Raucous Highland Men Drain Munich Completely Dry
Munich Beer Binge before EURO 2024: Amidst the excitement of their upcoming group stage match against Germany, the "Tartan-Army" fans of the Scottish national team, known as the "Bravehearts," throw an insane party. The wait for this moment has been long, with even William Wallace joining in and beer reserves struggling to keep pace.
State of Unease. Tension escalates. But just before the EURO 2024 group stage match between Germany and Scotland, a local radio station brings some reassuring news: despite the chaos, Munich still has beer, albeit in limited supply. Given the rampant drunkenness in the Bavarian state capital, it's reasonable to wonder if Munich is truly ready for this. Have all beer kegs been adequately stocked?
It appears the Scots have drained nearly every barrel dry. The British newspaper "The Sun" reported that the "Bravehearts" supporters had already drained the entire beer reserves of the "Woerner's" café at Marienplatz on a Wednesday.
Foolish? Crazy? Yet somehow endearing, much like the unforeseen antics of the Irish fans during EURO 2016 in France. Many may not understand Scottish English, but the joy for this tournament is palpable on every face.
Beer Drinking Festivity
For several days, the "Bravehearts" fans, also known as the "Tartan Army," have turned Munich topsy-turvy. With bagpipes, kilts - and of course, beer steins in abundance. For most, if not all, Scottish fans aged 16 and over who have come to Germany, the alcohol consumption is as remarkable as concerning. As early as 10 am on match day, six-packs have been opened at Berlin Hauptbahnhof and on the ICE southbound.
Four hours before the kick-off, Marienplatz: The sun is shining, and approximately 14,000 football fans, two-thirds of whom are Scots, are already celebrating the whole day here. Beer kegs are piled at the fountain, where a few supporters of the "Tartan-Army" are refreshing themselves. Nearby, a bagpiper in traditional attire passes by, beer fumes wafting from all corners into the nose. A casual, friendly atmosphere prevails. Songs from both sides.
Kevin and Grant have traveled specifically for the match, and they're planning to return home by Saturday. "We've been drinking beer here at the square since noon and shared a meal with German fans at a table, that was really nice." For the opening match, they wish for a draw, which would significantly ease the progression of the "Bravehearts." What has driven Kevin and Grant to Munich, other than drinking beer? "We've just been strolling around and drinking beer." Simple pleasures, contributing to a jovial football festival and an exhilarating EURO opening.
Anticipation after a Long Wait
The anticipation is understandable. For over a quarter of a century, the fan army has been waiting for a proper football festival involving the Scottish team. After all, the squad from the island has only qualified for a European championship for the fourth time. And only the second time in 26 years - at the Covid-EURO three years ago, there were numerous restrictions and concerns, so the fan base could only now fully enjoy the party atmosphere in Germany.
They do it with pride and courage. "Bravehearts" indeed. Now it's straight against the host. They want to celebrate victories not only at the bar but also on the football field. So in Germany, the Scottish resistance against the larger football nations endures in these days. Unlike William Wallace in the struggle against the English occupiers at the end of the 13th and beginning of the 14th centuries, whose weapons were swords, the Scots in Munich wield weapons in the form of football shoes for the players and beer mugs for the fans. The "Braveheart" look from the eponymous, historically inaccurate Hollywood historical epic is present from Odeonsplatz to Marienkirche: kilts, flowing hair, blue-white painted faces, wild gaze.
Disco Song Over Ballermann Tune
Although the Ballermann hit "Füllkrug" with the repeated lyrics "Fill up the jug with beer" would fit well with the masses in jerseys and kilts, the Scots in Munich prefer to play the Disco Hit "Yes Sir, I Can Boogie" from the 1970s loudly, which has been the unofficial anthem of the "Tartan-Army" for several years.
Naturally, the EURO song "No Scotland No Party" is also popular, which went viral on TikTok in Argentina, among other places, due to the melody from a famous song about Diego Maradona. Furthermore, there's the unofficial Scottish national anthem, "Flower of Scotland," which sings of Scotland's victory over England at the Battle of Bannockburn in 1314. William Wallace was already nine years dead at that time, having been executed in a gruesome manner, but his football followers in Germany still regard the song fondly.
"They are the underdogs. They will enjoy themselves and face it fearlessly," said Paul Lambert, Scotland and BVB icon, to the portal "Der Westen" about the Scottish national players. On dfb.de he added: "The EURO opening match between Germany and Scotland will be a true festive day. And that should align with the "Tartan Army." Our fans are going wild for this tournament and of course for the atmosphere in Germany - and the Munich beer." As long as there is some left.
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Despite the limited beer supply, the Scottish fans manage to find their favorite brew at a local Munich pub, sharing laughter and camaraderie during the UEFA European Football Championship 2024. Their love for soccer and their nation's team, the Bravehearts, fuel their determination to support Scotland throughout the tournament, even if it means crossing paths with German fans in Munich's famous beer gardens.
In the spirit of unity and celebration, the Scots and the Germans engage in friendly banter, exchanging chants and songs, showcasing an extraordinary atmosphere within the European Football Championship 2024, with Munich serving as the backdrop to their international soccer festivities.
