Glasgow reacts as Scotland Euros dream ends in heartbreak and fans head home

An estimated 200,000 Scots from across the country have travelled to Germany to cheer on the national side as part of the 2024 Euros.

Hopes were high for the national side who were coming off a poor run of form in the run-up to the championship – winning only one in their previous 11 games. However, heartbreak struck early with a miserable performance in the first game against Germany.

But following a 1-1 draw with the Swiss, many remained hopeful that a strong performance against Hungary could see them through to the next round. Unfortunately, it wasn’t to be, with a last-minute winner leaving Scotland at the bottom of the table and out of the competition.

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Devastated locals who watched Scotland’s heart-breaking 1-0 defeat to Hungary in Stuttgart have shared their thoughts following the match.

Glasgow Live reporter Sean Murphy was among the home-based Tartan Army at the huge fanzone from immersive fan park brand, 4TheFans, at BaAD.

Sean said: “I was watching alongside hundreds of excited but nervous fans in the blistering Glasgow sunshine. Everyone was partying with the likes of former Scotland star Colin Hendry in the build-up to the match as hits like Yes Sir, I Can Boogie and songs by The Proclaimers were blasting out.

“There was always a tension in the air though and the crowd felt more muted than the opening game against Germany, with even a rousing rendition of the national anthem unable to ease the apprehension.

“During the match, the tension really ramped up and despite everyone still being hopeful of a Scotland win, you could really feel it in the air.

“Still though, when the goal went it in, crushing as it was, I couldn’t think of a better group of fans to be amongst, as everyone was there to offer a wry smile or a conciliatory hug. We might have gone out but we are still the best fans around.”

“The fanzone was a brilliant way to enjoy the atmosphere of a big match and BaAd was packed and with add-ons like half time pies and plenty of bars, the atmosphere was buzzing. Definitely where I’ll be watching the big games in future.”

The resounding feeling from fans in Glasgow, and across Scotland, is that the team should be proud of how far they got in the 2024 championship.

Commenting on social media after the big match, Donna O’neill said: “Tonight our Scotland boys played amazing and they gave their all. They have nothing to be sorry for, they made every one of us all so proud we played the best we could. There was nothing our boys could do in the game tonight. I say it was a penalty but we can’t do nothing now, let’s just love an appreciate what our boys did tonight.”

Emma Davidson wrote: “We should still be proud of our team for getting here at all. They played a good game… robbed of a penalty… things might have been very different.”

Retired fireman David Murdoch, was at a makeshift fan zone in the centre of Stuttgart with his wife Michelle, a 48-year-old finance manager from East Kilbride.

David, 52, told the Record: “It’s really disappointing to go out like that but we’ve had an amazing experience out here in Germany. I go all over the world but this has been the best trip ever.

“It was amazing to watch it from here too, I can’t believe they put this up for us in five days.”

Lewis Fotheringham, who is 28 and originally from Glasgow but now makes wine in Australia, told reporters at the fan zone: “This result cannot ruin the trip we’ve had. The fun we have had was incredible. It’s the most fun we’ve had in years.

“It’s been absolutely magic. Everybody here at the fan zone has been brilliant too. Everyone reckons we are the best fans in the world, which of course we are.

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Colin O’Hara, 59, who works for Chivas Regal and is from Clydebank, said: “No Scotland, No Party. That’s what it’s all about. Forget about the result, we’ve had an amazing two weeks out here.”

However, not all fans were as happy with the team or Steve Clarks management, with some questioning his tactics over the tournament.

Chukwuemeka Vincent Livinus said: “It looked as if Scotland didn’t have good strikers or a good finisher and that’s the reason the little chance wasn’t converted. There were so many missed opportunities. Not playing Forest at the match wasn’t a nice one. The game was so disappointing.”

Sandy Easton wrote: “Spent more time passing the ball in their own half than actually trying to score until the last ten minutes then it was disorganized panic. Not good enough.”

Bill Smith added: “For first 60 minutes Scotland never ventured near the Hungarian box to have a go, had a lengthy time in possession and nothing to show. Strategy during this tournament of sitting back was all wrong. Can’t score goals passing the ball about in your own half of the field.”

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