Germany boss Julian Nagelsmann will be aiming to get the Euro 2024 hosts' campaign off to a winning start against Scotland at the Allianz Arena in Munich.
Hosts Germany are emphatic favourites to top Group A at Euro 2024 and they'll be expected to make light work of Scotland in the opening match.
However, including Euro 2020, which was hosted in multiple cities, there have been 12 instances of a host nation failing to win their opening match.
The Scots will put forth a stubborn rearguard action for as long as they can in a hostile atmosphere but could be lost in the occasion if the Germans take the lead.
Steve Clarke's side were the surprise package in qualifying, beating Spain at Hampden Park and producing a stunning comeback against Norway, but it's been all downhill since.
The Tartan Army produced five wins on the spin to book their place on the plane yet since beating Cyprus 2-0, England, Spain, France and the Netherlands have humbled them.
Julian Nagelsmann's side are of a similar ilk and if they respond well to the occasion and settle early, it'll take a mighty effort from the visitors.
Regardless of recent form, this is largely the same Scotland squad that failed to utilise home advantage at Euro 2020 when losing 2-0 to Czechia and 3-1 to Croatia.
No one expects them to beat FIFA's top-ranking nations regularly, but recent setbacks against Northern Ireland and Finland were disappointing.
It's hard to know which version of either side will turn up on Friday, especially as both teams managing the occasion is such a factor, but we think it'll be easier for Scotland to settle.
Top teams can take time to get going at major tournaments, so coming up against such an organised, deep-lying side early on could be a challenge for Germany.
The outcome isn't as cut and dry as the odds suggest, so we'll back Clarke's men to throw the cat among the pigeons by scoring the first goal of the tournament.
Germany's defence has always been their achilles heel. They've conceded in 12 of their last 14 matches, during which time they allowed Japan to score three, while Turkey and Belgium netted three.
Suggested bets
Scotland to score the first goal
Both teams to score
Over 2.5 goals
