Come on Scotland!!!!

[The 90+2]

Anyone else getting major excited?

[The 90+2]

https://youtu.be/RSmzFhsBOmk

[Bangkok Hibby]

Anyone else getting major excited?

It's a very long time since a Scottish international side has excited me but I wish them well.

[BenjiOscar]

I honestly think we are going to put on a brilliant performance and win 3-0 with two early goals. Haven’t been so excited about a Scotland match for ages. 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

[G B Young]

Hibs v Dundee is the only game which holds any excitement for me this week.

[Since90+2]

It's a massive game without a doubt. I do think we'll get beat though and probably by a couple.

[Brightside]

Dundee game is massive. Hope Scotland win though.

[hibsbollah]

The only thing that gets me more excited than the national team qualifying for a major tournament, is the anticipation of lots of posters jumping on this thread exclaiming their lack of interest in the national team qualifying for a major tournament.

[Hibee ultra]

Anyone else getting major excited?

Aye mate buzzin [emoji2528][emoji2528]


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[B.H.F.C]

Massive game. Would be a huge boost for Scottish football if we can do it. Long time since we had so many players playing at such a high level, club wise, so a win tonight might just give us the confidence to kick on.

[stoneyburn hibs]

Really looking forward to this and getting nervous

Come on Scotland !

[Since452]

I'm done getting worked up about games. Usually ends in dissspointment

[easty]

I dunno if it’s because of lockdown, but I’m not as excited as I think I should be.

I’d love it if Scotland can qualify, but I’m sitting here not too arsed about even watching the game.

[bingo70]

I'm done getting worked up about games. Usually ends in dissspointment

I’m sort of the same.

I’m buzzing about tonight but at the same time my expectations are low.

I think I’ve learned not to get carried away with Scotland, suspect my mindset will change come kick off time though.

[Lancs Harp]

Good luck fellas. I'm looking forward to it and I'm English.

There would have been some atmosphere in Belgrade under normal conditions, never a particular easy place to go.

I wish you well.

[green day]

If you have Virgin Media and no Sky subscription, it is free to air on Pick TV, Channel 165

[Keith_M]

Hopefully Scotland can bore them into submission.

[Frazerbob]

Even if you’re usually part of the ‘wouldn’t open my curtains if they we’re playing in my back garden’ crowd, this is a MASSIVE game for the country. It’s far too long since the entire nation was gripped with World Cup or Euros fever. You can’t beat those few weeks when pubs and shops are covered in Saltires, the papers have football on the front pages and even yer granny is excited about the games. An entire generation has yet to experience it. Who can forget the build up to Brazil in Paris in 98 or England at Wembley in 96. The entire country was buzzing.

Canny believe I’m not waking up with a stinking hangover in some Belgrade dive hotel this morning feeling sick with nerves.

Good luck Scotland, you can do it.

[Sir David Gray]

If you have Virgin Media and no Sky subscription, it is free to air on Pick TV, Channel 165

Same if you have Sky but no Sky Sports it's on Sky One, Channel 106 and Pick, Channel 159.

Pick's also on Freeview Channel 35.

[TheGog]

It's a massive game without a doubt. I do think we'll get beat though and probably by a couple.

Serbia haven't won a game of football in 90mins in over a year can't see why they'd beat us by few

[bod]

[QUOTE=TheGog;6353016]Serbia haven't won a game of football in 90mins in over a year can't see why they'd beat us by few[/QUOTE

Who have they played & what was the score out of curiosity?

[Oscar T Grouch]

While I’ll have my fingers crossed for us, I’ve been let down so many times by the national side I just can never seem to get excited by the games now. I grew up assuming we’d always get to finals because we always did. I hope for this generation they do it tonight, cause even in glorious defeat a World Cup or euro finals is a great tournament to be involved in. So ‘mon the Scots!!

[TheGog]

[QUOTE=TheGog;6353016]Serbia haven't won a game of football in 90mins in over a year can't see why they'd beat us by few[/QUOTE

Who have they played & what was the score out of curiosity?

The last game they won was 3-2 at home to Luxembourg on the 14/11/19 since then they've had

2-2 draw with Ukraine
3-1 defeat to Russia
0-0 draw with Turkey
1-1 draw with Norway ( won 2-1 AET)
1-0 defeat to Hungry
2-2 draw with Turkey

Sorry it won't be over a year just a few days under

[EdinMike]

Meh, considering I was 11 last time I saw us play in France 98, I’m kinda one of those few that have grown up growing more and more distant from the National team.

I’ll watch, but to say I’m “excited” would be an overstatement.

[hibbysam]

Absolutely buzzing for it. This country needs it, even our Hibs support probably need it after the last few weeks. I’ve felt ***** about football since the semi final, this has brought my buzz back again. This is easily the most relatable Scotland squad in at least 15 years. Young, hungry players, a lot of whom playing at the very top level, all wanting to show up camp after camp, no daft excuses to get out of games, and all very down to earth, probably because they’ve never really seen Scotland at a finals either. Cmon the boys!! 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

[Brightside]

[QUOTE=bod;6353020]

The last game they won was 3-2 at home to Luxembourg on the 14/11/19 since then they've had

2-2 draw with Ukraine
3-1 defeat to Russia
0-0 draw with Turkey
1-1 draw with Norway ( won 2-1 AET)
1-0 defeat to Hungry
2-2 draw with Turkey

Sorry it won't be over a year just a few days under

Yeh so they have been beaten by quality teams tbf. They are clear favs tonight. We need to play out of our skins.

[TheGog]

[QUOTE=TheGog;6353023]

Yeh so they have been beaten by quality teams tbf. They are clear favs tonight. We need to play out of our skins.

Wouldn't really say Hungry are a great team, they toiled to beat Turkey with 2 draws and a draw with Ukraine.

Turkey
Ukraine
Hungry

They are teams you'd expect Scotland to get a result against, I'm in no way saying this is a easy tie, but it's far from being as difficult as it is being made out to be

[calumhibee1]

I’d be stunned if Scotland win tbh.

Struggle to bother about international football in the slightest, always felt the fact we’ll probably have a third of our line up and a good chunk of our bench from places other than Scotland makes a bit of a mockery of it.

