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Germany v Scotland: Neil McCann tips shock Dortmund draw in European Qualifier

Gordon Strachan's side have momentum and belief for European Qualifiers

Image: Scotland: can they spring a surprise in Germany?

Neil McCann is backing Scotland to pick up a shock result when they visit World Cup winners Germany on Sunday evening.

Gordon Strachan’s side are unbeaten in their last six international matches, including notable victories over the likes of Croatia and Poland, but face a tough opening test in Dortmund as they kick off their quest to qualify for Euro 2016.

Former Scotland midfielder McCann, who will be part of Sky Sports’ live coverage of the game on Sunday evening, believes the national team are on a roll and can spring a surprise if they are brave on the ball in the Westfalenstadion.

“I think we might get a draw, such is the momentum that Gordon has built,” he told Sky Sports News HQ.

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“The word that I would use is ‘belief’. I will probably get shot down in flames by people thinking that we can do that because I’ve played in that stadium and I know the kind of atmosphere it generates.

“I just hope Scotland can go out there with the belief that we’ve shown in the last few games, and indeed since Gordon took over, and maximise our chances when we get on the ball.

“We must be brave in possession and defend as a team and if we do that I think we might just get a draw. I’m optimistic like the rest of the country for the start of the campaign.

“If we can get a draw over there against the world champions I think it will set us up beautifully for the rest of the campaign.”

Mario Gomez
Image: Mario Gomez: Germany lost to Argentina in midweek

Germany lost their first game since the World Cup in midweek as Joachim Low’s experimental side were beaten 4-2 in a friendly by Argentina.

McCann says Scotland can draw confidence from that result, but that Strachan may need to adopt a cautious approach with his team selection.

“It depends what Gordon feels is the best tactics,” he added.

“Chris Martin of Derby has already scored four goals this season and is a big target man, but is Gordon maybe thinking of going two up front with [Steven] Naismith, who has been in exceptional form for Everton, or does he sit in and try to hit on the break?

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Darren Fletcher talks to Sky Sports News about Scotland's hopes

“That is possibly Gordon’s thinking at the minute. I don’t think you can go wide open against sides like this. Yes, we are the underdogs – and massive underdogs - but underdogs have their day to use the old cliché.

“If we get our tactics right and try and be clever when in possession of the ball and be brave on it then who knows what we can do over there?

“Germany are not in the best frame of mind. It doesn’t matter what kind of side you field, if you’re on a heavy defeat – 4-2 against Argentina – then you want to go and make up for that.

“There’s maybe, hopefully, a little dent in their confidence but it’s not going to be easy of course.”

Neil McCann will be part of the Sky Sports team for our live coverage of European Qualifiers this Sunday evening - including Germany v Scotland - on Sky Sports 5.

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