THE General Election has taken a backseat in Scotland’s media as the Tartan Army descend on Munich ahead of the national team’s opening match against Germany.
But it isn’t only Scotland where the presence of the Tartan Army has been felt.
Here’s how media outlets in Germany reacted as thousands of Scots made their presence known in the host nation.
Bild
The front page of national German tabloid Bild shows a tortoise called Goliath in Berlin being offered two meals – one with a German flag and the other with a Scottish flag.
In what can only be a good omen for Scotland, Goliath chose the Saltire.
If you thought that was a fluke, Bild also reported that a tapir called Theo in Allwetterzoo in Munster was given the choice between three snack-filled footballs: one with a German flag, one white to represent a draw, and another with a Scottish flag.
Yet again the animal chose the Saltire.
“In the presence of dozens of reporters, he set about eating carrots and celery that the initiators had packed into three footballs,” the report read.
“First, the vegetables in the Scotland ball! Then it was on to the draw container, and finally the Germany food.
“Man, Theo, what were you thinking?”
TZ
The Munich-based tabloid newspaper TZ has a liveblog reporting on Scotland fans as they gather ahead of the game.
It includes a story of how Scotland fans treated a newlywed couple to a singsong after they stepped out of the town hall on to Marienplatz square in Munich.
“Suddenly a newlywed couple steps out of the town hall onto Marienplatz,” it read.
“Scottish fans immediately rush over to serenade the couple.
“A performance by the bagpiper is also a must.”
However, they also reported on some slightly more unsavoury behaviour by Scotland fans which occurred on Thursday night.
A report read: “Two heavily intoxicated men, who identified themselves as Scottish supporters, threw a beer mug and a chair into a group of bystanders who were also supporters of the Scottish team.”
Well, at least we’re fighting among ourselves.
Süddeutsche Zeitung
Daily newspaper Süddeutsche Zeitung described Scotland fans as turning Munich blue.
“Whether at the bakery or on the bus: the Scots in their blue jerseys dominate the cityscape everywhere,” said one report.
“Of course also in the Hirschgarten, Munich's largest beer garden. The men and women in the blue jerseys have long since secured the best seats in front of the screen here too.
“Children play football on the lawn in front of the Hirschgarten. The team division: kilt wearers versus suspenders.”
However, a report on yet another animal oracle is less happy reading for Scotland supporters.
When offered three bowls representing a Scotland win, a German win or a draw, the dachshund Ludwig chose the German bowl.
Still, two out of three oracle animals isn't bad.
Die Zeit
Meanwhile, the German weekly newspaper Die Zeit carries an interview with Willie Duncan – a guitarist from Scotland who plays for the legendary German rock band the Spider Murphy Gang.
Duncan moved to Germany in the 1970s and has lived there ever since.
However, when asked why Scotland fans were better at singing than Germans, he was full of praise for the country of his origins.
“In every Scottish pub, people sing with full fervor and in a completely relaxed manner.
“Nobody thinks: My voice isn't beautiful enough.
“It's just sung straight away.”
Duncan was also asked for his prediction of who would win the tournament.
“Sure, Germany has good chances,” he said. “Gary Lineker's quip ‘... and in the end Germany wins', is in the head of every Brit.
“But the English and French also have good teams, and Spain is always the favourite.
“But I've made up my mind, even if everyone probably has to grin: Scotland wins.
“You have to believe in it.”
Aye, he’s definitely Scottish.
