Germany 5-1 Scotland: Scottish fans leave stadium in droves midway through dour performance in Euro 2024 opener after 150,000 supporters descended on Munich with thousands more packing out pubs across the UK

 Germany 5-1 Scotland: Scottish fans leave stadium in droves midway through dour performance in Euro 2024 opener after 150,000 supporters Scottish football fans home and abroad have packed out pubs and fan zones as they settle in for the tournament opener after 150,000 supporters descended on Munich earlier today. Scotland's football fanatics have invaded the German city in a rowdy riot of color and noise as Euro 2024 finally got underway. The Tartan Army's festivities forced warnings of overcrowding and the sounds of bagpipes screamed through the German city's streets. As the home nation hopes to kick off their campaign with a striking victory, British supporters painted the streets blue as they arrived en masse wearing kilts and boozing on Buckfast. The great and the good from the northern nation flooded to Europe - with everyone from Sir Alex Ferguson to Prime Minister Jon Swinney joining the celebratory ranks as they posed for photos alongside traveling pals. Germany 5-1 Scotland: Scottish fans leave stadium in droves midway through dour performance in Euro 2024 opener after 150,000 supporters descended on Munich with thousands more packing out pubs across the UK

Scottish football fans started filing out of the Munich Football Arena well before the final whistle tonight as their side crashed to a 5-1 defeat against Germany after the team conceded three first half goals against the hosts. The Tartan Army were in full voice as Scotland kicked off Euro 24 this evening but were soon left with their heads in their hands after an early battering. Florian Wirtz gave the Germans a lead after just ten minutes before talented youngster Jamal Musiala doubled their lead. Things turned from bad to worse for the Scots when Ryan Porteous gave away a penalty for a dangerous tackle on Ilkay Gundogan and duly received a red card. This was the signal for thousands of Scottish supporters to leave the stadium in droves and the side will have to dust themselves down ahead of their next match against Switzerland on Wednesday.

Scottish fans look devastated in Munich as they watched their side get battered by Germany

Scots at the Munich Football Arena watch on in shock as their side crashed to a 5-1 opening match defeat to Germany

The Tartan Army did have something to cheer about in Munich as an Antonio Rudiger own goal saw them reduce the deficit

Emre Can pictured celebrating after piling on the misery once more, getting himself on the scoresheet in added time to secure a 5-1 win

Home fans meanwhile were in dreamland as Niclas Fullkrug made it four with a wonderful finish before an Antonio Rudiger own goal gave the Scots something to cheer late on. Emre Can then piled on the misery once more, getting himself on the scoresheet in added time to secure a 5-1 win on a glorious opening night for the hosts. Fans home and abroad packed out pubs and fan zones this evening as they settled in for the tournament opener after 150,000 supporters descended on Munich earlier today. Many felt the team were 'humiliated' at the hands of the Germans and had embarrassed supporters with a lacklustre performance. Among the first to leave were David and Elena Strachan from Falkirk. Mr Strachan, an accountant, said: 'It was an embarrassing first half. Their goalkeeper only touched the ball once. 'I don't know what has happened, but we should've seen the warning signs. Scotland played four friendly games before this tournament and they were mediocre. 'The team had four months to prepare for tonight's match and this is the show that they put on. Embarrassing.' But Ms Strachan added: 'We have booked for the next Scotland match, so we will be staying on. 'But I'm also fed up with what happened at the ground. We waited for one-and-a-half hours to get in and we got there early.' Another fan John Miller, 24, from Dundee, added: 'What a s*** show. Disgraceful. Tactics wrong. The team let us down. But Steve Hudson from Windsor said: 'I am worried that I'm leaving early. In case we have a miracle and score 5 goals.'

