Pompeyimp2
Vital Squad Member
You've got to feel sorry for Scotland
NO !!You've got to feel sorry for Scotland
You've got to feel sorry for Scotland
What I will say is that the Scots went for it. It might have been a naive tactic for game 1, but when our time comes to exit the tournament I hope England don't just go down watching.
Only seen the highlights, but as an Anglo-Scot (who has always favoured the English) whatI saw reminded me of Scotland’s usual performances - plenty of heart, battling and occasionally skilful midfield, naive defence and lacking finishing composure and quality in and around the box. Pretty much like Australia really
1978 WC missed out on goal difference after failing to beat minnows Iran.The thing is, even in the 70's and 80's with what I class as exceptional players available (Law, Bremner, Gemmill, Dalglish, Hanson ... the list is endless) Scotland have never got out of the Group stage of any Tournament be it WC or EC?
I think Scotland are clearly one of those teams who are there because of the expanded tournament format. They haven't really improved from previous teams who didn't make it, the competition has just expanded to their level. They're just lacking a bit in quality compared to other teams - Robertson is a top player but a good left back will only get you so far and after that they don't have a lot.
It will be interesting to see what their approach v England will be having lost the first game. Throwing in the 'Derby' nature of the game, it all adds to the potential for a kitchen sink coming Southgate's way. Or will Clarke go for the patient game, try and stay in it and look to nick it much later on.They had to in order to get out of the group didn't they? Clarke had no doubt identified this as the game he was most likely to win to get them out of the group. Suspect if they had won this then they would have stonewalled the other two hoping for a point. They won their group game against these with one shot on target and 30-odd percent possession so I think this lauded "go for it" tactic is nothing more than necessity to be honest. Clarke is as pragmatic as they come...