Fans of the Scottish national team, born in the last two decades, have yet to see their country’s European championship game. That’s what’s changing now.
Leads as captain – and takes Scotland back on the field after 25 years in a European Championship: Andy Robertson.
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If this European Championship had been in front of completely empty ranks, something would certainly be missing. The Bravehearts are known not only for their passion on the pitch, but also for their great fans, especially in sports for the Scottish national team. The stands have the so-called “Tartan Army” to turn into a fortress again, this time around, and schoolchildren can even watch the new heroes return to the big stage in the classroom.
The fact that coach Steve Clarke’s team is allowed to step onto the pitch on Monday afternoon (3 p.m., LIVE! on Kickers) is something special. Because after a long 25 years, Scotland is once again participating in the European Championship. It is the first major tournament in 23 years (1998 World Cup), at that time the home game in Glasgow. Nothing gets better than this. The expectations are even higher.
“Now is the time,” was the headline of the newspaper “The Sunday National” before the long-awaited first European Championship game in a quarter of a century against the Czech Republic. And Coach Clarke’s team wants to deliver. “We are hungry to be legends,” said midfielder John McGuin. Captain Andy Robertson said: “A lot of kids, teenagers and young people have never seen us in a tournament. I hope we can inspire a nation.”
A nation that ever played the first official international match in football history against England on November 30, 1872, and is therefore a semi-founding member of the sport.
“I can Boogie”
So the tailwind ensured, 12,000 spectators would provide the perfect backdrop – and the disco hit “Yes Sir, I Can Boogie” provides the perfect soundtrack. The Scottish team celebrated the catchy tune of the ’70s last November after a penalty kick thriller in the play-off final in Belgrade, Serbia.
But is it sporty enough in this tournament with the other group opponents Croatia and England (0:1 in a straight duel on Sunday)? “Of course, a win in the first game would be extremely important,” says coach Clark. “Three points can guarantee you a place in the last 16, so it will be a great start.”
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