FANS across Europe have been left stunned by the spine-tingling rendition of Flower of Scotland before the national team’s match against Switzerland.
The Tartan Army roared Steve Clarke‘s men on ahead of the crucial Euro 2024 clash, with the score currently locked at 1-1.
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It seemed to help as Scott McTominay fired the Dark Blues into an early lead, with the help of a deflection off Fabian Schar.
Hampden and indeed the Scotland fan base has a somewhat love-hate relationship with the national anthem, but it was in full flow at the Cologne Stadium tonight.
Journalists and footie fans marvelled at the song as it rang out around the ground before kick-off.
Pierre-Etienne Minonzio, a French journalist for l’Equipe, wrote: “No anthem gives you more goosebumps than ‘Flower of Scotland’.”
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One Spanish viewer said: “The A capella performance of the Flower of Scotland is absolutely spectacular.”
And another Spaniard added: “Absolute goosebumps. I have rarely felt this in a stadium with Scotland’s anthem, the Flower of Scotland. Barbarity.”
A Portuguese fan said: “Flower of Scotland is the best national anthem!”
Former Scotland striker Oli McBurnie – who grew up in England – also commented: “Flower of Scotland is the best national anthem by a country mile.”
English writer Mark Heath said: “Flower of Scotland is making me proud to be Scottish right now – and I’m English. What an anthem.”
Another observer said: “An incredible rendition of Flower of Scotland in Cologne. Overflowing with emotion, much like this tournament.”
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“I think it is fair to say that Scotland do have the best fans. Their eternal optimism and enthusiasm for the challenge is great to see,” said another fan.
“I’m not Scottish but it gave me chills!” came a further response.
While this Scotland supporter said: “Incredible rendition of Flower of Scotland by the Tartan Army tonight.”
It was all too emotional or another Scot, who said: “Crying again to Flower of Scotland.”
Scotland Player Ratings
Angus Gunn: Watched five fly past him on Friday night in Munich. Beaten all ends up by a brilliant finish as the Swiss drew level. Made two big saves to deny Ndoye, the second one a truly fantastic stop…..7.
Jack Hendry: The Al-Ettifaq defender won’t come up against the class of the Germans or Swiss in Saudi Arabia. His pace was vital at times last night as he linked superbly with the returning Hanley….7.
Grant Hanley: With Ryan Porteous suspended, the Norwich City defender was reinstated to the starting line up. Just six starts for his club this season but so close to a goal, his header coming back off the post…7.
Kieran Tierney: Immediately signalled to the bench after being turned by Ndoye. Looked in considerable distress as he was stretched off. It’s another hammer blow for the full-back with his tournament surely over….6.
Anthony Ralston: Nightmare moment that will haunt the Celtic star for the rest of his career. It’s not clear what the full-back was trying to do, but his woeful pass back gifted Switzerland an equaliser…5.
Billy Gilmour: Missed out in Munich, chosen ahead of Christie in Cologne. Was the catalyst for the opening goal, bringing the ball down on his chest and sending Robertson scampering clear. Always wanting the ball….7.
Callum McGregor: The Celtic captain had nothing to celebrate on his 31st birthday last Friday night. But this was much more like it as the midfielder played his part in a much improved performance…7.
Andy Robertson: Brilliant driving run for the opening goal. The captain promised there would be a reaction and there certainly was. He set the standards as Steve Clarke’s side finally announced their arrival in the tournament..7.
Scott McTominay: Deployed in the No.10 role, primarily to stop Xhaka dictating the play. The talisman in qualifying was eventually credited with Scotland’s goal, despite the clear deflection off Schar….7.
John McGinn: By his own admission. the poster boy of the Tartan Army just hasn’t got going in the Euros. Left chasing shadows in Munich, he was on the fringes of the action again against Switzerland…6
Che Adams: What a shift the Southampton striker put in. Ran himself into the ground. Such a thankless task, but he shouldered the responsibility. One half chance deep inside first half stoppage time….7.
Subs: Scott McKenna: The man with no club came on for the injured Tierney and picked up a yellow card inside five minutes.
Kenny McLean: Replaced Billy Gimour as Scotland chased the winner….3.
Lawrence Shankland: The Hearts striker came off the bench in injury time, could have a part to play against Hungary….2.
Ryan Christie: Not much time to make an impact…2.
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