he Tartan Army's fanatics invaded the German city in a rowdy riot of color and noise as Euro 2024 finally got underway. The festivities ahead of the opening match against the hosts forced warnings of overcrowding and the sounds of bagpipes screamed through the German city's streets. As the home nation hopes to kick off their campaign with a striking victory, British supporters painted the streets blue as they arrived en masse wearing kilts and boozing on Buckfast. The great and the good from the northern nation flooded to Europe - with everyone from Sir Alex Ferguson to Prime Minister Jon Swinney joining the celebratory ranks as they posed for photos alongside traveling pals. Setting the bar for the competition's festivities, The Tartan Army lived up to their anthem 'No Scotland No Party' as they crossed the continent in campervans and even by bike to cheer on Steve Clarke's side. And while songwriter Nick Morgan's tune admits 'nobody's saying we're gonna win it' the hoards of fans have shown their steadfast commitment to enjoy the evening - packing the Marienplatz supporters from this morning. But the day has not all been smooth sailing - in Berlin cops descended on a fan zone alongside bomb-sniffing dogs and disposal experts after a suspicious object was discovered in the viewing area just hours before kickoff. And an 'urgent' update on Muenchen, Munich's official portal, revealed there would be no screening in the square and the Olympic Park fanzone was also full. Munich's statement said: 'Marienplatz is currently overcrowded. There will definitely be no public viewing there. Please spread it elsewhere in the city! The Fan Zone is also about to close due to overcrowding. Please don't go to the Olympic Park anymore!' Police officers blocked off entrances to the square to ensure emergency services could still get access if needed, while the city's main train station was also shut. The Scottish FA estimated back in March that 100,000 fans would travel to Germany, but there are now estimated to be double that figure in the country. Up to 70,000 Scots were thought to have descended on Marienplatz today, and an estimated 150,000 were believed to be ticketless. Many filled pubs and bars but no trouble has been reported, with the Scots largely creating a joyous atmosphere as they reveled in a rare opportunity to travel abroad to see their team play in a major tournament. Among them, Manchester United legend Sir Alex Ferguson posed for photos alongside face-painted fans while he enjoyed a continental meal in the sun. And even the usually-serious politicians made the most of the festivities, with Prime Minister John Swinney and Westminster SNP leader Stephen Flynn enjoying a pre-match beer in a bar on Marienplatz square. Elsewhere, former Prime Minister and current leader of the Alba Party Alex Salmond was spotted taking part in the festivities as he posed up with other Scotland fans while eagerly brandishing a bottle of Scotch whisky. He was later seen joining other members of the Tartan Army in a football chant before lighting up a cigar amid a huge crowd. Scotland played in Euro 2020, but that was held in several different countries and there were also travel restrictions due to the pandemic. Before that, their country had not qualified for a major tournament since 1998

Speaking to the BBC about his sneaky trip to the continent, the white-haired Scottish scamperer said: 'My wife doesn't care I'm here.' So how have you managed to get here without your wife knowing,' the reporter asks the Tartan Army fanatic. 'She went out shopping - she went to Marks & Spencer and I sneaked out,' replies the man, before bursting out laughing. The good-natured celebrations have even prompted old enemies to reconcile - spoon-bender Uri Geller received more than 11,000 letters of hate from Scots fans after he ruined their chances at Euro 96 by moving the ball with his mind. But, speaking today to MailOnline, he would use his mystic powers to spur Scotland to victory - although he admitted that even he is 'not a miracle worker'. Thousands more are watching from home as Scots try to will the national men's football team on to victory as they kicked off against Germany in tonight's Euro 2024 opening match. The game in Munich is the first of 51 to be played over the next month to decide the next European champions, with the final at Berlin's Olympic Stadium on July 14. One hilarious video showed a plane full of Scots on the way to Munich - with one lone woman with her headphones on in the middle, looking thoroughly miserable.

