Scotland supporters are going all out to make their team feel at home in Germany ahead of their opening game against the host nation in the European Championship.
Tens of thousands of fans have flooded into Munich in recent days, transforming the streets into a vibrant sea of color and noise while boosting local bar revenues. Even more fans were expected for Friday evening’s game.
Scotland hasn’t played a European Championship match abroad since 1992, and the Tartan Army is making the most of this opportunity.
“It feels as if most of the country is here,” Scotland captain Andy Robertson said.
In the buildup to the Euro 2024 opener against Germany, fans in kilts, waving Scottish flags, have been dancing and singing to the sounds of bagpipes filling the air.
Pubs and bars are packed with jubilant Scots, creating a joyous atmosphere with no reports of trouble. They are reveling in the rare chance to travel overseas and support their team in a major tournament.
By mid-afternoon on Friday, entrances to Munich’s main square, Marienplatz, were blocked off by police due to the sheer number of people. Fire engines arrived after being automatically alerted by smoke from flares and fireworks, but the atmosphere remained relaxed and cheerful.
"Half of Scotland is here," Says Excited Fan Ahead of Euro 2024 Opener
Scotland played in the pandemic-delayed 2021 European Championship, but with matches held in various countries and travel restrictions in place, it wasn’t the same. Before that, they hadn’t qualified for a major tournament since the 1998 World Cup in France.
“We should all be proud that we’re here,” said Scotland coach Steve Clarke. “It’s been a long time since 1998 when we actually traveled abroad to be involved in a major tournament like this. That’s why the nation is so excited, I think.”
The Scottish FA estimated in March that 100,000 fans would travel to Germany, but British media reports suggest the number could be double that.
Most fans arrived by plane, train, or car, but some chose more unconventional methods. A few cycled all the way to Germany, and Craig Ferguson made the journey from Glasgow on foot.
The 20-year-old from Paisley set off over 40 days ago to raise money for charity, starting at Scotland’s national stadium, Hampden Park, and arriving in Munich around midday on Thursday.
“It was so worth it,” Ferguson said on Friday. “Even just crossing that finish line yesterday, that’s a moment I’ll never forget. But more importantly, we managed to raise over £62,000 ($79,000) for men’s mental health and suicide prevention. For that, it was absolutely worth it, and I’d do it all over again just to raise that money.”
Ferguson was hoping to be rewarded by seeing Scotland pull off an upset against Germany.
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