal-scoring ability is a concern, with Kai Havertz as their main striker and Niclas Fuellkrug on the bench.
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Germany faces Scotland, the underdogs, who are making back-to-back European Championship appearances for the first time since 1996. Scotland hopes for an early upset to boost their chances of advancing past the group stage for the first time in 11 tournaments.
Beyond the pitch, Germany is expecting around 2.7 million visitors for the tournament from June 14 to July 14. Large fan zones have been set up in major cities, including a massive space in Berlin. These zones were a big success during the 2006 World Cup in Germany, creating a party atmosphere known as the ‘summer fairytale.’
However, the current mood is different, with more than one in four Germans uninterested in the Euros. Security is a top priority, with thousands of police deployed to prevent potential threats from Islamists, hooligans, violent individuals, and cyber-attacks. Interior Minister Nancy Falser stated, “Each day we have 22,000 police officers in action for the Euro.”
German police are also collaborating with international colleagues to ensure the tournament is safe and successful, aiming to recreate the festive spirit of past events.
