Annual match between Scotland and Germany takes major step forward

SCOTLAND’S hopes of playing an annual friendly against Germany have been given a huge boost after German FA chief Andreas Rettig revealed he intends to sign the petition himself.

German football fans set up a petition to organise an annual friendly game between Scotland and Germany because they were so impressed at the behaviour of the 200,000-strong Tartan Army at Euro 2024.

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Scotland were thumped 5-1 by Germany in the opening game of the Finals in Munich and were eliminated after a draw with Switzerland and a dismal defeat to Hungary.

But Scotland fans won plenty of acclaim from their hosts during the tournament and the petition has now passed 50,000 signatures.

And DFB managing director Rettig gave the plans a boost when quizzed about the possibility of playing the Scots every year.

He said: “The petition can count on my vote.

“I think it’s a great idea. I would sign it too.

“But I have to be honest and say I don’t know if it would make any difference whether I sign it or not.

“Whether such a friendly match can actually be held depends, among other things, on the match calendar.

“But the Scotland fans left a lasting impression on me and as far as I am concerned, they are always welcome here.”

The Tartan Army’s exploits Munich, Cologne and Stuttgart might not just lead to a yearly fixture between the two respective nations.

It is likely to result in a surge in German tourists coming to Scotland, according to early data gathered by Visit Scotland.

German city chiefs also want to pay tribute to the Scotland fans with an award.

VisitCologne tourism exec Dr Jürgen Amann praised our “exuberant and peaceful” punters, who flew a huge Saltire in the city centre in the build up to the big game.

He admitted: “There should be an award for the most powerful vocal support at the Euros and Scottish fans would have an amazing chance to win it.”

And a top official who works for Munich mayor Dieter Reiter, said: “Scotland’s fans have been so impressive.

“We are considering how to acknowledge this.”

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