Fingers crossed though, would be good for the country if Scotland were to do it but wouldn’t it just be typical Scotland to manage to do it when fans most likely couldn’t go to the tournament?!

[Since90+2]

[QUOTE=bod;6353020]

The last game they won was 3-2 at home to Luxembourg on the 14/11/19 since then they've had

2-2 draw with Ukraine
3-1 defeat to Russia
0-0 draw with Turkey
1-1 draw with Norway ( won 2-1 AET)
1-0 defeat to Hungry
2-2 draw with Turkey

Sorry it won't be over a year just a few days under

They went to Norway and beat as Norwegian side with one of the best strikers in the world in the last round. They are at home. Scotland tend to choke when it matters most.

3 reasons I can think of. Hope I'm wrong mind.

[bod]

[QUOTE=bod;6353020]

The last game they won was 3-2 at home to Luxembourg on the 14/11/19 since then they've had

2-2 draw with Ukraine
3-1 defeat to Russia
0-0 draw with Turkey
1-1 draw with Norway ( won 2-1 AET)
1-0 defeat to Hungry
2-2 draw with Turkey

Sorry it won't be over a year just a few days under

Cheers,although we beat Hungary in a friendly few years back,I I think we’d struggle to get a result against those teams away from home

[Lancs Harp]

I wouldnt take too much notice of the form book for this game. Its a one off game and can come down to a lot of things. A stroke of luck, a red card, an injury to a key player, the right formation, the right tactics, nerves, dealing with the unusual no crowd situation, dealing with the pressure. many many things. Beating Israel on penalties or drawing 2-2 with Turkey in the not too distant past i'd say is pretty irrelevant to tonights game. Focus purely on what lies ahead.

[Steve20]

Don’t support the national team, but I have lots of mates that do, so for them I hope Scotland get the win.

Think it’ll go all the way to penalties.

[Brightside]

[QUOTE=Brightside;6353034]

Wouldn't really say Hungry are a great team, they toiled to beat Turkey with 2 draws and a draw with Ukraine.

Turkey
Ukraine
Hungry

They are teams you'd expect Scotland to get a result against, I'm in no way saying this is a easy tie, but it's far from being as difficult as it is being made out to be

I wouldnt expect Scotland to get a result against those teams.

[Hibernian Verse]

I’d be stunned if Scotland win tbh.

Struggle to bother about international football in the slightest, always felt the fact we’ll probably have a third of our line up and a good chunk of our bench from places other than Scotland makes a bit of a mockery of it.

Fingers crossed though, would be good for the country if Scotland were to do it but wouldn’t it just be typical Scotland to manage to do it when fans most likely couldn’t go to the tournament?!

Bet Croatia fans didn't think Eduardo playing for them at major tournaments was a mockery. Scotland (and the rest of the Isles) are a nation that doesn't use the rule to anywhere near its potential. A short list;

Mario Fernandes - Brazil/Russia
Eduardo - Brazil/Croatia
Diego Costa - Brazil/Spain
Zaha - England/Ivory Coast
Thiago Motta - Brazil/Italy
Aiden McGeady - Scotland/Ireland
Lukas Podolski - Poland/Germany
Faouzi Ghoulam - France/Algeria
James McClean - N. Ireland/Rep. Ireland

[Pretty Boy]

This is an absolutely massive game for Scottish football.

For many, including myself, club comes before country and interest in the national team can wane quite dramatically in the bad times. I tip my hat to the guys who support Scotland over or at a comparable level to a club side and sit at Hampden when thousands of others have chucked it but it's just not me, with Hibs it's a different story. However there can be little doubt that Scotland being present at a major finals would be a huge boost to our game in so many ways, not least the engagement between the team and fans. I'm old enough to remember going to watch Scotland v England at the old UCI cinema in 1996, I remember having loads of people at my parents house as we kicked off the 98 World Cup, I remember being at Celtic Park when we secured our place in France. An entire generation has passed without experiencing anything like that and with a couple of exceptions we haven't really been close.

I've listened to a couple of radio stations today and glanced at a few of the papers and they are all absolutely buzzing about this and the general air in my work is one of excitement as well. Whilst that may have existed among the hardcore in recent years, it seems to be more widespread today. If we actually qualify you can multiply the excitement tenfold and then some. As a country having a group of kids sitting watching a major tournament that we are involved in rather than picking another team and seeing scenes similar to those we saw in England at the fan zones during the last World Cup would be huge.

A huge game for so many reasons and I think we'll do it :saltireflag

[ronaldo7]

We've assembled better squads in the past and failed to qualify. I think we've got a stuffy group who are hard to beat, so I'm slightly optimistic.

A boring 0-0 and then we win on penalties would do me.

[calumhibee1]

Bet Croatia fans didn't think Eduardo playing for them at major tournaments was a mockery. Scotland (and the rest of the Isles) are a nation that doesn't use the rule to anywhere near its potential. A short list;

Mario Fernandes - Brazil/Russia
Eduardo - Brazil/Croatia
Diego Costa - Brazil/Spain
Zaha - England/Ivory Coast
Thiago Motta - Brazil/Italy
Aiden McGeady - Scotland/Ireland
Lukas Podolski - Poland/Germany
Faouzi Ghoulam - France/Algeria
James McClean - N. Ireland/Rep. Ireland

I get other teams do it and I don’t blame Scotland for doing it as well but that’s why I don’t like international football in general.

My gripe isn’t with the Scottish national team, it’s the whole thing of international football.

However, I’m not sure about Scotland not using it to their full potential when there’s a very realistic chance that we could half about half the team on the pitch at some point tonight from somewhere other than Scotland. Hardly any other countries are like that.

That being said, I hope Scotland get a result tonight.

[CmoantheHibs]

Not confident but excited. Hard match but no crowd helps us. Think they will dominate play but Steve Clarke is great at getting teams to perform well as a unit against technically superior teams. Hopefully get the rub of the green and sneak a win.

