There were no surprises in Germany's lineup for their Euro 2024 Group A tournament opener on home soil against Scotland on Friday.
However, alongside the event, there is concern about potential terrorist attacks and hooligan violence targeting the millions of locals and tourists who will be watching the games in stadiums and designated public viewing areas in major cities.
The Germans are preparing for the arrival of 2.7 million fans who have purchased tickets for the games and an additional 12 million fans in public viewing areas. Ahead of the tournament, Germany has recruited 600 counter-terrorism experts from across Europe to assist UEFA and Europol security specialists.
"The threat of jihadist attacks is higher than it has been in a long time," Thomas Haldenwang, President of the Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution (Germany's domestic intelligence agency), told the German news agency this week.
In recent weeks, several stabbing attacks have occurred in Germany, including an incident where an Afghan immigrant fatally stabbed a police officer in Mannheim. These attacks were carried out by "lone wolves," whom German intelligence struggles to detect.
Last week, the federal prosecutor announced the arrest of an ISIS operative who attempted to get a job as a security guard for the tournament. "It is clear to us that we are a target for jihadist attacks," said Thomas Haldenwang, President of the Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution, "partly because we are one of Israel's closest allies alongside the US."
German security forces are also making significant efforts to identify hooligan fans from across Europe who might bring weapons to confront rival crowds. Preparations to counter hooligan violence are a major focus of the security arrangements, especially in light of last year's football-related violence in Europe, which resulted in the deaths of two fans in Greece and France.
The Islamic State and other terrorist organizations have called for attacks during the tournament in Germany. However, Interior Minister Nancy Faeser stated that there are no specific threats. At a ceremony for the 350 foreign police officers who will assist the German police, Faeser said that in addition to the threat of terrorism and hooligan violence, Germany is focusing on "everyday crime, violent offenders, and cyberattacks" ahead of the tournament.
Every day of the tournament will see 22,000 police officers deployed in the streets. The German police will receive support from officers from neighboring countries, including the re-establishment of border controls to monitor the entry of hooligans into Germany.
Around 1,000 police officers are expected at each game, and the German military will deploy surveillance measures, including aerial monitoring, due to concerns over drone attacks. At high-risk matches, such as Serbia against England, alcohol will be banned in the stands. Additionally, English fans who sing anti-German war songs or perform Nazi salutes will face on-the-spot fines.
Coach Julian Nagelsmann fielded the same team as in their final warm-up game last week. He has banked on the experience of goalkeeper Manuel Neuer as well as Toni Kroos and captain Ilkay Gundogan in midfield.
Kai Havertz will operate as their lone striker with Florian Wirtz and Jamal Musiala on the wings as the Germans launch their bid for their first major trophy in a decade.
For Scotland, Andy Robertson will lead the team as captain for the 50th game, having overcome an injury scare in training days ago and despite having nursed an ankle problem for months.
The defender was ruled fit in a big boost for Steve Clarke's team as they launched their bid to make it past the group stage at a major tournament for the first time.
Lineups:
Germany: Manuel Neuer, Antonio Ruediger, Jonathan Tah, Joshua Kimmich, Kai Havertz, Toni Kroos, Jamal Musiala, Florian Wirtz, Maximilian Mittelstaedt, Ilkay Gundogan (C), Robert Andrich
Scotland: Angus Gunn, Anthony Ralston, Andy Robertson (C), Scott McTominay, Kieran Tierney, John McGinn, Callum McGregor, Che Adams, Ryan Christie, Jack Hendry, Ryan Porteous