Tartan Army on march for clash No2 in Cologne
THE Tartan Army remained hopeful yesterday ahead of Scotland’s match with Switzerland despite a crushing defeat against Germany.
Following the gloom of Friday’s opening match of the Euros, when Steve Clarke’s team were thumped by the hosts at the Allianz Arena, a hint of optimism began to emerge again among fans in Munich.
Supporters proudly turned out wearing their kilts as they milled around the German city discussing the many things that went wrong in the 5-1 defeat.
Scotland are set to take on Switzerland on Wednesday and later Hungary. Qualification is still possible but they need to avoid defeat to stay in with a chance of progressing through the group.
Yesterday, some fans headed on to Cologne for the second game of the Euro adventure and remained defiant that Scotland would bounce back.
Lynsey Thomson, 35, from Rannich in the Highlands, and her mum, Gail Gibson, 63, from Edinburgh, were waving off Douglas Martin, 62, and his son Jack, 29, as the pair headed off to Cologne.
Lynsey, who works for a camper van company, said: “I think we’ll bounce back, though. It’s a big learning curve.
“We’re heading home after this one but my uncle and cousin are heading to Cologne now. Munich’s broken us.”
Gail added: “We always knew Germany was going to be the toughest game so we need to get the results against Switzerland and Hungary now.”
Munich’s largest station was abuzz with the Tartan Army as some Scots prepared to board a train through the rolling hills on to the second stunning German city.
Jamie Paterson, a paramedic from Dingwall, was en route with pals Kevin Campbell, Neil Dingwall and Scott Sutherland.
Jamie, 51, said: “We just didn’t get close enough to them on Friday night. We let them play and gave them too much of the ball. The fans showed enough passion but I don’t think the players did.
“We were at the match and the atmosphere was amazing before the game but it was a bit flat at the end. The fans weren’t happy at all.
“We need four points now so we know exactly what we need to do. We can still get out the group.”
After weeks of excitement ahead of the Euros kick- off, fans, some of whom, have spent thousands of pounds travelling to the tournament decided to make the most of their time in Munich.
Some took to the streets again to drink in what was on offer at a mini Oktoberfest, not deterred by the devastating result. “Brauertag” is the day Bavarians celebrate beer purity laws dating back to 1487.
Munich’s main square, which had been party central for Scotland fans on Friday ahead of the match, was transformed into a colourful showcase for the region’s most successful export.
Horses and giant carts from breweries such as Paulaner and