[wookie70]

Hopeful and will watch the game. I'm getting more interested in the national team. SJM makes me watch and Hanlon and Porteous have also got me more interested. Clarke is doing a decent job in terms of results but bringing in players like Hanlon and Considine etc will spark interest in fans who have lost the love of the national team. I follow the rugby team on TV and get wound up when they are playing, hopefully the football side can get back into my heart in the same way. I used to go to watch at Hampden very regularly so they were a big part of my footballing life but I think, as said, so many players who weren't really Scottish and years of disappointment made me lose interest

[green with envy]

Anyone else getting major excited?

As a veteran of attending 3 world cups and many more trips to see Scotland, in a word no.

[hibbysam]

I get other teams do it and I don’t blame Scotland for doing it as well but that’s why I don’t like international football in general.

My gripe isn’t with the Scottish national team, it’s the whole thing of international football.

What scotland players aren’t from Scotland? Dykes, Palmer, Cooper. 3 out of a squad of 27. One of which’s dad is Scottish, two of them have played for all of Scotland’s youth teams and only Dykes has really changed last minute. As an example, Steven Fletcher wasn’t born in Scotland but try telling him he isn’t Scottish. These boys want to play for Scotland because they feel the affinity for the country, not as a last resort like has happened in the past.

[BILLYHIBS]

Stevie Clarke’s prematch speech :greengrin


https://youtu.be/TME0xubdHQc

[Keith_M]

Bet Croatia fans didn't think Eduardo playing for them at major tournaments was a mockery. Scotland (and the rest of the Isles) are a nation that doesn't use the rule to anywhere near its potential. A short list;

Mario Fernandes - Brazil/Russia
Eduardo - Brazil/Croatia
Diego Costa - Brazil/Spain
Zaha - England/Ivory Coast
Thiago Motta - Brazil/Italy
Aiden McGeady - Scotland/Ireland
Lukas Podolski - Poland/Germany
Faouzi Ghoulam - France/Algeria
James McClean - N. Ireland/Rep. Ireland


Portugal has probably benefited more than any other country from footballers that played for the national team but were born elsewhere. Among many other countries, they've had 29 players from Angola, 23 from Mozambique and 7 from Brazil

Some of their most successful non-Portugese players:

Eusébio (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eus%C3%A9bio), 64 caps, from Mozambique
Pepe (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pepe_(footballer,_born_1983)#International_career) , 113 caps, from Brazil
Deco (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Deco), 75 caps, from Brazil
Rui Jordao (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rui_Jord%C3%A3o), 43 caps, from Angola
Helder (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/H%C3%A9lder_(footballer)), 35 caps, from Angola
Oceano da Cruz (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oceano_Cruz), 54 caps, from Cape Verde
Danilo Pereira (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Danilo_Pereira_(Portuguese_footballer)), 41 caps, from Guinea



I wish Scotland had so many countries to choose from.

[AugustaHibs]

What scotland players aren’t from Scotland? Dykes, Palmer, Cooper. 3 out of a squad of 27. One of which’s dad is Scottish, two of them have played for all of Scotland’s youth teams and only Dykes has really changed last minute. As an example, Steven Fletcher wasn’t born in Scotland but try telling him he isn’t Scottish. These boys want to play for Scotland because they feel the affinity for the country, not as a last resort like has happened in the past.

Mctominay, mcburnie

[calumhibee1]

What scotland players aren’t from Scotland? Dykes, Palmer, Cooper. 3 out of a squad of 27. One of which’s dad is Scottish, two of them have played for all of Scotland’s youth teams and only Dykes has really changed last minute. Steven Fletcher wasn’t born in Scotland but try telling him he isn’t Scottish. These boys want to play for Scotland because they feel the affinity for the country, not as a last resort like has happened in the past.

McTominay
Tierney
Dykes
Palmer
Cooper
McBurnie
Paterson

There’s actually 7 of our squad aren’t born in Scotland. I’d think there’s a good chance McTominay, Tierney, Dykes and McBurnie could all be on the pitch at one time tonight. That’s nearly 40% of the players that would be on the pitch if McBurnie gets subbed on for someone other than Dykes.

Whether they feel Scottish or not, being able to play for Scotland because you ‘feel’ Scottish is exactly why I think the whole things a farce. I’m sure I would ‘feel’ Scottish as well if I was never going to get to play for my actual country and it gave me a route into international football.

Anyway, as i said, I hope Scotland win and qualify but international football really isn’t for me. Apologies because I know everyone hates when someone posts that sort of stuff so I shouldn’t have bothered :greengrin

[hibbysam]

Mctominay, mcburnie

Again both of them’s dads are Scottish. Fairly clear that they both see themselves as Scottish and have represented Scotland from an early age. There’s a difference between playing for Scotland because you feel Scottish and see yourself as Scottish, and playing for Scotland because it’s a last resort but you don’t have any affinity to the country.

[Since90+2]

McTominay
Tierney
Dykes
Palmer
Cooper
McBurnie
Paterson

There’s actually 7 of our squad aren’t born in Scotland. I’d think there’s a good chance McTominay, Tierney, Dykes and McBurnie could all be on the pitch at one time tonight. That’s nearly 40% of the players that would be on the pitch if McBurnie gets subbed on for someone other than Dykes.

Whether they feel Scottish or not, being able to play for Scotland because you ‘feel’ Scottish is exactly why I think the whole things a farce. I’m sure I would ‘feel’ Scottish as well if I was never going to get to play for my actual country and it gave me a route into international football.

Anyway, as i said, I hope Scotland win and qualify but international football really isn’t for me.

Did Tierney not move to Scotland when he was about 2? I'd say it's harsh to say he's not fully Scottish in some way.

[hibbysam]

McTominay
Tierney
Dykes
Palmer
Cooper
McBurnie
Paterson

There’s actually 7 of our squad aren’t born in Scotland. I’d think there’s a good chance McTominay, Tierney, Dykes and McBurnie could all be on the pitch at one time tonight. That’s nearly 40% of the players that would be on the pitch if McBurnie gets subbed on for someone other than Dykes.

Whether they feel Scottish or not, being able to play for Scotland because you ‘feel’ Scottish is exactly why I think the whole things a farce. I’m sure I would ‘feel’ Scottish as well if I was never going to get to play for my actual country and it gave me a route into international football.