It comes after some outlets in Munich ran out of beer earlier this week - including Woerners' bar in the city's Marienplatz, just hours after some fans had arrived. At London Heathrow Airport this morning, Scotland fan Cameron Moffat, 30, told MailOnline that he was excited to be flying to Munich. Mr Moffat, who turns 31 tomorrow, said: 'It'll be a bit of a party. First to Munich and then me and my pals are out to Cologne as well. It's a bit expensive but it didn't happen for a wee while. I'll see the sights but I imagine it'll be too busy to do anything - plenty of the Tartan Army out there. 'I have tickets to the Switzerland game, but the opener was unaffordable. The Olympic Park fanzone is where we're aiming for. Come on the Scots.' Also at Heathrow today was Scotland fan Ian, 62, who met fellow supporters Alan and Dan on the way to the airport. He said Scotland had a 'very good' chance at the competition and thought there would be a big upset against Germany tonight. 'It's a big one,' he told MailOnline. 'They should be careful what they wish for.' Germany are third favorite to win the tournament behind France and England and while the odds appear to be heavily stacked against Scotland beating them, many supporters have been hoping their side can take something from tonight's game. Scotland have never beaten Germany in a competitive fixture and have won only one of their last nine matches - a 2-0 friendly win over minnows Gibraltar at the start of the month. Their fears for tonight's result sank even lower today after Ludwig the psychic sausage dog predicted that Germany would be victorious - picking Portugal as tournament winners. Known as the 'Dachshund Oracle', Ludwig was offered three small bowls containing his favorite chicken treats. To determine the result, he was tasked with choosing one of three bowls - one was adorned with the German flag, one with the cross of St. Andrew and one with both together, in case there was a draw. Ludwig did not hesitate in going to the German bowl, his decision serving as a potential indicator of tonight's match winner. But Scots may still hold out some hope as the pampered pooch is still proving his mettle in the competition - and he is, after all, from Germany himself. One TikTok video under the account 'thebuckiebus' showed a car loaded up with boxes of Buckfast bottles, with the caption: 'Jam packed and Germany bound!' But not everyone got to finish their bottle – with fan Craig Ferguson accidentally dropping and smashing his on the ground during a live interview on Sky News. Asked by reporter Rob Harris for his prediction for the Germany match, Mr. Ferguson - who has a ticket - began to speak when the bottle slipped out of his hands. As the crowd gasped, Mr Ferguson - who had spent 41 days walking to Germany from Glasgow to raise money for charity - said: 'Sorry, I'm so sorry mate.' The 20-year-old, who has raised more than £60,000 in aid of men's mental health and suicide prevention, had been handed a Buckfast as he arrived in Munich. But after he dropped the bottle in front of the onlookers, Mr Harris reassured him: 'Many more drinks to come.' Speaking to a packed media conference at the Munich Arena yesterday evening, manager Steve Clarke said every one of his players was 'desperate' to be picked to play in tonight's clash. "Everyone is fully fit, flying, desperate to be selected and ready to go," he said. 'The enormity of the opener, however, is a bit of a sideshow and hopefully we don't get too involved in that. It's a difficult game. One of the mantras I've always had is respect everyone and fear no one. "We have respect for the host nation, we know they're a good team, but hopefully we can show everyone we're a good team as well." I can enjoy it. I've been lucky enough to be involved in big matches, the Champions League final for example, it was nice to be involved in the last Euros. 'I can enjoy it, but I'll enjoy it even more once we've got four points on the board.' It is the second successive Euros for the Scots under Clarke and he said: 'I think we should all be proud that we're here. It's been a long time since 1998 when we actually traveled abroad to appear in a tournament like this. hat's why everyone is so excited. We're proud we've been able to do back-to-back European Championships and hopefully by the end of this we'll be even more proud at having done something a little bit more special in regards to Scottish football.'Asked about Germany, who are unbeaten in four games this year after an unconvincing 2023, Clarke said: 'They're a good team, I think people were trying to talk them down a little bit. 'I think Julian Nagelsmann found, like I did, it takes a while to find your best squad and team formation. 'When the draw was made I expected it to be a tough game and nothing has changed my mind.' Clarke admitted the invasion of the Tartan Army will 'give us a big boost'. The former Kilmarnock and West Brom boss added: 'They're going to be behind us in every minute of every game and that's really important for us. We've had a little taste of it already at our base in. I'm sure there will be a few around in Munich tonight that we won't see. We hope they will enjoy themselves and behave themselves.' The team was accompanied on their trip to Europe by their stunning wives and girlfriends as they jetted off to the Munich Football Arena. The women – dubbed 'the SWAGs' – include Celtic defender Greg Taylor's wife Laura Scott, John McGinn's wife, social worker Sara McGinn, and midfielder Ryan Christie's fiancée Georgie Bell. Jack Hendry's model girlfriend Robyn Keen has already hit the friendly skies ahead of the big match. Meanwhile Scott McTominay's new flame Cam Reading has shared fun updates from the German capital and doesn't appear to be slowing down. Elsewhere Greg Taylor's wife Laura MacFarlane has shown herself having a swell time in Munich with a group of friends. Prime Minister John Swinney, who is at the match, told Holyrood during Prime Minister's Questions yesterday it was 'great to see Scotland back in Europe where we rightly belong'. 'As Prime Minister I want to wish Steve Clarke's team the best of luck and wish the huge numbers of Scotland supporters making the journey a safe and memorable trip,' he said. 'I know the Tartan Army will be an absolute credit to Scotland. I know the team will be a credit to Scotland because they have inspired so many of us by their success in getting to Euro 2024.' Scottish Conservative leader Douglas Ross, Scottish Labor leader Anas Sarwar and Scottish Liberal Democrat leader Alex Cole-Hamilton also wished the team good luck Captain Andy Robertson said he wants Scotland to achieve 'legendary' status by reaching the knockout stages of Euro 2024. Scotland sides have played at eight World Cups and three European Championships without being able to get past the first stage. Steve Clarke's side reached the 2020 Euros - the first major tournament for the country since the 1998 World Cup in France - but again fell short by losing to Croatia and the Czech Republic either side of a goalless draw with England at Wembley. Liverpool left-back Robertson, who revealed he is in a good place physically and mentally after a scare in training on Monday, was bold in his ambitions at a media conference at the Munich Arena yesterday. He said: 'The first Euros was massive for us, now we want to compete. Last time we felt in the England game we did pretty well but let ourselves down in the other two or thought we could do a bit better. 'We don't want to have any regrets this time. What's the worst that can happen? We go into a long list of teams that have failed to make it out of the group, so let's start from that point and move on from it. 'We believe we can be the team to make history. We have put ourselves in a good position by qualifying first and foremost and let's see what we can do. 'We're excited by the challenge, we're excited about what's ahead and if we perform the way I know we can perform then I'm confident we can make history. 'We know what is at stake. As I said, what's the worst that can happen? You join the list of good Scotland teams that failed to make it out of the group. 'The flipside to that is we can be the first team to do that. 'We have lots of incentives to do well but that is the main one, to become a legendary squad, the first team to make it to the knockout stages. 'That is driving us forward but we are in a difficult group and we have to be at our best to have a chance of doing that.'