LIVE stream: Germany vs Scotland on Sep. 7, 2014 - UEFA Euro 2016 Qualifying

September 6, 2014 By Samrin Hasib

Topics: Euro 2016 qualifying, Germany, Scotland, TV Listings, Live Scores, Live Stream, TV Schedules

Germany has historically not done well after winning World Cups. They will have to bring back the focus and determination which led them to the World Cup trophy in qualifying.

Their return was greeted by respectful applause in Düsseldorf; four old members were honored. Per Mertesacker, former assistant coach Hansi Flick, Miroslav Klose and Philipp Lahm were presented with personalized letters of recognition, held within a frame. The former captain stood with a smile next to the highest scorer in German football history as did the tall defender. Argentina looked on, wondering what might have been had events in July in Brazil panned out differently.

Eventually, Argentina had a little laugh as they took a 4-0 lead. Germany fought back to 4-2; the celebratory mood on the day was not dampened as the fans continued to shower their winners with praise in the form of songs, banners and chants. As far as Joachim Löw is concerned, he must certainly have been relieved to see Mario Götze score; Götze has been quite poor for Bayern in the first two Bundesliga matches of this season.

Löw has more pressing problems than the form of the player who earned Germany the fourth star though. Both Sami Khedira and Bastian Schweinsteiger are out, leaving a hole in defensive midfield for Germany. Against Argentina, Christoph Kramer and Toni Kroos played there. However, Kroos is not a very reliable defensive midfielder and Kramer is still inexperienced at international level.

Mario Gomez has plenty of experience at international level but he is still seemingly haunted by the memories of his misses in Euro 2008. He failed to convert some excellent chances for Germany. He is seen as the natural successor to Klose, the new focal point of Germany's attack. However, he needs to summon his Euro 2012 group stage form to make the front man spot his own. The fact that he was out with injury for most of last season does not help his cause either.

Löw has to figure out a suitable plan to overcome the multitude of absences. The absence of a proper right back following the retirement of Lahm might hurt his side against Scotland.

Can Germany come through in their first competitive match since they became World Champions?