If three wins from our opening three qualifiers and an eight point gap over our main rivals for second place isn't enough to suggest Scotland are going to the Euros, then one of the suggested mascot names might.
Steve Clarke’ s side have made the perfect start to their Euro 2024 qualifying campaign with victories over Cyprus, Spain and Norway, with Georgia to come at Hampden on Tuesday night. The Scots are already firmly in the driving seat, but years of heartache mean the Tartan Army won’t be counting their chickens just yet.
But a bear could have the dreaming of Germany after UEFA opened a vote on what the tournament’s official mascot should be called. And one option will jump out immediately to those hoping they can get the passports out next summer for a property major tournament experience, rather than hoping to get lucky with tickets in a half-empty, Covid restricted Hampden in 2021.
With less than a year to go, the traditional tournament mascot has been unveiled. Based on the teddy bear, which is thought to have originated in Germany in the 20th century, and the hope is it will inspire millions of kids across Europe to become more active. And over the next fortnight, fans and children in UEFA’s Football In Schools programme will vote to pick the critter’s name.
For Scots, there can only be one choice. Barnheart, which literally translates as “bear-brave” became a common surname in Germany during the Middle Ages. Ofcourse, it’s better associated with a certain mid-90s blockbuster film that epitomises Scottish patriotism, whether it was historically accurate or not.
If that’s not a sign that we’re going to Germany, then we don;t know what is!
The contenders
Albärt : A little bear with big ideas! The perfect buddy for every football fan!
Bärnardo : A German bear made for the global stage! Bärnardo is ready for game day!
Bärnheart : Eager and ready to unite the world's football community in the heart of Europe!
Herzi von Bär : A little bear who is all heart and lives for the love of the game!
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