BIG-HEARTED authorities in Cologne are putting on a special fan zone specifically for supporters of Scotland and Switzerland.
That’s to ease pressure on the two existing zones at Heumarkt and Tanzbrunnen – with big crowds expected to turn out for Germany‘s clash with Hungary at 5pm.
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Those two zones were CLOSED all day yesterday as the area was hit by thunderstorms.
There could be more rain around today amid a generally cloudy forecast but nothing which should stop fans turning out at the fan zones.
Tens of thousands of Tartan Army members will be alighting in the area ahead of the second Group A clash at the RheinEnergieStadion.
But writing on X, formerly Twitter, German football expert Derek Rae shared the good news for ticketless fans of Scotland – and Switzerland – of the third park at Konrad Adenauer Ufer.
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German authorities will provide three very large screens and additional smaller screens for fans in the dedicated Scotland fan area.
The zone will be open on matchday from 4pm untill 11pm with the game be broadcasted in English.
He wrote: “Scotland & Switzerland fans without tickets.
“Köln authorities have opened a special fan zone where this game will be shown.
“It’s at the Konrad Adenauer Ufer on the Rhein (walk just a little bit north along the river once you hit it from the cathedral.)
“As far as I know, that one is earmarked just for Sco-Sui. Reason is to take pressure off the other 2 fan zones & give fans of those 2 countries priority.
“Obviously with Ger playing, the other zones will be packed today.
“Heumarkt & Tanzbrunnen open but this new one might be a better one if you want to stay away from Germany game people traffic.”
It’s a huge game for Scotland – who will know that they would be all but eliminated from the competition with a defeat after that heavy 5-1 defeat to the Germans in the opener.
STRACHAN’S VIEW
By GORDON STRACHAN
NOT once during my time as Scotland manager did I raise my voice to a player.
I never got angry, didn’t ever lose my temper.
I spoke to the players calmly as a group, and would have private little conversations with individuals if I felt I had to.
Maybe pull a couple of boys aside at the same time, two midfielders or two defenders, and say, ‘C’mon, now’.
The business of international football management just doesn’t allow for ranting or raving in the changing room or team hotel.
You can get away with that as a club boss, sure — and I had my moments at Celtic, let me tell you.
But when players are leaving behind their families for days or weeks at a time to come away and play for their country, you have to tread very carefully.
So when Steve Clarke talked about kicking backsides after the performance against Germany, don’t get a picture in your head of him losing the plot with them. It just wouldn’t have happened.
No, he would have been measured in everything he said to the group, and then had quiet conversations with the ones he needed to.
Back when I played for Scotland, even Sir Alex Ferguson calmed down.
Read Gordon Strachan’s SunSport column in full HERE
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