Like a bratwurst faced with a kilt and razor-sharp sgian-dubh, both Germany and Scotland have cause to fear today's Germany vs Scotland Euro 2024 opener at Bayern Munich’s Fußball Arena. Talent isn’t the problem for the tournament hosts, who can count Jamal Musiala, Florian Wirtz and Leroy Sané among their ranks, but a growing rift with the supporters.
Uncharacteristically poor showings at recent tournaments have invited public criticism, which has become so extreme in some quarters that it was left to Julian Nagelsmann and Joshua Kimmich to denounce an overtly racist survey about the makeup of the team that was being circulated by the national broadcaster ARD just last week. Lose their opening fixture and, ridiculous as they are, those voices will only grow louder.
