Y ou wait decades for such an occasion and this happens. Scotland had cause to wonder whether the fevered level of anticipation that surrounded their involvement in Euro 2024 was remotely worth the bother. Fans from Munich to Mossblown watched through cracks in their fingers.
From outside the ground, the Aberdeen chairman was bemoaning “the worst organisation I have ever seen”. This required a rethink after what took place in the first half. The situation is now so stark that there must be serious questions over whether Steve Clarke can rally a demoralised squad to the point where they can do what is surely necessary and defeat Switzerland.
Germany kickstart Euro 2024 in style and pile on the pain for 10-man Scotland Read more Scotland had not played in a tournament outside the UK since 1998. They had not featured in a European Championship abroad since 1992. What transpired in Munich served as a painful reminder of what happens when you are well short of your best against a world-class team.
The Swiss and Hungarians will be rubbing their hands. The highlight of the evening for anyone of Scottish persuasion came 20 minutes before kick-off. Gala’s Freed From Desire sent the Tartan Army into a wonderful frenzy.
Men, women and children – of all shapes, sizes and ages – leapt about in celebration. Scotland were back. The problem was, as soon as the game started it felt as if they didn’t belong.
Clarke’s team wobbled from the outset. Germany pulled them apart in a fa.