Scotland fans guzzle hair of the dog steins in Munich ahead of Germany opener

Ryan Carroll
·4-min read
Keith MacMillan in lederhosen with Paul Marshall, Stuart King, Canadian friend Ben pettenick and a bagpiper
-Credit: (Image: DAILY RECORD)


Scotland fans have been guzzling hair of the dog steins this morning ahead of our opening match against Germany. It was a more tame atmosphere in the Marienplatz early on Friday as thousands of Scots gathered once again to shake off the cobwebs from the night before.

The bagpipes were playing again as the Tartan Army joined locals in a circle singing Flower of Scotland, but it was a more gentle rendition than the night before. Tourists again posed for pictures with Scots while those in kilts chatted to Germans giving each other their predictions ahead of the match tonight.

Grant Hutton, 37, from Aberdeen, was drinking beers with his pals after a heavy night in the city. Grant, who works offshore in wind turbines, said: "We headed across via Dublin on Thursday. It was some day, some craic.

"We had a few pints in the Hofbräuhaus. It was wild. We're here on my stag do and the lads made me put on an England top. I had to take it off as I was getting too much stick. We ended up calling it a day about 4.30am this morning.

"I felt like an 18-year-old again but we're feeling not too bad now. We don't have tickets so we are going to head up to the fan zone after these to make sure we get in. I think we're going to win 2-1. Che Adam's with the winner."

Grant Hutton
Grant Hutton -Credit:DAILY RECORD

Next to the lads was Sharron Barnaby, 59, and her husband Gordon, a 53-year-old civil engineer from Larbert. Sharron, who is retired, said: "It's been a fantastic trip so far. We travelled across in our motorhome via Hull and we managed to get booked into a site quite near the stadium.

"We've got tickets for the match so we just can't wait. We decided to get a taxi into the centre to soak up some atmosphere since we missed it all yesterday. I think we can get a draw. We definitely want to see a goal or two for Scotland."

Gordon added: "I'm quietly confident but not massively optimistic. I'm hoping for a draw as well."

Sharron and Gordon Barnaby from Falkirk
Sharron and Gordon Barnaby from Falkirk -Credit:DAILY RECORD

Alan Murray, 51, retired police officer, from Edinburgh, was joined by his daughter Isla, 27, and her partner Ross Manzi, 27. Alan said: "We arrived in Stuttgart last night and got a train through this morning. The German fans have been brilliant. We've been sharing beers with them and giving them high-fives. It's been great.

"The train this morning was full of both Scots and Germans. Everyone was taking pictures. We're going to be watching it from a local venue that we've got tickets for. It's got a big screen so should be good.

"We didn't want to have to go to the fan zone early to sit in a grass bank all day so I think this is a good alternative. We've got tickets for the next two games but I'll stay out if we get through the group.

"I'm hoping for a 1-1 tonight. If we can get a point that would be great."

Ross Manzi, wife Isla and her dad Alan Murray
Ross Manzi, wife Isla and her dad Alan Murray -Credit:DAILY RECORD

Ross and Isla were more optimistic, predicting a 2-1 victory. Back in the square youngsters were soaking up the atmosphere too.

After posing for a picture with her family Eilidh Stewart, 15, told the Record: "It's been so great. We've been to some amazing bars and eaten loads of sausages. It's a once in a life time opportunity and it's been amazing watching everyone come together. I think it will be 2-1 Scotland, last minute winner by Shankland."

Sam Stewart, 12, added: "It's been a brilliant atmosphere. We've got a ticket for the game so hopefully it will be a good one. I'm hoping for a draw or maybe even a win."

Sam and Eilidh Stewart from Edinburgh with Harry Crewes, mum and dad Donna and Ewan Stewart, and Scott Crewes
Sam and Eilidh Stewart from Edinburgh with Harry Crewes, mum and dad Donna and Ewan Stewart, and Scott Crewes -Credit:DAILY RECORD

Nearby Paul Marshall, who was pictured with his pal Keith MacMillan dressed in full lederhosen, were getting back in the party mood.

Paul said: "We're going to a pre-match big near the centre with Glasvegas and Kyle Falconer from the View playing. I don't think we'll get into the fan zone at that point so we're going to find a pub showing the game. I'm hoping for a 0-0 or an own goal winner for Scotland."

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