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Scotland fans helping their team feel welcome in advance the Euro 2024 opener against host Germany

Munich (AP) -MUNICH (AP) – Scotland supporters are working hard to ensure that their team feels and at ease in Germany prior to the team’s first match against hosts at the European Championship.

Through DANIELLA MATAR
14/06/2024

Updated 10:19 PM IST, June 14, 2024

Tens of thousands of football fans have flocked to Munich in recent days, transforming the streets into a wild display of sound and coloras well as filling the coffers in local bar. More were anticipated for the game on Friday night.

Scotland hasn’t hosted an European Championship match in the outside world since 1992, and its fans, dubbed the Tartan Army are enjoying the best of it.

“It feels as if most of the country are (here),” Scotland captain Andy Robertson said.

As we get ready for this weekend’s Euro 2024 opening in the match against Germany Fans sporting kilts and flags of Scottish flags are singing and dancing as bagpipes blare through the air.

There have been many people who have crowded bars and pubs however no problems have been noted as of yet, with the Scots generally creating a joyful atmosphere while enjoying an opportunity that is not often available for them to travel to other countries to watch their team compete in an important tournament.

The main square of Munich -Marienplatz Marienplatz The main square of Munich — Marienplatz shut by police officers in the afternoon on Friday because of excessive crowds. Fire engines also showed up after they were automatically alerted to the presence of the smoke from flares and fireworks. However, everyone was happy and relaxed.

“Half of Scotland is in there,” one enthusiastic fan as he walked out from the square.

Scotland participated in the pandemic delayed 2021 European Championship but that was played in various nations and there were restrictions on travel due to the coronavirus. Prior to that, it had not been a participant in a major event since 1998’s World Cup in France.

“We should all be proud that we’re here,” Scotland coach Steve Clarke said. “Been quite a while, since 1998 when we first went abroad to participate in major events like this. This is why our nation is very excited, I believe.”

The Scottish FA predicted the number of supporters would be travelling to Germany. British media are reporting twice that number.

Most fans traveled via train, plane or car, but some travelled using more unconventional ways. Some rode bicycles all up to Germany While Craig Ferguson made his journey from Glasgow by the foot.

Twenty-year-old Paisley embarked on his epic trek over 40 days ago in order to raise funds for charity. The walk started in Scotland’s National Stadium Hampden Park and arriving in Munich at midday on Thursday.

“It was so worth it, I mean even for that sort of finish line yesterday, you know, coming in, that’s a moment I’ll never forget,” Ferguson told reporters on Friday.

“But more importantly, we managed to raise over 62,000 pounds ($79,000) for men’s mental health and suicide prevention, so for that it was absolutely worth it and I’d do it all over again, just to raise that money.”

Ferguson wanted to be rewarded with the chance to watch Scotland make a comeback against Germany.

“You can’t walk all the way here and not see a Scotland win, so 1-0 Scotland,” the coach was hoping.

The Scotland team has been looking at photos and videos of the team’s support.

“It gives us a big boost,” Clarke declared. “We know that they’re here help us and are going to be with us every second, every single game. This is extremely important to us.

“We’ve had a little taste of it down in Garmisch-Partenkirchen, where we’re based. A few people there have made the journey to the gym much more pleasant … I’m sure they’re enjoying themselves and behave appropriately.”