The Scots have never qualified for the knockout stages of a major tournament in 11 attempts, failing at the first hurdle in their eight World Cups and three European Championships
Scotland fans have descended on Stuttgart for their crunch Euro 2024 group stage clash with Hungary.
The Scots have never qualified for the knockout stages of a major tournament in 11 attempts, failing at the first hurdle in their eight World Cups and three European Championships.
But a win over Hungary could potentially secure a spot in the last-16 depending on the result of Group A’s other game between Germany and Switzerland in Frankfurt. Should hosts Germany win and Scotland also beat Hungary, and there is a seven-goal swing in goal difference in the matches, then Scotland will pip the Swiss to second place.
A draw would also keep Scotland’s hopes of qualifying for the last-16 alive, but a defeat would see them eliminated.
An estimated 100,000 Scotland fans are said to have descended on Stuttgart for the match, with tournament organisers creating separate viewing areas for the Scotland vs Hungary match due to the game clashing with Germany vs Switzerland, which will be shown in the main fan park. Stuttgart’s Mercedes-Benz Arena holds 60,000 fans, leaving many supporters of both sides without a ticket.
Fans mixed happily in the build-up to kick-off in the centre of Stuttgart, with some even playing football against each other as an organ grinder played ‘Flower of Scotland’ to great delight of the Scottish fans.
Many walked up to the stadium together, with several Scottish fans packing out the pubs and bars en route, and several buying alcohol from local shops. Local restauranteurs took photos of the supporters as they enjoyed a bite to eat.
Closer to the ground some fans were required to pick up their tickets, with some jumping in celebration as they secured their seats for the biggest match in Scottish football for over a generation.
At bars closer to the ground bagpipes were played and supporters enjoyed a rosuing chorus of ‘Yes Sir, I Can Boogie’ which has become an unofficial Scottish football anthem in recent years.
Speaking before the match, Scotland’s John McGinn said: “If we make it here, it would mean even more than it did reaching the Champions League with Villa.
“They’ve been at that level in Europe before, but this is something we’ve not seen – so, yes, it would mean a lot more to me. I’m incredibly proud of everything we achieved in the season that’s just gone by, but this would eclipse it.”
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