Anyway, as i said, I hope Scotland win and qualify but international football really isn’t for me.

You do realise your nationality isn’t solely based on place of birth? Tierney has stayed in Scotland since he was a toddler, he doesn’t know anything different 😂 if my auld man was Scottish, and he happened to have moved to England and had me, before moving back at a very early age, and completing school, and all my early football career in Scotland id certainly be Scottish and no one would tell me otherwise.

[hibbysam]

Did Tierney not move to Scotland when he was about 2? I'd say it's harsh to say he's not fully Scottish in some way.

He wasn’t even 1 😂 imagine telling Tierney he wasn’t Scottish!

[Keith_M]

You do realise your nationality isn’t solely based on place of birth? Tierney has stayed in Scotland since he was a toddler, he doesn’t know anything different 😂 if my auld man was Scottish, and he happened to have moved to England and had me, before moving back at a very early age, and completing school, and all my early football career in Scotland id certainly be Scottish and no one would tell me otherwise.


Beat it, ya English twit!




:na na:

[Brightside]

Another player out for Serbia. Covid +. At what point does 17/4 Scotland look like a bet.

[bingo70]

Another player out for Serbia. Covid +. At what point does 17/4 Scotland look like a bet.

Is it one of their good ones?

[calumhibee1]

Another player out for Serbia. Covid +. At what point does 17/4 Scotland look like a bet.

They’ve a lot of good players. They even had Malinkovic-Savic on the bench in their semi final who would comfortably be Scotland’s best player. The more decent players out the better though of course.

[Hibernian Verse]

I get other teams do it and I don’t blame Scotland for doing it as well but that’s why I don’t like international football in general.

My gripe isn’t with the Scottish national team, it’s the whole thing of international football.

However, I’m not sure about Scotland not using it to their full potential when there’s a very realistic chance that we could half about half the team on the pitch at some point tonight from somewhere other than Scotland. Hardly any other countries are like that.

That being said, I hope Scotland get a result tonight.I meant the use of players not born in Scotland or with Scottish heritage. All our players fall under that category.

I meant guys like Amoruso and Arteta that we could have chosen.

Sent from my SM-G973F using Tapatalk

[Brightside]

Is it one of their good ones?

Mal and ends in Vic! Midfielder plays for Palace.

[HibsGW]

The only thing that gets me more excited than the national team qualifying for a major tournament, is the anticipation of lots of posters jumping on this thread exclaiming their lack of interest in the national team qualifying for a major tournament.

😂 agree. Weird behaviour.

[Sir David Gray]

I don't normally bother about Scotland and although I like to see them win, if they lose it's quickly forgotten about.

I do hope they win tonight though, qualifying for a major tournament would be huge for the whole country. I was 10 the last time Scotland managed that so I really hope it goes well tonight.

[Onceinawhile]

I'm doing my best to stay away from the build up.

I know we're the far, far inferior team and that Serbia are most likely going to win.

But if I think about it too much, my head goes, here if we can keep it tight, then nick a chance, we might hold on.

From there we've qualified, and if we get a good group, we could get through.

And before you know it, I've got us down as winning euro 2020 never mind just qualifying the night!!

[easty]

Bet Croatia fans didn't think Eduardo playing for them at major tournaments was a mockery. Scotland (and the rest of the Isles) are a nation that doesn't use the rule to anywhere near its potential. A short list;

Mario Fernandes - Brazil/Russia
Eduardo - Brazil/Croatia
Diego Costa - Brazil/Spain
Zaha - England/Ivory Coast
Thiago Motta - Brazil/Italy
Aiden McGeady - Scotland/Ireland
Lukas Podolski - Poland/Germany
Faouzi Ghoulam - France/Algeria
James McClean - N. Ireland/Rep. Ireland

Zaha was born in Ivory Coast and plays for Ivory Coast. Not sure why he makes your list?

[calumhibee1]

Mal and ends in Vic! Midfielder plays for Palace.

Are the two Fiorentina boys available? The centre half is a very good player.

[Hibernian Verse]

Zaha was born in Ivory Coast and plays for Ivory Coast. Not sure why he makes your list?He played for England in 2 friendlies and switched. It could be either way around I guess.

Sent from my SM-G973F using Tapatalk

[PeeJay]

Have to wish the team all the best in what will be a tough away game. Would be good for Scottish football in general if the team qualified.

[EI255]

Anyone else getting major excited?No.

Sent from my LG-H870 using Tapatalk

[EI255]

Hibs v Dundee is the only game which holds any excitement for me this week.Me too. International football yawns me.

Sent from my LG-H870 using Tapatalk

[green day]

Another player out for Serbia. Covid +. At what point does 17/4 Scotland look like a bet.

I have taken those odds, but Serbia are 1/3 and the bookies are rarely wrong.

I was in France 98, Italia 90 and loads of other Scotland trips, Paris a few times, Prague all stick in the memory.

Would be great fun to get everyone back together for another trip or two :thumbsup:

[Tambo]

English born to both Edinburgh born and bred parents, I lost the love of international football years ago and it's only about Hibs for me.

But seems so bloody long ago france 98 and don't think scotland will have a better chance than qualifying for a major tournament than they do tonight and I really hope they win.

[Potty78]

Traveled all over the world following scotland but cant get excited for this at all. Maybe its because 2 of the games are at hampden and the other Wembley, if we qualify not really trips like france 98. Obviously hope we win though🤞

[Brightside]

Are the two Fiorentina boys available? The centre half is a very good player.

They said they couldnt travel during the week?

[calumhibee1]

They said they couldnt travel during the week?

Hadn’t seen that :aok:

[calumhibee1]

Traveled all over the world following scotland but cant get excited for this at all. Maybe its because 2 of the games are at hampden and the other Wembley, if we qualify not really trips like france 98. Obviously hope we win though🤞

I’d be stunned if folk were in the stadium anyway so everyone can just pretend it’s in Barcelona/Lisbon/Paris etc anyway!

