The last two decades have not been great for Scottish football fans, with their national team failing to qualify for a major tournament since the World Cup 1998. Since then, they have fallen down in the world rankings and have struggled through their qualification matches.
Liverpool’s Andy Robertson named Scotland captain
Alex McLeish is hoping that he can lead his team into a new era and the appointment of Andy Robertson as the new captain is a big statement of his intentions. Robertson has enjoyed an amazing rise through the football ranks, five years ago he was playing for Queens Park vs Annan. Last season he was instrumental in Liverpool’s Champions League campaign where they made the biggest stage of domestic football to reach the final. Robertson is flying with Liverpool and his development has been a joy to watch for many Scottish fans.
A 4-0 defeat to Belgium
His first match as captain of Scotland was not a dream start on Friday, as they lost 4-0 to a very strong Belgium side that had the likes of Hazard and Lukaku firing on all cylinders. Fortunately, Robertson did not have to wait too long to pick up his first win. Albania traveled to Hampden Park last night and Scotland was by far the better team in a 2-0 scoreline that probably flattered the visitors.
Steven Naismith named Man of the Match
It was Steven Naismith that really shined as the heavy rain poured down throughout the match. He was heavily involved in the first goal, which went down as an own goal but was all Naismith’s doing. Then he deservedly got onto the scoresheet and was named the ‘Man of the Match’.
Whilst many football pundits and fans have been questioning the format and the actual point of the new UEFA Nations League, the opportunity to qualify for the Euros in 2020 is a massive bonus for teams like Scotland. Having started off with a win, they could well be on their way to qualifying for their first major tournament in what will by then be 22 years!