Scotland followers endure humbling Euro opener in opposition to Germany

2 hours in the past

Throughout Scotland there was optimism and pleasure because the nationwide workforce ready to face Germany within the opening match of Euro 2024.

However the Tartan Military endured a depressing night time as Germany ran out 5-1 winners.

It took solely 10 minutes earlier than the three-time European champions took the lead via Florian Wirtz.

Worse quickly adopted in a disastrous first half as Jamal Musiala doubled the Germans’ lead.

A Kai Havertz penalty all however ended the sport by half-time after Ryan Porteous was given a straight crimson card.

Substitute Niclas Füllkrug made it 4-0 within the second half earlier than a late personal purpose by Antonio Rüdiger gave the Scotland followers one thing to cheer about.

However in harm time Emre Can added a fifth to cap the most important win within the opening match within the 66-year historical past of the event.

Anticipation for Scotland’s first worldwide event on international soil because the 1998 World Cup in France noticed followers collect throughout the nation in pubs and fan zones.

And an estimated 200,000 made the pilgrimage to Germany to cheer on Steve Clarke’s males.

Regardless of taking over the event hosts, many followers have been in upbeat temper forward of the sport and bar workers have been braced for a bumper night time.

Jennifer Morrison, the occasion supervisor at Glasgow’s Service provider Sq. stated preparations for the sport had been underway “for months”, with tons of coming via the doorways.

Many forecast a great consequence and one even stated it felt “like Christmas Eve” within the build-up.

Greater than 1,200 followers gathered at Platform in Glasgow metropolis centre, sporting Scotland tops from throughout the years and waving Saltires.

However the good temper swiftly light and by half-time many have been merely hoping it didn’t get any worse.

David Hunter, from Hamilton, informed BBC Scotland Information: “I’m feeling very deflated.

“We at all times stated it was a troublesome ask to go to Munich and get a consequence within the first recreation.

“It’s harm limitation in the meanwhile.”

Ally McGinnigal, 37, from Dennistoun, was already looking forward to Scotland’s remaining fixtures in opposition to Switzerland on Wednesday and Hungary on 23 June.

He stated: “There’s nonetheless two video games to go. Stranger issues have occurred.

“As a Scotland fan I do know by now to count on minimal after which if one thing good occurs it’s a bonus.”

In Munich, the place hundreds watched within the metropolis’s fan park, followers remained optimistic in regards to the future.

One fan stated: “The opposite two groups are usually not the identical degree as Germany, so we’re nonetheless hopeful. Nonetheless hopeful. Come on Scotland.”

One other added: “We knew with the accidents and stuff it was going to be a bit tough however, we anticipated greater than what’s simply gone on simply now. However we’ve nonetheless bought two video games left within the group so we’ll win the following two video games.”

A way of gloom sank in throughout the nation on the fan zones that had been arrange in hope of a celebration.

At Cumbernauld’s Broadwood stadium the half-time soundtrack of Deacon Blue’s Dignity failed to boost spirits.

And at Riverside Park in Dundee supporters endured foul climate forward of kick-off.

One fan on the fan zone in Inverness known as the consequence “embarrassing” and “so unhealthy” whereas one other known as the efficiency “disgusting.”

However others retained some hope, saying that the workforce wanted to “preserve their heads up” for the remaining fixtures.

At Dunfermline’s East Finish Park there have been three generations of 1 household in attendance with Peter Nellis joined by his daughter Maria and grandchildren Mason, Megan and Caitlyn.

Megan informed BBC Scotland Information: “It is good for folks like me, as a result of I am not allowed in pubs due to my age, so it is good to be in locations like this the place we will get a pleasant environment for the video games.”

Nonetheless one younger fan maybe summed up the match greatest.

He merely stated: “Everybody was so unhealthy.”