How cruel can the Germans get? Just when the shattered Tartan Army were nursing the mother of all hangovers, they lay on a mini Oktoberfest in Munich.
For yesterday was Brauertag, or Brewers’ Day, when Bavarians celebrate beer purity laws dating back to 1487.
Munich’s main square, which had been party central for Scots the day before, was transformed into a showcase for the region’s most successful export.
BEER WE GO: Brewers’ Day in Munich yesterday, as Scotland fans recover after the loss to the host country
SINKING FEELING: A fan in Glasgow watches the Euro 24 opener
Horses and giant carts from breweries such as Paulaner and Lowenbrau rolled into the Marienplatz, which was stocked with thousands of bottles of beer for thirsty locals.
Unfortunately for them, the Scots were in town too and by lunchtime the Marienplatz had been drunk dry… and not for the first time by the visitors.
And after the gloom of Friday night at the Allianz Arena, when Steve Clarke’s team were thumped 5-1 by Germany in the opening match of the Euros, a hint of optimism emerged in the glorious afternoon sunshine.
Scotland fans, it seems, do not believe the result meant ‘Auf Wiedersehen, Deutschland’.
Brothers-in-law Robert Thomson and Charlie Graham, from Bathgate, West Lothian, enjoyed a refreshment in the aptly named Weinstrasse (Wine Street).
Mr Graham, 61, insisted: ‘This is not over yet.
‘No one really expected us to win against Germany so we should not be too downhearted.
A win and a draw in the next two games will definitely take us through.’ Mr Thomson , 70, added: ‘We have every reason to believe this tournament is still very much alive.’
The Tartan Army did their bit for international relations on Friday by ‘celebrating’ with a bride-to-be in the Marienplatz.
STUNNED: Scotland’s Andy Robertson after defeat
Daniela Winter-Jung was visiting from her home in Donauwoerth, a town on the River Danube, with a crowd of her ‘hens’.
The 43-year-old said: ‘These Scottish guys are so much fun. They are not afraid to sing and dance in public.’
And responding to complaints about low beer stocks, Peter Inselkammer, Munich’s head of economic development, told BBC News: ‘Yes, there is enough beer.
‘Think of Oktoberfest – that’s seven million visitors with nine million litres of beer. So we are used to having guests who are very thirsty.’
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