[The dalmeny]

Again both of them’s dads are Scottish. Fairly clear that they both see themselves as Scottish and have represented Scotland from an early age. There’s a difference between playing for Scotland because you feel Scottish and see yourself as Scottish, and playing for Scotland because it’s a last resort but you don’t have any affinity to the country.

this, some of the attitudes about belong more in 1920 than 2020

[calumhibee1]

this, some of the attitudes about belong more in 1920 than 2020

😂😂😂

Yes that’s right, thinking guys like McBurnie who was born in England and has lived in England his entire life or Dykes who was born in Australia and lived in Australia until 4 years ago shouldn’t be eligible for Scotland is so 1920s.

[HUTCHYHIBBY]

Canny believe I’m not waking up with a stinking hangover in some Belgrade dive hotel this morning feeling sick with nerves.


Those nightclub boats are dangerous places! 😲😍😲

[KeithTheHibby]

I have taken those odds, but Serbia are 1/3 and the bookies are rarely wrong.

I was in France 98, Italia 90 and loads of other Scotland trips, Paris a few times, Prague all stick in the memory.

Would be great fun to get everyone back together for another trip or two :thumbsup:

Serbia are 8/11 with Hills from 8/13 earlier in the week. Not quite the shoe-in some people expect.

[660]

John McGinn will play out of his skin and win this game. It’s just what he does.

[hibbysam]

😂😂😂

Yes that’s right, thinking guys like McBurnie who was born in England and has lived in England his entire life or Dykes who was born in Australia and lived in Australia until 4 years ago shouldn’t be eligible for Scotland is so 1920s.

You have a point with Dykes, I tend to agree however that’s the ruling. He’s very much in the minority and has been in Scotland for years. McBurnie has played all his youth international football for Scotland. Again, if he sees himself as Scottish due to his father then that’s good enough for me, and you’ve no right to say he isn’t. The fact you started talking about Tierney etc is just ridiculous. All you had to say was you weren’t a fan of internationals, in fact you didn’t have to say anything. It’s a come on Scotland thread. If you don’t fancy it then don’t comment. Nationality has a number of factors, birthplace is only one.

[Brightside]

There are 7 serbia players in the first goalscorer market before you get a Scotland player. And that scotland player is Sparky! :greengrin Dykes is 9/1 fgs.

[Magpie]

I'm done getting worked up about games. Usually ends in dissspointment

Me too. Always prepare for the worst at this stage. Scotland are not favourites tonight though so at least any defeat won’t be as damaging.

[Magpie]

Luka Milivojevic has tested positive for coronavirus and will miss Serbia's Euro 2020 play-off final with Scotland on Thursday night.

He is the third Serbian player to test positive for coronavirus in the build-up after West Brom defender Branislav Ivanovic and Sassuolo's Filip Djuricic tested positive.

[lord bunberry]

I’m really up for it, it’s just a pity the pubs are shut. I remember 96 and 98 and although we didn’t perform well the buzz around the country was brilliant, especially for 96 when we played England.

[calumhibee1]

You have a point with Dykes, I tend to agree however that’s the ruling. He’s very much in the minority and has been in Scotland for years. McBurnie has played all his youth international football for Scotland. Again, if he sees himself as Scottish due to his father then that’s good enough for me, and you’ve no right to say he isn’t. The fact you started talking about Tierney etc is just ridiculous. All you had to say was you weren’t a fan of internationals, in fact you didn’t have to say anything. It’s a come on Scotland thread. If you don’t fancy it then don’t comment. Nationality has a number of factors, birthplace is only one.

And the whole anybody with a Scottish granny ruling is exactly why we end up with guys like Dykes playing for us. I think it’s safe to say there’ll be stacks of players have played for Scotland not because they feel Scottish but because they’re not going to get a game for their own country and fancy playing international football. And that to me is why it’s a farce.

[CMurdoch]

Luka Milivojevic has tested positive for coronavirus and will miss Serbia's Euro 2020 play-off final with Scotland on Thursday night.

He is the third Serbian player to test positive for coronavirus in the build-up after West Brom defender Branislav Ivanovic and Sassuolo's Filip Djuricic tested positive.

Good news. That's the guy that plays for Crystal Palace who is deadly from set pieces.

[Booker5time]

And the whole anybody with a Scottish granny ruling is exactly why we end up with guys like Dykes playing for us. I think it’s safe to say there’ll be stacks of players have played for Scotland not because they feel Scottish but because they’re not going to get a game for their own country and fancy playing international football. And that to me is why it’s a farce.

Eh ? I dont even think we have any granny rule players in the sqaud, Either they where born here or they have Scottish parents, Dykes parents are both Scottish btw.:aok:

[Keith_M]

All this nonsense about playing people born outside Scotland is how we end up with rubbish players like one of the Andy Gorams.

[JimBHibees]

Huge game for Scotland. Think we can do it however obviously tough.

Brilliant video here especially the first bit with all the goals, Lawrie scoring at Wembley and Denis's tears.

https://youtu.be/0HerNnMqFdA

[calumhibee1]

All this nonsense about playing people born outside Scotland is how we end up with rubbish players like one of the Andy Gorams.

Again, no debating it can be used to teams advantages but I just think it’s nonsense. Anyway, that’s probably for another thread.

Good luck to Scotland tonight.

[JohnMcM]

Good news. That's the guy that plays for Crystal Palace who is deadly from set pieces.

He may be good from set pieces but he would have been on the bench tonight anyway. Reports say he hasn't played for the national team apart from bit parts for some time now. Looks like his absence will be no big deal for them sadly.

[Lancs Harp]

A time for heroes to coin a phrase.

[oneone73]

All this nonsense about playing people born outside Scotland is how we end up with rubbish players like one of the Andy Gorams.

Wish it had been around earlier - wouldn't have missed bout on Joe Baker.

[G B Young]

While I’ll have my fingers crossed for us, I’ve been let down so many times by the national side I just can never seem to get excited by the games now. I grew up assuming we’d always get to finals because we always did. I hope for this generation they do it tonight, cause even in glorious defeat a World Cup or euro finals is a great tournament to be involved in. So ‘mon the Scots!!

