In many ways, Craig Levein’s time in charge of Scotland has been very similar to his recent predecessors. Under Levein, Scotland have put in some credible performances against bigger countries. When Spain came to Glasgow for a Euro 2012 qualifier, Scotland rallied from 2-0 down to equalise, before a late goal gave Spain a 3-2 win. And a friendly against Brazil at the Emirates stadium finished 2-0 to the South Americans.
But at the same time, Scotland have been poor against smaller countries. Levein’s first competitive match was against Lithuania, which finished in a disappointing 0-0 draw. His second match was almost even worse, as Scotland faced Liechtenstein at Hampden. The European minnows, who have picked up points in just 14 competitive matches since they began playing international football, took a shock lead in the 46th minute, although Kenny Miller equalised just after the hour mark. But it took until the 7th minute of injury time for Scotland to win the match, as Stephen McManus scored a last gasp header to give Scotland a barely deserved win.
But the key game in Levein’s reign so far came in October last year, when Scotland travelled to Prague to face the Czech Republic. Incredibly, Levein chose to select a 4-6-0 formation, and played without a striker. It goes without saying that it was a controversial choice. Despite Kenny Miller being in free-scoring form for Rangers, he was dropped to the bench, and Scotland rarely troubled Petr Cech, with just three efforts on goal during the 90 minutes.
Unsurprisingly, Levein was strongly criticised after the game. Pundits and players lined up to criticise him for his ultra-defensive tactics, but Levein defended his choice. He sarcastically said ‘Yes, and that different system always results in a victory doesn’t it?’ when it was suggested he should have picked a different team and style.
But this weekend, the Czechs come to Hampden for the return fixture. And it’s a make or break game for Scotland’s chance of qualification for the European Championships. Having played four games in the group, Scotland are in third place, with just four points. Spain have a 100% record and lead the Czech Republic by 6 points. Barring an unlikely collapse in their final three games, Spain will win the group with ease, which leaves Scotland fighting the Czechs for second place and a play-off spot.
After the Czech game, Scotland face Lithuania at home, before finishing the group stages with away matches against Liechtenstein and Spain. Spain will almost certainly have won the group by the final group game, but it would still be a major shock if Scotland took anything from the match. That leaves Levein’s team a possible 9 points to play for.
Since it’s Scotland we’re talking about, victories over Lithuania and Liechtenstein are far from assured, but 6 points from those games would give Scotland 10 points. After facing Scotland, the Czechs have two games left, Spain at home and Lithuania away.
So Saturday’s game at Hampden is arguably the biggest of Craig Levein’s managerial career. He was vilified for his formation in Prague, and defeat at the weekend would almost certainly end Scotland’s chances of reaching Euro 2012. Levein will have to send out an attacking team, and make sure Scotland win the game. He played for a draw in Prague and it didn’t work. The criticism he received that night will be brought back up if the Czechs pick up any points on Saturday afternoon.
One of the positives for Scotland since Levein arrived is that younger players have broken into the team, and the future appears brighter for Scotland than it has in a long time. Because of recent qualification results, Scotland are in real danger of dropping into Pot 4 for future qualifying campaigns, which would make it almost impossible to reach the finals of World Cups or European Championships. Reaching Euro 2012 would boost Scotland’s world ranking and give the younger players in the squad great experience for the future.
Failure against the Czechs, and to qualify for Euro 2012, would place Levein under real pressure. If he wants to keep his job, a win on Saturday is a must.
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