Scotland will not meet a team as good as Germany at these European championships - nor will they themselves be as bad as the opening game.

For the German’s top level on Friday Steve Clarke’s side were a shadow of their best, combative version. Normally compact and cohesive off the ball, they could only adapt to the free-wheeling motions of Germany’s four forwards and chase 101 of 102 accurate Toni Kroos passes that zigged and zagged across the Allianz Arena. Julian Nagelsmann had praised his opening day opposition for the variety of their game only the day prior, highlighting Scotland’s shift from a long ball team to one capable in possession. In Munich, they couldn’t even get the first part right let alone hold onto the ball.

Nagelsmann’s system is designed to get three No.10s, Florian Wirtz, Ilkay Gundogan and Jamal Musiala, operating together in central pockets. The Germans are a highly structured team with freedom afforded to Wirtz and Musiala, allowing them to focus on their “artistry” according to Gundogan who adds the necessary structure in and out of possession, creating spaces they can exploit. “It’s all the more important that I pay attention to what Flo and Jamal are doing. How I can adjust my runs so that we find the right balance,” he said recently. “Flo and Jamal shouldn’t have to worry about [their positioning]; they should focus entirely on their artistry. I adapt to them so that we can be successful.”

This is what made Germany so effective. They were unpredictable, and the results can be devastating when the connections click in such a scenario. Still, Scotland’s gameplan, or execution, hardly offered a platform for success. There were two parties responsible for the scoreline.

Take the origin and execution of the opening goal as an example. Scott McTominay is close to Kroos but does not appear to try and shut down his action, only guide it. The theory, perhaps, is show the ball wide where Germany pose less of a threat with a full-back on the ball.

(Image: ITV)

(Image: ITV)

Here’s where the issues start. Look at Gundogan between the frames above and below, taking Callum McGregor away from the edge of the area with a run to create space for eventual goalscorer Wirtz. Wirtz is moving from the left but Anthony Ralston stays locked in his right-wing back position rather than following the No.17. The other central midfielder, McTominay, is well out of the picture leaving the edge of the box unguarded. Germany have moved Scotland exactly as planned, away from the centre and deep into their own box, using width as a decoy to unlock more valuable pockets centrally.

(Image: ITV)

(Image: ITV)

Should Raslton have followed Wirtz? Maybe, but this is the issue of a very positionally structured team defending against one with freedom. In theory, he’d be leaving his own zone of responsibility.

Clarke cited Germany’s xG, which came in at around 2 depending on your provider, as evidence of their ruthlessness. To a degree he’s justified. If Angus Gunn’s hand to the opener was stronger or McGregor not side-stepped by Musiala leading to the game’s second goal the story of the night could’ve been different. And yet, nobody watching felt like Scotland had control out of possession. They were chasing rather than dictating where the hosts could play.

What about in possession? Clarke’s omission of Billy Gilmour from the starting 11 felt wrong before the benefit of hindsight and likely gave away what type of game the 60-year-old was anticipating. The narrow configuration of Germany’s attacking unit meant that playing out of the inevitable pressure Scotland would face would carry huge risks. Instead, Ryan Christie was fielded with Clarke likely hoping he, John McGinn and McTominay could provide more direct targets up the pitch when possession did turn over.

But Scotland could never get forward. While their lack of a shot was well-publicised after the game it was an inability to even access the final third that proved most damaging. This fact left the visitors without a valid route to goal and ensured that German pressure was consistent and uninterrupted. Pressing a team that has Kroos conducting the build-up is easier said than done and yet the retiring Real Madrid midfielder was enabled to put on a passing precession with time to set and space to pick targets. If Granit Xhaka is afforded the same freedom of movement in Cologne then Clarke’s side will again struggle for any control in matchday two.

Would Gilmour have changed the outcome? Likely very little. Would he have improved things? Likely yes. As was the case during Euro 2021, when the 23-year-old sat out the opening game against the Czech Republic and was man-of-the-match against England at Wembley days later, the Brighton midfielder must line up as a starter on Wednesday.

Switzerland don’t possess the names and reputation of the tournament hosts. However, they have qualified from the group stage in five successive major tournaments and, despite all the rumblings of discontent in the camp heading into the summer, looked superb in their first-half against Hungary before sitting off the game and conceding momentum. Without Lyndon Dykes to gain territory and lacking quality on the right-side of the team Scotland’s best route forward is a more patient one. Bringing in Gilmour to link together defence and attack, offering some platform in possession to build from, is vital.

Similarly, ideas off the ball need to be clearer. Scotland were too often caught in-between against Germany as demonstrated by the first goal. Sitting in a mid-block is all fine and well if able to deal with constant runs in behind. Given the pace posed in the front line by the Swiss, in the form of Kwadwoa Duah and Dan Ndoye and seeing that Grant Hanley will replace Ryan Porteous, Scotland’s high line would be a risk if not matched by more aggression at the front end.

The first goal Germany scored on Friday demonstrated the dangers of playing this high a line if cohesion is lacking up top. Look how quickly Scotland fall back into a singular defensive line after one pass in Munich. Kroos’ ball sees the defensive line pushed all the way back to their goal with no protection for a free shot at the edge.

The second was so similar. Kroos untroubled by a passive midfield that left exploitable gaps behind them. And after Germany broke through a high line Scotland rushed deep to recover, leaving space at the edge again.

Scotland, at their best, can more than compete with Switzerland. Scotland at their best could’ve offered Germany a far sterner test. That is why so much frustration followed Friday night.

Clarke’s side need to go toe-to-toe and use their quality. Scotland are more than able to compete technically and physically in the centre of the park, at their best attacking down the left with McGinn and McTominay to crash the box from midfield. They lac profiles to always attack quickly and directly in the front line. Rather the configuration of their strongest team suits holding the ball in midfield, getting Andy Robertson and Kieran Tierney near the last line to break it and enabling those goalthreats to get into dangerous areas.

There are things this team are not but to make Euro 2024 memorable and not regretful they have to remember what they are.