The reason, IMHO, that there's little to get excited about is because there was next to no difficulty in getting to this point, compared to coming through the standard qualification process when you actually have to prove you're good enough to be there. IIRC we've got to within a game of qualification for a major tournament by limping past the might of Israel and Albania. I know you can only beat what's in front of you but for me the Nations League route is a nonsense and an undeserved reward for nearly a quarter of a century of failure.

[Since90+2]

The reason, IMHO, that there's little to get excited about is because there was next to no difficulty in getting to this point, compared to coming through the standard qualification process when you actually have to prove you're good enough to be there. IIRC we've got to within a game of qualification for a major tournament by limping past the might of Israel and Albania. I know you can only beat what's in front of you but for me the Nations League route is a nonsense and an undeserved reward for nearly a quarter of a century of failure.

That's all very true. None of it will matter though if we win tonight and make it to our first finals in over two decades.

[Magpie]

Milinkovic-Savic, Tadic and Mitrovic all fantastic footballers, are they arguably Serbia’s best players?

[B.H.F.C]

The reason, IMHO, that there's little to get excited about is because there was next to no difficulty in getting to this point, compared to coming through the standard qualification process when you actually have to prove you're good enough to be there. IIRC we've got to within a game of qualification for a major tournament by limping past the might of Israel and Albania. I know you can only beat what's in front of you but for me the Nations League route is a nonsense and an undeserved reward for nearly a quarter of a century of failure.

Who cares about all that, really. If we win tonight are folk really going to be worried about how we got there?

We have some really good players at the moment (and some not so good obviously). But if we qualify it could be a real boost for Scottish football and maybe help us kick on and improve a bit.

[calumhibee1]

Milinkovic-Savic, Tadic and Mitrovic all fantastic footballers, are they arguably Serbia’s best players?

Milenkovic at centre half is very good as well.

Jovic the striker is at Real Madrid but he’s been pish there. He was very good before he went there though.

[Oscar T Grouch]

The reason, IMHO, that there's little to get excited about is because there was next to no difficulty in getting to this point, compared to coming through the standard qualification process when you actually have to prove you're good enough to be there. IIRC we've got to within a game of qualification for a major tournament by limping past the might of Israel and Albania. I know you can only beat what's in front of you but for me the Nations League route is a nonsense and an undeserved reward for nearly a quarter of a century of failure.

Yeah. I suppose it was set up to coincide with the expansion of the Euros and World Cup, but essentially you are correct, it took little effort to get here. I was hoping tonight might feel like the last round of a tourney qualifying campaign but it doesn't at all. Still if it gets us there it doesn't matter, we'll be at the finals and it will be as good as if we qualified properly.

U21 have just lost a goal, 0-1 to Croatia, sloppy defending and keeper let it in at his near post.

[Chorley Hibee]

The reason, IMHO, that there's little to get excited about is because there was next to no difficulty in getting to this point, compared to coming through the standard qualification process when you actually have to prove you're good enough to be there. IIRC we've got to within a game of qualification for a major tournament by limping past the might of Israel and Albania. I know you can only beat what's in front of you but for me the Nations League route is a nonsense and an undeserved reward for nearly a quarter of a century of failure.

I couldn't agree more.

Whilst I obviously hope Scotland win this evening, I'm of the belief that the Nations League is a farce and undermines the quality of the European Championships, and other tournaments, going forward.

Georgia are playing North Macedonia for a place in the finals, it's ridiculous!

[Chorley Hibee]

Who cares about all that, really. If we win tonight are folk really going to be worried about how we got there?

We have some really good players at the moment (and some not so good obviously). But if we qualify it could be a real boost for Scottish football and maybe help us kick on and improve a bit.

Perhaps, but it's portraying it as a bigger success than what it actually is.

Qualifying could have an adverse effect, as it will reinforce the idea that years of underperformance, coaching issues, poor youth development, and the archaic SFA are all actually fit for purpose.

[hibbysam]

Eh ? I dont even think we have any granny rule players in the sqaud, Either they where born here or they have Scottish parents, Dykes parents are both Scottish btw.:aok:

Think I was thinking of Boyle when talking about Dykes. The fact Dykes has two Scottish parents again makes a complete mockery of the previous posters point. No doubt in the past we have had some dross from England playing because they weren’t good enough for England, not with this squad though.

[B.H.F.C]

Perhaps, but it's portraying it as a bigger success than what it actually is.

Qualifying could have an adverse effect, as it will reinforce the idea that years of underperformance, coaching issues, poor youth development, and the archaic SFA are all actually fit for purpose.

I think that’s a really negative way to look at it. If we do it we’ll have went through a qualification route, fair and square.

You need to start somewhere. We’ve been pish for years, that won’t change. But if we can win tonight we’ll be in a major tournament and we’re also on course to move up to the top tier of the Nations League. Add in the fact that we have a number of players who are now key players for teams at the top level, with the likes of Billy Gilmour still to come through hopefully, then I’d be much more inclined to look at it from a positive point of view. We need to win tonight though.

[G B Young]

Who cares about all that, really. If we win tonight are folk really going to be worried about how we got there?

We have some really good players at the moment (and some not so good obviously). But if we qualify it could be a real boost for Scottish football and maybe help us kick on and improve a bit.

Most probably won't be bothered but it just seems to me that for all the angst about our national game over the last 22 years and endless proposals on how to improve it, including the much-vaunted McLeish report (which appears to have altered nothing of note in terms of the way the game's run), we've suddenly and undeservedly been offered what amounts to a free hit at reaching a finals. Just my view, but the dumbing down of the qualification process to mask our game's ongoing mediocrity does nothing for me - though I should also add that I lost any genuine feeling for the national team (and international football in general) long ago.

[G B Young]

Perhaps, but it's portraying it as a bigger success than what it actually is.

Qualifying could have an adverse effect, as it will reinforce the idea that years of underperformance, coaching issues, poor youth development, and the archaic SFA are all actually fit for purpose.

