How SCOTLAND have gone from cult songs to serious contenders.
I’m in the pub, beers lined up and decked out in my navy blue Scotland kit, the Saltire draped over my shoulders, I can’t help but pinch myself that it’s finally Euro 2024…and we no longer need to bother with the phrase No Scotland, No Party! We’re in, and we’re here to win.
Supporting Scotland is a feeling that’s hard to describe to anyone who isn’t part of the Tartan Army. We’re passionate, slightly eccentric, and a forever hopeful band of supporters who follow the national football team through thick and thin. There’s something uniquely Scottish about our brand of optimism — a blend of historical resilience, gallows humour, and an undying belief that a good result is just around the corner.
Qualifying for Germany isn’t the first taste of success for this Scotland side. As one of the only sides to get promoted twice, Scotland now find themselves in the top tier of the Nations League. A competition suddenly downgraded in importance since the embarrassing relegation of England last summer. Take note, it’s either a competition that doesn’t matter, or it’s the reason Hungary are suddenly a good side – make your mind up England… Interestingly Germany also struggled in their group with England, Italy and Hungary, managing only 1 win in 6 games.
I bumped into an old friend in a Nottingham pub the other day and asked how he felt qualifying went for England. He hadn’t a clue, and didn’t pay much attention. I guess watching Harry Kane pat himself on the back for yet another midweek penalty loses its charm after a while.
And this is how it is for many Pot 1 nations.
Qualifying is too easy, player rotation isn’t required, and ultimately all the subtlety of who’s actually on form goes out the window.
…hands up if you’ve looked at the 6 Euro 2024 groups and just picked who goes through by their team sheet on paper and a list of historical performances…sometimes dating back to something silly like 2004. Ronaldo aside, no one is still around from that era.
Scotland had a brutal qualifying group by their own standards. Spain, Norway, Georgia and Cyprus. 8 games, 2 qualifiers. The prospect of an Erling Haaland and Martin Odegaard inspired Norway as your third pot team felt a bit serious. Even Georgia, who find themselves at the finals, was a competitive 4th pot team.
Stevie Clarke is having the time of his life. 55 games in, and with a 45% WIN RATIO things have never looked so good. He’s got the lads cooking and we’re all enjoying it. Only the dependable Craig Brown and Jock Stein have won more games that him.
Under the guidance of Clarke, Scotland has undergone a tactical evolution. Clarke, who took over in 2019, has instilled a disciplined, organised approach that maximises the strengths of his players while minimising vulnerabilities. His emphasis on a robust defence, coupled with quick transitions and effective use of width, has made Scotland a difficult team to break down and a potent threat on the counterattack.
Clarke’s ability to adapt his strategies based on the opponent has also been crucial. This tactical flexibility ensures that Scotland can compete against both stronger teams and those of a similar calibre, enhancing their chances of advancing from the group stage.
And what of the PLAYERS? One of the primary reasons for Scotland’s heightened expectations is the emergence of a highly talented squad. Players like Andrew Robertson, Kieran Tierney, Scott McTominay, and John McGinn have established themselves as key figures in some of the top leagues in Europe. Their experience at the highest level of club football provides Scotland with a solid foundation of skill, leadership, and tactical awareness.
Watch out for McGinn and McSauce playing as dual number 10s as Scotland progress on the counter attack. There’s goals in this side, mark my word.
…So how far can this lot go?
Scotland’s presence at Euro 2024 is not merely about participation; it is about making a statement. With a blend of experienced international stars, a tactically astute manager, and a united squad, Scotland has every reason to BELIEVE they can cause an upset and progress beyond the group stage….after that, who knows?
My PREDICTION is that Scotland qualify with 4 points and make history.
Either way, you’ll get to see some of the greatest fans in Europe singing to the nd. It’s great being Scottish, let’s party.
Comments