Munich buzzes with Germany and Scotland fans out for a fairy tale Euro 2024

MUNICH, Germany :Germany fans answered coach Julian Nagelsmann's call to "please be loud" on Friday, descending on Munich's medieval Marienplatz in their thousands to party with Scotland supporters and heading to a giant fan zone hours before the opening match of Euro 2024.

Munich authorities later said the fan zone, which has a capacity of 25,000, was full and closed to new arrivals, as was Marienplatz as the hosts prepared to face Scotland in Group A.

"The Fan Zone in the Olympic Park is temporarily closed due to overcrowding. Please do not come to the Olympic Park!Marienplatz is currently overcrowded. There will definitely be no public screening there. Please spread out elsewhere in the city!," the city said in a statement.

Scottish fans clad in kilts have dominated central Munich for the last few days, playing bagpipes, chanting and endearing themselves to the locals. Hours before kick-off Germany fans emerged to join the excitement, saying they were proud to host the tournament and ready to get behind their team.

"I'm really happy it is getting started now and I am sure there will be a great atmosphere. I think there will only be a few times that Germany hosts a tournament like this, so we need to make the absolute most of it," said Benny Kuehnel, 32, a software developer from Stuttgart.

Jutta Huelsheger, 54, had travelled across Germany to be in the Munich fan zone in the city's Olympic Park for the opening game. Eight hours ahead of kick off, it was a struggle to find a good spot in front of the giant screen by a lake.

"I wanted to be here for the opening game, to absorb all the atmosphere and joy. I'm amazed at how full it is already," she said.

Germany have won four World Cups and three European Championships but