Yep, you've concisely summed up exactly what I've just tried to say in a lot more words :greengrin

[hibbysam]

Most probably won't be bothered but it just seems to me that for all the angst about our national game over the last 22 years and endless proposals on how to improve it, including the much-vaunted McLeish report (which appears to have altered nothing of note in terms of the way the game's run), we've suddenly and undeservedly been offered what amounts to a free hit at reaching a finals. Just my view, but the dumbing down of the qualification process to mask our game's ongoing mediocrity does nothing for me - though I should also add that I lost any genuine feeling for the national team (and international football in general) long ago.

Undeserved? If we qualify then it will have been totally deserved on the pitch. Do you think Portugal feel guilty about 2016? The fact the expanded competition allowed them to qualify in third and basically draw their way to the final. Changes happen, embrace them, use them to your advantage.

[calumhibee1]

Think I was thinking of Boyle when talking about Dykes. The fact Dykes has two Scottish parents again makes a complete mockery of the previous posters point. No doubt in the past we have had some dross from England playing because they weren’t good enough for England, not with this squad though.

I mean that’s great and all, but as you say, he’s got two Scottish parents. That’s his parents though, not him. He’s Australian. Born and raised there and living there until he was 21.

He’s quite deliberate not to suggest he is Scottish in his interviews pointing out that others around him are etc but never once suggests he is himself.

[B.H.F.C]

Most probably won't be bothered but it just seems to me that for all the angst about our national game over the last 22 years and endless proposals on how to improve it, including the much-vaunted McLeish report (which appears to have altered nothing of note in terms of the way the game's run), we've suddenly and undeservedly been offered what amounts to a free hit at reaching a finals. Just my view, but the dumbing down of the qualification process to mask our game's ongoing mediocrity does nothing for me - though I should also add that I lost any genuine feeling for the national team (and international football in general) long ago.

How will it be a free hit? It’ll be 8 games we’ll have had to negotiate. If we do it, it’ll certainly not be undeserved.

Trickiest opposition? Naw. But we’re not exactly world beaters.

We need to start somewhere if we ever want to be half decent again. This is maybe that starting point.

[The 90+2]

I couldn't agree more.

Whilst I obviously hope Scotland win this evening, I'm of the belief that the Nations League is a farce and undermines the quality of the European Championships, and other tournaments, going forward.

Georgia are playing North Macedonia for a place in the finals, it's ridiculous!

Shouldn’t small nations ever make tournaments?

[CMurdoch]

U21 have just lost a goal, 0-1 to Croatia, sloppy defending and keeper let it in at his near post.

1-2

Goal from our old pal Glen Middleton

Croatia player sent of for kicking Porteous

30 mins to go

Gilmour about to come on

Scotland team includes the following 9 players
McLellan, McCrorie & Ferguson of Aberdeen
Campbell of Motherwell
Porteous of Hibs
Middleton of Rangers
Gilmour of Chelsea
Hornby of some French team
Doohan of Ross Co

Game live on SFA website

[The 90+2]

1-2

Goal from our old pal Glen Middleton

Croatia player sent of for kicking Porteous

30 mins to go

Game live on SFA website
Red card Croatia

[The 90+2]

1-2

Goal from our old pal Glen Middleton

Croatia player sent of for kicking Porteous

30 mins to go

Gilmour about to come on

Game live on SFA website

Great chance now mate.

[Rumble de Thump]

Much worse teams than Scotland have qualified for the Euros and World Cup and that's through normal qualification. The luck of the draw has helped some teams get to major tournaments, although they still have to beat the teams they are drawn against. Things are looking up for the Scotland team at the moment and a win tonight would be massive.

[Chorley Hibee]

Shouldn’t small nations ever make tournaments?

The more the better, but not as a result of being the best of a bad bunch.

Much better sides are going to miss out on the tournament due to the accommodation of sides who frankly don't merit a spot there.

[calumhibee1]

Much worse teams than Scotland have qualified for the Euros and World Cup and that's through normal qualification. The luck of the draw has helped some teams get to major tournements, although they still have to beat the teams they are drawn against. Things are looking up for the Scotland team at the moment and a win tonight would be massive.

:agree:

Some shocking teams have qualified for the Euros or even the World Cup from the European section since Scotland last qualified. With the amount of players that Scotland have playing at a high level there’s no reason it should have taken this long.

[The 90+2]

2-2

[The 90+2]

Gilmour sent off: refs went radge.

[Magpie]

If Serbia turn up then they will win comfortably I reckon. First goal is crucial tonight.

[Chorley Hibee]

:agree:

Some shocking teams have qualified for the Euros or even the World Cup from the European section since we last qualified. With the amount of players that Scotland have playing at a high level there’s no reason it should have taken this long.

Luck of the draw will play a part in any tournament, but Scotland could potentially qualify for a tournament by beating a collection of nations UEFA considered 3rd rate (League C).

Any normal qualification process would see Scotland measured against sides considered better than them. Whilst it doesn't always transpire, this usually sees the better sides progress.

Georgia, North Macedonia and even Scotland don't warrant a place at the finals of the European Championships based on present form. I'd much rather see them qualify via the traditional process, one which would be worthy of a lot more respect.

The European Championship should see the best national sides in Europe compete, this process doesn't provide that.

[Rumble de Thump]

I'm not sure many teams have better form than Scotland at the moment.

[CMurdoch]

Great chance now mate.

Gilmour sold the advantage cheaply. Mug.

[Gordy M]

If Serbia turn up then they will win comfortably I reckon. First goal is crucial tonight.

Serbia havent won in 90 minutes in over a year......not sure about winning comfortably.

[Gordy M]

Luck of the draw will play a part in any tournament, but Scotland could potentially qualify for a tournament by beating a collection of nations UEFA considered 3rd rate (League C).

Any normal qualification process would see Scotland measured against sides considered better than them. Whilst it doesn't always transpire, this usually sees the better sides progress.

Georgia, North Macedonia and even Scotland don't warrant a place at the finals of the European Championships based on present form. I'd much rather see them qualify via the traditional process, one which would be worthy of a lot more respect.

The European Championship should see the best national sides in Europe compete, this process doesn't provide that.
Its the luck of the draw, thats the way it goes, a couple of tournaments back we had Germany Poland and ROI in our qualifying group, they all made the last 8 of the tournament from one group?? Dont remember folk saying Scotland were unlucky then?

