YOU'LL NEVER WALK COLOGNE

50,000 fans soak up the atmosphere and the booze before the big match

- RYAN CARROLL

THE Tartan Army staged a Cologne takeover yesterday before the thrilling Euro match against Switzerland.

About 50,000 hopeful Scotland fans arrived in the city, gathering in the main fan zone near the Alter Markt square.

Joined by bagpipers at the city's famous cathedral, fans waved Saltires and chanted their favourite Scotland anthems.

Neil Cameron, 61, an electrician from Glasgow, was in fine voice with with his son Ryan, 31.

Neil said: "It's a brilliant atmosphere." Eilish Meaney, nine, from Edinburgh, has been enjoying the trip to Germany and was fervent in her backing of Steve Clarke and the team.

The youngster said: "I was at the Germany game on Friday.

"It was a good experience but the football was really bad.

"We have tickets for the game tonight. I'm really looking forward to it.

"We just need to score some goals. Come on, Scotland!" Tuesday's rain cleared overnight and the area outside the main railway station was busy with Scots drinking beer and playing football in the sunshine.

For those with tickets a huge march was also staged from the city centre to the stadium a couple of hours before kick-off.

Craig Hilsmith, a 40-year-old lawyer from Edinburgh, said: "We've been accosted by tourists who want to get pictures with us.

"We could have made a fortune if we had charged for pictures.

Caroline Brogan, a nurse from Hamilton, travelled through from Dusseldorf with her family.

The 59-year-old said: "We travelled up from Dusseldorf then headed into the cathedral to say a few prayers for tonight.