Thousands of Scotland fans invade Munich as party starts ahead of Euro opener

THE Tartan Army take over in Munich is in full swing on the eve of the team’s landmark Euro opener against Germany.

Thousands of Scotland fans have descended on the Bavarian capital throughout the day amid jubilant revelry.

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Supporters have packed out bars in the famous Marienplatz square, singing songs, mingling harmoniously with locals and soaking up the electric atmosphere.

There are so many Scotland fans in the square that one German supporter said it felt like he was in Edinburgh or Glasgow.

At one bar, Germany and Scotland fans stood side by side on tables wearing kilts and draped in their national colours as they waved flags.

The tournament merrymaking is set to last long into the night as Steve Clarke and his men prepare for their opening match against the hosts at the Allianz Arena.

The Scottish Sun has been catching up with Tartan Army foot soldiers throughout the day.

Stuart Currie, 32, a recruitment and contract surveyor and dad-of-one from Ayr, said: “It’s been a good atmosphere. I’m at that age where I can remember wee bits of ’98, obviously the last time we qualified Covid was a big thing.

“Just to be involved in an actual tournament, it’s great. You couldn’t get a better atmosphere.

“I’ve got a ticket for the Germany game. And I’m hoping I’ll have a ticket for the Hungary game as well.

“I’m confident, why shy away from it. We’ve got nothing to lose so let’s give it everything we’ve got.”

Elli Hiedrich, 56, a road surveyor and mum-of-two from Dreisbach, Germany, said: “We arrived yesterday. We’ve been to the AC/DC concert and will watch the game, we hope Germany will win.

“We thought we must be somewhere in Scotland, maybe Edinburgh or Glasgow or somewhere else. We only hear Scottish songs, and bagpipes.

“We are in the wrong town. Not in Munich.

“We will have a good party after the match. It doesn’t matter who wins.”

Scott McGhie, 28, a banking manager from Paisley, said: “We’ve grown up watching Scotland not qualifying. It’s great to finally be here and it’s easy enough to get to Germany.

“We’re here to fill our boots. It means everything.

“If we get a draw it would be good. But Germany are Germany.

“They’re a tough side. I’m optimistic,1-1 draw.”

Ross Lundie, 28, a college assessor from Anniesland, Glasgow said: “We flew into Prague yesterday. We were on a six-hour train after a two-hour flight, it was a long, long trip.

“We’ve only been to London, it didn’t feel like a tournament. It’s been worth it, the atmosphere’s incredible.

“We just want to be part of the party. It’s something you’ll tell your grandchildren about.

“We’ll sneak a draw against Germany. It’ll be a total party.”

Colin Ferguson, 55, an oil and gas worker and dad-of-one from Perth, Australia, said: “I had a long day yesterday but the atmosphere has been first class. After 20 hours of travelling it feels really good.

“I’m looking forward to us getting some good results. Everybody’s having a good time and mingling about.

“It’s going to be a tough ask [against Germany]. I would take a draw.”