Three years after the emotionless Euros, held with limited crowds and travel restrictions due to COVID-19, Germany is now hosting a vibrant football celebration at Euro 2024. Fans from all over Europe have flooded the country. Dutch supporters have enjoyed their time in Hamburg, while a large group of Turkish fans visited Dortmund. The Tartan Army made a significant presence in Munich, Cologne, and Stuttgart, gaining more friends than Scotland earned points. Despite the travel disruptions affecting train routes and stadium access, especially during England's first game against Serbia in Gelsenkirchen, the fans have been the highlight of the event as top players have struggled on the pitch. Even heavy rain hasn't dampened the spirits, with Turkey's 3-1 victory over Georgia in torrential conditions creating one of the most memorable group stage games. Germany's central location in Europe makes it an ideal host, with eight of the 24 competing nations sharing borders and Germany being Europe's largest economy, hosting many expatriates from other countries. Euro 2024 also brings back memories of old-style major tournaments, free from geopolitical concerns. Russia, hosts of the 2018 World Cup, is banned from this event due to the invasion of Ukraine. Two years ago, the world focused on Qatar's impressive event. Now, with FIFA expanding the World Cup to 48 teams, future tournaments will span larger areas, with the USA, Mexico, and Canada hosting in two years, followed by a multi-country World Cup in 2030 across Argentina, Uruguay, Paraguay, Spain, Portugal, and Morocco. Thomas Concannon of the Football Supporters Association noted, 'Seeing fans from all nations mingling, singing in squares, and watching games in clubs is what a tournament should be about. Everyone feels included, all are welcome.' The festive atmosphere is also inspiring a competitive tournament, with only four of the 36 group games seeing a margin of victory of three goals or more. England manager Gareth Southgate commented on the strong stadium support for all teams, which differs from recent tournaments. Incidents of trouble have been rare, with the only significant issue being Albania's Mirlind Daku receiving a ban and a fine for joining anti-Serb chants after a 2-2 draw with Croatia. Germany's hope for another 'summer fairytale' like in 2006 has been realized, with capacity expansions needed at the Munich fan zone for Germany's last 16 match against Denmark. Even a broken hand suffered by a German fan from a shot by Niclas Fuellkrug before the tournament's start did not diminish national pride. Sadly, for eight teams, the celebrations are over, but for others, the party continues with exciting last 16 fixtures starting on Saturday.