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Scotland’s journey to qualifying for Euro 2024 was no easy task, having to overcome Spain, Norway and Georgia en route to qualifying for this summer’s tournament.
However their path has just begun and it doesn’t get any easier from here.
Instead, their route has encountered a sharp incline as they are to face hosts and three time European Champions Germany in their opening game of the tournament.
Here are all the potential routes Clarke and his Scotland squad could take en route to the 2024 Euro Final.
Scotland will get their Euro 2024 campaign underway in Group A on Friday, June 14
Steve Clarke is hoping to lead his side to the knockout stage of a major tournament for the first time in the country’s history
Liverpool’s Andrew Robertson will lead the Tartan Army this summer at Euro 2024
Group Stage
Before any talk of who Scotland may face in the knockout stages of Euro 2024, we must first discuss their group stage opponents because if they don’t win against them, they can say goodbye to any last-16 hopes.
It will be no easy feat for Scotland as the Tartan Army are looking to make it out of a major international tournament group stage for the first time in the country’s history.
Opening game – Scotland vs Germany, Friday June 14
Scotland’s first game at Euro 2024 couldn’t be any more of a daunting task if it tried.
The Tartan Army face three time UEFA Euro winners and hosts of this year’s competition Germany in their opening game.
Despite the disparity in international honours and success between the two, their head to head record is not heavily titled in favour of der Mannschaft.
In the 17 meetings between the pair Scotland have won four times, drawing five times and have suffered defeat at the hands of the German’s on eight occasions.
There is every chance that Steve Clarke’s men can capitalise on some opening-night nerves for a host nation expected to perform.
Steve Clarke’s side will face hosts Germany in the opening game of Euro 2024 at Allianz Arena in Munich on Friday, June 14
Second group game – Scotland vs Switzerland, Wednesday June 19
Scotland will face familiar foes Switzerland in their second game of Group A at Euro 2024.
The game will be played at Cologne Stadium and will be the 17th time the two sides have come up against one another.
Out of the 16 games they have already played, Scotland lead the way in wins with eight compared to Switzerland’s five, with the matches between the pair resulting in a draw on three occasions.
Scotland’s second game in Group A will be against Switzerland on Wednesday, June 19
Final group game – Scotland vs Hungary, Sunday June 23
Scotland’s last group of the game takes place in the Stuttgart Arena on Sunday, June 23 against Hungary.
Both teams have been backed to make it out of the group stage by bookmakers but this third and final game may prove decisive over who progresses.
The two have only come up against each other nine times in their history.
The Hungarians have emerged victorious four out of the nine occasions, whilst Scotland have won three of the nine games, with two ending in a draw.
Scotland’s third and final group game will be against Hungary who will be led by Dominik Szoboszlai
If Scotland win Group A
If Scotland were to do the unthinkable and win Group A, it has the potential to create quite the juicy round-of-16 tie.
The winners of Group A will face the runners-up of Group C, meaning a Scotland vs England Euro round of 16 match may well and truly be on the cards.
Although it is unlikely since England are favourites to top Group C. It is far more likely that they will face Denmark (favourites to finish second in Group C), Serbia or Slovenia.
If Scotland advance from the round of 16 in this scenario, their pathway to the final doesn’t get any easier.
Spain or Italy would likely await in the quarters, before a possible semi-final with Portugal, the Netherlands or France.
If all goes to plan, Gareth Southgate’s England could be waiting in the final.
If Scotland were to win Group A, their round of 16 opponents would most likely be Denmark
If Scotland finish Group A as runners-up
A far more likely scenario as both Germany and England are expected to top their respective groups, if Scotland finish second in Group A they will face the runners up of Group B.
Group B is stacked with European heavyweights including holders Italy, one of the favourites Spain and Croatia so predicting the outcome of the Group would be a huge task.
Albania are the other prospect who could face Scotland in this scenario although it is very unlikely.
If Scotland were to progress along this path, it most most likely tees up a quarter-final clash with either England or Belgium and Netherlands in the semi-finals.
A final meeting could be with Germany, Spain or Portugal.
The path to final if they finished as Group A runners-up would see them potentially meet title holders Italy in the round of 16
If Scotland finish third in Group C
Another strong possibility for the men in navy is that they could finish third in Group A.
All would not be lost however as the best placed third place teams will earn a spot into the round of 16.
However if they were to take this route, they would be guaranteed a round of 16 meeting with a group winner.
It would leave Clarke’s men facing either top spot from Group B, E or F, which include the likes of Spain, Italy, Belgium and Portugal.
Not that Spain should hold much fear for the Scots after their qualifying campaign exploits. If they can repeat their Hampden feat here and make it into the quarters, there are few opponents that will hold any fear.
