Ally McCoist pinpoints cruical problem Scotland encountered against Germany at Euro 2024

Che Adams (C) of Germany in action during the opening match of 2024 European Football Championship (EURO 2024) Group A football match between Germany and Scotland at Allianz Arena in Munich, Germany on June 14, 2024. (Photo by Gokhan Balci/Anadolu via Getty Images) Ally McCoist Scotland Euro 2024
(Image credit: Getty Images)

Ally McCoist has pinpointed the exact problem Scotland faced against Germany at Euro 2024, as the Tartan Army suffered in the match. 

Speaking as a co-commentator on ITV's coverage for the opening game of Euro 2024, McCoist highlighted the crucial Scotland were unable to solve against Germany at the Allianz Arena. 

"There's a problem in front of the five and behind the four," McCoist stated.

VIDEO: Why Teams Should Fear Scotland At Euro 2024 - Tactical Preview

Highlighting how Jamal Musiala, Florian Wirtz and Ilkay Gundogan all managed to pick up dangerous positions between Scotland's defence and midfield, McCoist suggested none of the nine players were confident about whose responsibility it was to pick up the dangerous trio. 

This came to a head as Musiala put Germany 2-0 ahead, with McCoist going into greater detail about how his concern at the start of the game with John McGinn, Scott McTominay, Callum McGregor and Ryan Christie was realised.

"There's nobody that picks Wirtz up, that's the problem," McCoist said. "It's a brilliant finish, he redirects it well. I was concerned with Scotland's narrow four in the middle of the park and the wide defenders tucking in was exploited there."

Scotland's defender #15 Ryan Porteous (L) fouls Germany's midfielder #21 Ilkay Gundogan during the UEFA Euro 2024 Group A football match between Germany and Scotland at the Munich Football Arena in Munich on June 14, 2024. (Photo by Fabrice COFFRINI / AFP) (Photo

Porteous was sent for a bad challenge (Image credit: FABRICE COFFRINI/AFP via Getty Images)

Scotland headed into the half-time break 3-0 behind and a man down, too, after Ryan Porteous was sent off for serious foul play on Ilkay Gundogan towards the end of the half. 

The centre-back flew into the Barcelona midfielder with a dangerous, two-footed challenge, making contact on his ankle. The VAR recommended referee Clement Turpin to review the challenge, which he duly did to compound Scottish misery.

Germany's midfielder #10 Jamal Musiala celebrates with teammates after scoring his team's second goal during the UEFA Euro 2024 Group A football match between Germany and Scotland at the Munich Football Arena in Munich on June 14, 2024.

Musiala celebrates a second goal (Image credit: TOBIAS SCHWARZ/AFP via Getty Images)

More Euro 2024 stories 

Get a free live stream to watch Euro 2024 from anywhere in the world ahead of the summer's big tournament. There’s a comprehensive run-down on Euro 2024 stadiums, too, offering plenty of information on host cities, capacities, and everything you need to know

These are the best pundits ever, while details on the commentators, pundits and presenters set to appear on TV screens for the BBC and ITV this summer is also available. 

We have a list of the Euro 2024 favourites, with best odds on nations to win European Championship in Germany, while there are a number of golden boot contenders all looking to fire their nation to glory this summer, too.

Ryan Dabbs
Staff writer

Ryan is a staff writer for FourFourTwo, joining the team full-time in October 2022. He first joined Future in December 2020, working across FourFourTwo, Golf Monthly, Rugby World and Advnture's websites, before eventually earning himself a position with FourFourTwo permanently. After graduating from Cardiff University with a degree in Journalism and Communications, Ryan earned a NCTJ qualification to further develop as a writer while a Trainee News Writer at Future.