Scotland's Munich Mission: Tranquil Base to Big City Showdown

Scotland’s journey from Garmisch-Partenkirchen, a tranquil town near the Austrian border where the squad has been based, to Munich where they will face the host nation in the Euro 2024 opener on Friday night, takes about an hour and a half by road. It’s a transition from the quiet of a small town to the bustling excitement of a big city. The streets of Munich are alive with anticipation, almost tangible as Scotland’s fans descend upon the city. Head coach Steve Clarke was visibly taken aback as he entered the packed press room at 17:54 local time for his pre-match press conference.

The look on his face was reminiscent of Dorothy in the Wizard of Oz—he knew he wasn’t in Garmisch-Partenkirchen anymore. All week, the training camp had seen a small group of reporters; now, it was standing room only with thirteen camera crews at the back. Each journalist was limited to one question due to the fierce competition for the microphone. From the Scottish camp, there was a palpable sense of determination and confidence. “Everyone’s fully fit, flying, desperate to be selected and ready to go,” Clarke stated. Captain Andy Robertson added, “We don’t want any regrets. We’re ready, excited, all eyes are on us, and it’s time to show what we can do.”

Compared to the calm language of earlier in the week, this was a new intensity. Scotland’s left Garmisch-Partenkirchen early Thursday afternoon, and by the time they arrived in Munich, they had clearly put on their game faces. History was a recurring theme. Many legendary Scottish players have attempted to advance past the group stage of a major championship, but none have succeeded. “We believe we can do it,” said Robertson. The expanded 24-team format of the European Championship makes this goal more achievable than in the past. Clarke has emphasized the importance of securing “four points.”

Even a draw against Germany on Friday would be cause for celebration among the Scots in Bavaria, while a win would be euphoric. The optimism has fueled a reported 200,000 Scots to travel to Munich. They are everywhere, on the streets, in the bars, and soon, perhaps, in the fountains. Though not present in the press room at the Allianz Arena, their spirit was palpable. Both Robertson and Clarke spoke about the fans, highlighting their commitment not to disappoint them. Robertson has fond memories of the Allianz Arena. In 2019, Liverpool, his club, drew 0-0 at home against Bayern Munich in the Champions League knockouts.

Few believed Liverpool would win the return leg, but they did, triumphing 3-1. Jurgen Klopp, Robertson’s manager, will be at the game on Friday. Robertson mentioned exchanging texts with Klopp a week ago, who expressed his intent to attend. “Hopefully he’ll enjoy his night, but not that much,” Robertson remarked. As of now, it’s just past 7:40 pm in Munich. The stadium is empty and quiet, but in 24 hours, it will be the epicenter of Scottish dreams. The calm persists for now, but the storm is imminent. The excitement is building, and the Scottish invasion is ready to make its mark.