Their countries are all in Euro 2008 but they live in Scotland and want our support

Jun 8 2008 Gayle Ritchie

WE may have missed out on Euro 2008 thanks to a dodgy last minute corner.

But the 16 countries that did make it through are looking for a little support from the Tartan Army.

And for thousands of expats from competing countries living here, it couldn't get more exciting.

They are desperate to get their Scots friends backing THEIR teams in Austria and Switzerland.

The Sunday Mail gathered together people from all 16 competing nations - and they told GAYLE RITCHIE why Scotland should back them in the Euros which kicked off yesterday.

1 AUSTRIA

CHEF Bernhard Pregartner, 25, a chef from Glasgow's west end, said: "Austria and Scotland should stick together as they have so much in common.

"Austria is a small country, like Scotland, and the countries are not often successful at football.

"Our landscape is quite similar to Scotland, with its hills and mountains and stunning beauty."

2 POLAND

FREELANCE photographer Bartosz Madejski, 28, from Edinburgh, said: "Scots should get behind Poland in Euro 2008 as they will be joining the biggest supporter group in the whole of the UK.

"We've got so much in common.

We have occasional heroic wins and then glorious defeats but we're always full of high hopes.

"Scots have welcomed us into their country and football can only serve to solidify the bond."

3 ITALY

SHOE shop owner Carla Enrici, 27, of, East Kilbride, Lanarkshire, said: "Scots should get behind Italy as our men are so hot!

"No offence, but who would most people rather see running round a football pitch? The tanned, rippling physiques of Italian men or pale and pasty Scotland players?

"Italy always does things with style...from leather handbags and shoes right through to football.

"My husband is a Scot but he's most definitely backing Italy to win."

4 NETHERLANDS

DUTCH bar worker Andrew Currie, 20, from Glasgow's Merchant City, said: "Everyone loves the Dutch. Our football team are legendary, with tons of major players, many playing for Rangers in the past. Then there's Jan Vennegoor of Hesselink, who scored Celtic's title winner this season.

"Scots love their weekend breaks in Amsterdam for partying, football and general fun and games. You can guarantee the partying will step up a level if we win Euro 2008."

5 SWITZERLAND

PSYCHOLOGY and sociology student at Glasgow University, Jutta Lischer, 47, said: "Scotland and Switzerland are small but proud countries with stunning mountains, rivers and lakes.

"The Swiss make great chocolate and Scots are very fond at snapping this up!

"We have only a few outstanding players but team spirit is very important and if Scots back us to win, we'll make the bond even stronger."

6 GREECE

GLASGOW-based golf expert for Greaves Sports Manolis Nikitaidis, 35, said: "The main reason Scots should support Greece is because Scotland loves the underdog.

"Four years ago was obviously fantastic because we won and I received loads of texts and emails from Scots congratulating us.

"Greece will put on a great show this time."

7 RUSSIA

CONSTRUCTION and design student Oleg Vedernikov, 21, who studies at Glasgow Metropolitan College, said: "Russia's national team has been displaying some excellent football recently and we're definitely in it to win it.

"Russia is a big country with a fascinating history yet people don't know that much about it.

"This is a chance for people to find out more about its unique culture and fantastic people."

8 CROATIA

RETIRED electronics engineer Damir Skrjatic, 65, of Murrayfield, Edinburgh, said: "Croatia is quickly becoming a popular holiday destination for Scots and, of course, football is big in both countries.

"Croats are a proud nation - proud of their people, their country and their football. This strong sense of pride is so similar to you Scots."

9 PORTUGAL

ENVIRONMENTAL scientist David Cardalho, 27, from Glasgow's west end, said: "The Portuguese squad is in the best condition of all the teams to perform exciting and entertaining football.

"We did well at the semi-finals and the finals and they're sure to do our country proud with top players like Ronaldo on board.

"Like Scots, Portuguese are perhaps less arrogant than their neighbours, the Spanish, and this really binds us together.

"We may be a small country but we're big on pride."

10 ROMANIA

GLASGOW University history student Dragos Leonte, 20, said: "I'm so excited about Euro 2008.

Romania beat England in 1998 and 2000 and that made the Scots happy.

"People shouldn't underestimate how skilled the Romanian team is. I'm willing to put down money on us winning.

"There are few Romanians about and I'm the only guy I know of at university so if we won, it would be great to have a bigger voice."

11 SPAIN

WAITRESS Anna Sanchez Durrall, 19, from Glasgow's west end, said: "Everybody loves to visit Spain on their holidays and it's well-known that the Spanish are fun, party people.

"We love to eat, dance, take a little siesta, and then go back out partying.

"Scots are very like us and they should back Spain to win.

"We have a dream team of great individual players and together we're really strong."

12 SWEDEN

TRAINEE solicitor Johan Sahl, 29, from Glasgow, said: "The Swedish squad is on a strict diet of haggis and whisky so we should be in for some great games!

"There have been plenty of amazing Swedish players gracing the SPL through the years, like Henrik Larsson, Magnus Hedman, Johann Mjallby and Jonas Thern.

"When the European Championships were in Sweden in 1992, all Swedes supported Scotland as it's such a great nation.

"Maybe it's time for Scots to return the favour."

13 GERMANY

TRAINEE linguist Bettina Sricke, 23, of the Goethe Institute in Glasgow's west end, said: "Germany has a young, enthusiastic, likeable team with a great team spirit - and beer and football are big in both Scotland and Germany.

"Scotland couldn't get into the championships as they lost against Italy but Germany also lost to Italy in the World Cup - so that's a good enough reason for Scots to back us. Support us and you won't be disappointed. The celebrations will be immense."

14 CZECH REPUBLIC

WAITER Marek Kuchar, 28, from Crosshill, Glasgow, said: "I'm confident the Czechs will do themselves proud in the championships.

"Our football team is the very best. We beat Scotland in Prague a few weeks ago but the Scots were pretty nice about it.

"Little is known about our culture because there are few of us in Scotland - but if we won, this might change."

15 TURKEY

SALES manager Samim Lidstone, 23, from Shawlands, Glasgow - who works for Radisson Hotel - said: "If Turkey were to win, the Scottish community wouldn't have to pay for their kebabs on the winning night.

"We're both very passionate countries that can relate to one another.

"Turkey is a popular destination for holidays and Scots are always made to feel very welcome there."

16 FRANCE

GLASGOWbased cultural events worker for Alliance Francaise, Julye Bruyas, 24, said: "France lost against Scotland twice in the European Championship qualifiers but it was okay because we love the Scots.

"It's better to be friends than enemies and if France win, at least Scotland can say they beat the eventual champions twice.

"Just because Scotland didn't qualify for Euro 2008, it doesn't mean Scots shouldn't bother backing a team.

"Instead they can sit back, relax, and watch the beautiful game without letting their hearts rule their heads."

Thanks to: Radisson Hotel, Alea Casino and Greaves Sports: www.greavessports.com

RONALDO FACTOR BOOSTS SHIRT SALES AMONG FANS

THE Cristiano Ronaldo factor has caused a surge in sales of replica kits.

Fans are flocking to buy Portugal strips because of their love for the Manchester United midfielder.

And Celtic fans are forking out for Holland tops in honour of Jan Vennegoor of Hesselink, according to Frank Bannigan, of Greaves Sports.

He said: "Despite the fact that Scotland and England failed to qualify for the Euros, there is still a buzz as the competition starts.

"Nowadays, football fans are latching on to individual players rather than countries.

"For example, Portugal tops have sold very well due to the Cristiano Ronaldo factor.

"Vennegoor of Hesselink and Samaras at Celtic have also pushed sales of Holland and Greece tops."