Scottish people are the world's favourite guests
Scotland's fans are regarded as the best supporters in the world - and are living up to their reputation again. Their presence in pubs and fan zones causes more of a stir than many tournament matches.
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Scottish fans are considered to be the most popular supporters in the world. They have already lived up to this reputation in the first few days of this European Championship in Germany. Hundreds of thousands of Scots are supporting their national team on site, travelling peacefully through the country like a huge caravan. So far, their presence has caused more of a stir than most European Championship matches. The "Tartan Army", whose nickname is derived from the fabric pattern of the tartan skirt, is the focus of the tabloid media, just like the glamorous companions of the England players around David Beckham. His wife Victoria Beckham and her entourage turned the resort town of Baden-Baden into a global attraction during the 2006 World Cup in Germany.
The Scots' first stop was the opening match against Germany in Munich on Friday. Despite the clear 1:5 defeat, they threw a raucous party around Marienplatz in the city centre that paid tribute to Bavarian beer tent culture. The scale of the gathering was reminiscent of the annual Oktoberfest held on the Theresienwiese, which attracts several million people each year. Instead of in tents, the Scots celebrated themselves and their team in pubs, beer gardens and fan zones. They are always easy to spot because many of them wear a kilt around their waist and the jersey with the rampant red lion on the chest.
Scotland's fans show the best side of football, writes the German Tagesspiegel
Ahead of the European Championships, Scotland's former star Paul Lambert, who won the Champions League with Borussia Dortmund in 1997, announced in an interview that his nation would provide "a party festival". He predicted that the German and Scottish fans would get along well because his compatriots are always up for a beer and never cause trouble. In fact, the hosts have already taken their Scottish guests to their hearts. And who wouldn't with the wonderful songs of the Scots and the sounds of the bagpipes. "No Scotland, no party" is more than a promise, it's a state of mind. The "Tagesspiegel" newspaper pined that the "Tartan Army" demonstrated the "most beautiful side of football".
The love of sport is as deeply rooted in Scottish society as fairness, passion and solidarity. The national team seems like the lowest common denominator in the country, something that even Glasgow's arch-rivals Celtic FC and Rangers FC can agree on. The well-being of these clubs is always an indication of the state of Scottish football. Following Rangers' forced relegation twelve years ago, they are now once again playing Celtic as equals for the championship.
It will be the Scots' first away trip since 1998
The competition will benefit the Scottish national team, which qualified for a tournament for the first time in 23 years at the 2021 European Championship. Back then, two of the three group games were played at home in Glasgow, which meant that fans didn't feel like they were travelling abroad for a major event. The Tartan Army are now making up for that. Scotland captain Andrew Robertson says the support feels like most of the country's five and a half million people have travelled with them to Germany.
Scotland have one of the largest squads at the tournament - as they do at every football event for which they qualify. Not only will they be competing with the 26 players nominated by coach Steve Clarke, but also with tens of thousands of their fellow countrymen behind them, who are not afraid to go the extra mile. A sports fan named Craig Ferguson recently walked from Hampden Park in Glasgow, Scotland's national stadium, to Munich - and he didn't even have a ticket for the game when he started his journey.
The Scots are out to make amends against Switzerland
Self-confidence in the land of hills, dales and lochs was more pronounced before the tournament than it had been for many years. The Scots want to fight together against their seemingly eternal fate of only having a marvellous time until kick-off. However, this optimism also includes the fact that hopes are usually dashed in the end - as in the 5-1 defeat to Germany. The Scots only narrowly escaped the biggest defeat in their European Championship history.
The team not only ruined their painstakingly built-up international reputation, but also their goal difference, which could decide whether they progress as a possible third-placed team in their group. The Scots have never been able to qualify for the knockout phase of a European Championship or World Cup. Internally, it is said that four points are now required for the round of 16. That would mean The duel with Switzerland in Cologne on Wednesday must not be lost under any circumstances. A draw is expected, with Hungary to be beaten in the final game. The players are keen to make amends, as they were embarrassed by their performance in the first match.
The team takes centre stage - and top scorer McTominay
Because Scotland's focus is always on team performance, it is often forgotten that the current squad boasts three renowned Premier League professionals: left-back Andrew Robertson from Liverpool FC, all-rounder Scott McTominay from Manchester United and playmaker John McGinn from Aston Villa. Scotland's style of play resembles the classic British left wing, with almost everything going through this side. The typical move involves a McGinn through pass to Robertson, who crosses on the move - ideally to the onrushing McTominay. The attacking midfielder scored almost half of the team's goals in the European Championship qualifiers with seven goals.
Nevertheless, the Scots are particularly reliant on the support of their fans. They have travelled with the team to Cologne and will certainly provide a home match atmosphere. It is already clear that the title for the best support at this tournament will be hard to take away from them.