There have been many national teams who have struggled to qualify for major tournaments over the years. England failed to do so in the past. So have the Republic of Ireland. Until recently Belgium couldn’t face the the mountain they had to overcome either.
Scotland haven’t been in a major finals since FRANCE 98! That’s 14 long long years since the famous tartan army have had a real party. That’s eight major tournaments that Scotland have failed to attend.
Not surprising really, but with UEFA increasing the number of teams able to participate in Euro 2016 is the qualifying campaign next autumn going to be Scotland’s time to shine?
Lets hope so. Why not? Scotland have got a good squad, mostly playing in the English premier league or the English championship. We also have some great young talent, like Gary Mackay-Stevens of Dundee United and Stevie May of St Johnstone, who if are nurtured properly can be the stars of the next campaign.
Scotland may not be able to qualify for the World Cup in Brazil but the games over the summer against Croatia, England, Macedonia and Belgium were quite impressive. Maybe Mr Strachan can provide a long over due miracle? He has given the Scotland squad a bit of dig and bite. Whatever wee Strach has done, he has got the boys playing not just for him but the one lion rampant on the shirt.
Maybe it’s because he shows a bit of respect for them. It could be that he and his staff are well prepared. But it says a lot that Gordon, Mark McGhee and Stuart McCall were shovelling snow so the squad could train back in March.
Strachan has worked with what he has got and has produced performances if not results. The tartan army flew to Croatia not expecting anything but a cheap pint and came back with 3 points as well, thanks to the never say die attitude of Robert Snodgrass who knocked it past the Croatian keeper.
Then the day that Scotland fans were dreaming of for almost a decade and a half. Wembley. 14th August 2013. The day the fountains in Trafalgar Square were foaming at the prospect of an auld enemy clash. Scotland twice went ahead but ran out of steam towards the end. Scott Brown showing that he is one of the best British midfielders with his solid performance giving Gerard and co. no time on the ball constantly hassling and generally making a nuisance with his energy and desire for the ball. The Scotland fans were happy despite the 3-2 loss.
A good performance against Belgium and a massive win against Macedonia have boosted the confidence of the tartan faithful. Also a two nil victory at home, the first in the qualifying campaign for Scotland, over a possession dominating Croatia has lifted the Scotland team to 35th in the world rankings.
One name on the lips of many being Ikechi Anya. An impressive substitute appearance against group leaders Belgium and a goal for his first start against the Macedonians have earned the Watford midfielder some well deserved attention and plaudits from the Scotland fans.
Jordan Rhodes has continued his goal scoring exploits since leaving Huddersfield for Blackburn. Now with the retirement of Kenny Miller there is a shirt to be filled. Steven Fletcher could also be the man to fill the void but can he and young Rhodes play together?
If Scotland are to qualify for the European Championships in France 2016 they need to keep the performances up and produce regular results. With the squad they have it is possible but the qualification draw is yet to be made and who knows whose Scotland’s opponents will be. That can just be as unpredictable as a game itself. I’m sure there are members of the tartan army booking up anyway.
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