Fans bring the noise, colour and fun to Euro 2024
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Scotland fans have been one of the highlights of Euro 2024 with their fun-loving nature while supporting their team.
PHOTO: EPA-EFE
LEIPZIG – Three years on from the soulless European Championship, played amid sparse crowds due to Covid-19 restrictions, Germany is hosting a football festival at Euro 2024 as fans from everywhere take over the country.
The Dutch have hopped their way through Hamburg, a mass of Turkish fans descended on Dortmund and the Tartan Army took over Munich, Cologne and Stuttgart as they won over a legion of friends.
The fans have been the stars of the show, as the big names have struggled to deliver on the field.
Even frequent downpours have not spoiled the party. Turkey’s 3-1 win over Georgia played in monsoon-like conditions produced one of the most memorable atmospheres of the group stage.
Germany’s position at the heart of the continent makes it the perfect host. Eight of the 24 countries competing share a land border and, as Europe’s largest economy, it is also home to huge expat populations from many others.
Crucially, Euro 2024 is also a throwback for many fans to what major tournaments used to be – a fun-filled few weeks free from concerns about geopolitics.
“Seeing fans of every nation mixing together, singing in the squares and watching the games in bars is what a tournament should be about. Everyone feels part of it, all are welcome,” said Thomas Concannon from the Football Supporters’ Association.
Two years ago at the World Cup, there were practically no more Covid and travel restrictions.
But all eyes were on Qatar over the conditions experienced by migrant workers in building the infrastructure needed for the tiny Gulf nation to host the tournament.
Euro 2024 is different, with fans feeling free to let their hair down and simply immerse in the carnival atmosphere, which is also helping inspire a competitive tournament.
Only in four of the 36 group games has there been a three-goal or more margin of victory.
“In this tournament you’ve now got incredible support for all the teams in the stadiums as well, which is a little different to the last two tournaments,” said England manager Gareth Southgate of how he feels teams are more evenly matched thanks in part to equal fan support.
As the tournament prepares for the round of 16, capacity has been expanded at the Munich fan zone for Germany’s showdown against Denmark on June 29.
Sadly for eight teams, the sights of flag waving and sounds of car horns tooting in celebration across the country is over.
“The atmosphere was great and that’s why we want to stay in the tournament, to enjoy playing in this atmosphere as long as we can,” said Czech coach Ivan Hasek, whose side were among those knocked out.
For others, the party has just begun. AFP