On Friday, Munich came alive with excitement as thousands of Germany and Scotland fans gathered to celebrate the opening match of Euro 2024. Germany fans responded enthusiastically to coach Julian Nagelsmann’s call to “please be loud,” filling the city’s medieval Marienplatz and the designated fan zone hours before the match.
The fan zone in Munich’s Olympic Park, with a capacity of 25,000, quickly reached full capacity, prompting city authorities to issue warnings about overcrowding. “The Fan Zone in the Olympic Park is temporarily closed due to overcrowding. Please do not come to the Olympic Park! Marienplatz is currently overcrowded. There will definitely be no public screening there. Please spread out elsewhere in the city!” the city stated.
Scottish fans, known for their kilts and bagpipes, had already made a significant impact in central Munich, endearing themselves to the locals with their spirited presence. As the hours to kick-off dwindled, German fans joined the festivities, expressing pride in hosting the tournament and excitement for the matches ahead.
“I’m really happy it is getting started now and I am sure there will be a great atmosphere. I think there will only be a few times that Germany hosts a tournament like this, so we need to make the absolute most of it,” said Benny Kuehnel, a 32-year-old software developer from Stuttgart.
Jutta Huelsheger, who traveled across Germany to be in the fan zone, echoed this sentiment. “I wanted to be here for the opening game, to absorb all the atmosphere and joy. I’m amazed at how full it is already,” she said.
Germany, a nation with a proud football history, has faced recent challenges with early exits in the last two World Cups and the last Euros. Fans are hopeful for a fresh start. Fabian Schroeder, a 33-year-old engineer, wore a Germany football shirt and a red kilt to symbolize unity. “This is to create good relations,” he said, expressing hope for a festive atmosphere reminiscent of the 2006 World Cup.
Scottish fans have praised their German hosts. “We’ve had a really great time so far. The Germans have been very friendly,” said Duncan Kellock, 70, from Alva near Stirling in Scotland. Robert Holland, a 52-year-old solicitor from Edinburgh, added, “I don’t think you can find a better host country.”