[SteveHFC]

I think we will do it tonight. Just got that feeling.

[Chorley Hibee]

Its the luck of the draw, thats the way it goes, a couple of tournaments back we had Germany Poland and ROI in our qualifying group, they all made the last 8 of the tournament from one group?? Dont remember folk saying Scotland were unlucky then?

That was a draw that included every nation in Europe.

This is qualification via success in a 3rd rate league system. One which doesn't include the top two tiers of national sides in Europe. That makes a mockery of the tournament IMHO.

I'm not being deliberately provocative here, I'll be supporting Scotland tonight, but it's an honest assessment of how I feel.

It's a wider point upon how I see the traditional tournaments being destroyed too.

[The Modfather]

That was a draw that included every nation in Europe.

This is qualification via success in a 3rd rate league system. One which doesn't include the top two tiers of national sides in Europe. That makes a mockery of the tournament IMHO.

I'm not being deliberately provocative here, I'll be supporting Scotland tonight, but it's an honest assessment of how I feel.

It's a wider point upon how I see the traditional tournaments being destroyed too.

It’s a fair enough opinion to have. However it won’t even come into my consciousness if we qualify tonight. Same way we used to get excited about getting into Europe and European nights when you could still qualify from losing the Scottish cup final.

[Gordy M]

That was a draw that included every nation in Europe.

This is qualification via success in a 3rd rate league system. One which doesn't include the top two tiers of national sides in Europe. That makes a mockery of the tournament IMHO.

I'm not being deliberately provocative here, I'll be supporting Scotland tonight, but it's an honest assessment of how I feel.

It's a wider point upon how I see the traditional tournaments being destroyed too.

But thats the way the competition is, and thats the rewards for winning the section. I could say that any host of the Euros or World Cup shouldnt have automatically qualified, they didnt beat anyone....you think France in 1998 or England in 1966 think it was any less of a win? Of course not. Just enjoy getting there hopefully.

[hibbysam]

Luck of the draw will play a part in any tournament, but Scotland could potentially qualify for a tournament by beating a collection of nations UEFA considered 3rd rate (League C).

Any normal qualification process would see Scotland measured against sides considered better than them. Whilst it doesn't always transpire, this usually sees the better sides progress.

Georgia, North Macedonia and even Scotland don't warrant a place at the finals of the European Championships based on present form. I'd much rather see them qualify via the traditional process, one which would be worthy of a lot more respect.

The European Championship should see the best national sides in Europe compete, this process doesn't provide that.

Why have qualification groups then, why not just to the whole hog and ensure the top sides are at the table by making it the top 24 from the rankings. There has always been playoffs. We’d have been in the playoffs had they come from the qualifying groups, as would macedonia, Serbia, Kosovo, northern and Republic of Ireland, Norway and Iceland etc. Majority of the teams that are in the playoffs anyway, all that changed was a few extra countries were involved in the playoffs and had a chance to qualify, if they were that crap then you’d beat them anyway.

[green day]

That was a draw that included every nation in Europe.

This is qualification via success in a 3rd rate league system. One which doesn't include the top two tiers of national sides in Europe. That makes a mockery of the tournament IMHO.
.

All the teams that entered the Euro 2020 had the potential to go to the Nations League playoffs, however a specified number of teams qualified automatically so they are out the equation.

Play offs for additional places in tournaments have been around for ages, so its hardly a third rate route.

The reason quite so many teams are in the Nations League is due to the huge number of footballing nations in UEFA, and the desire to give more teams a fair go at qualifying.

In my view this was a bit more interesting than just saying "the top 2 go thru, the best X number of third place then the final Y number play each other home and away for the last spot".

It is no more a mockery than any other qualification process has been, its just different.

[B.H.F.C]

All the teams that entered the Euro 2020 had the potential to go to the Nations League playoffs, however a specified number of teams qualified automatically so they are out the equation.

Play offs for additional places in tournaments have been around for ages, so its hardly a third rate route.

The reason quite so many teams are in the Nations League is due to the huge number of footballing nations in UEFA, and the desire to give more teams a fair go at qualifying.

In my view this was a bit more interesting than just saying "the top 2 go thru, the best X number of third place then the final Y number play each other home and away for the last spot".

It is no more a mockery than any other qualification process has been, its just different.

Nations League has been a good thing.

Playing serious games, that aren’t ruined by 11 subs being made, has contributed to our recent improvement IMO.

[Chorley Hibee]

Why have qualification groups then, why not just to the whole hog and ensure the top sides are at the table by making it the top 24 from the rankings. There has always been playoffs. We’d have been in the playoffs had they come from the qualifying groups, as would macedonia, Serbia, Kosovo, northern and Republic of Ireland, Norway and Iceland etc. Majority of the teams that are in the playoffs anyway, all that changed was a few extra countries were involved in the playoffs and had a chance to qualify, if they were that crap then you’d beat them anyway.

We'll have to agree to disagree.

I'll not be convinced that the likes of Georgia and North Macedonia warrant a place at the European Championships because they overcame the might of Armenia, Gibraltar, Liechtenstein, Andorra, Latvia, Kazakhstan and Belarus.

[Vault Boy]

"C'mon Scotland!" might sound a bit odd in my mostly English accent, but that won't stop me from shouting it multiple times tonight.

Mon the boys, let's get this done.

[SteveHFC]

Marshall; McTominay, Gallagher, Tierney; O'Donnell, Jack, McGinn, McGregor, Robertson; Christie, Dykes.

Would have had Armstrong over McGregor.

[JimBHibees]

Marshall; McTominay, Gallagher, Tierney; O'Donnell, Jack, McGinn, McGregor, Robertson; Christie, Dykes.

Would have had Armstrong over McGregor.

Team as expected I think

[SHODAN]

Perennial underachiever McGregor ahead of Armstrong and one natural CB. Not what I'd have picked, but I'm not the manager!

[green day]

Marshall; McTominay, Gallagher, Tierney; O'Donnell, Jack, McGinn, McGregor, Robertson; Christie, Dykes.

Would have had Armstrong over McGregor.

So would I - McGregor needs a big game

[Snedz]

Looking forward to this one. Come On Scotland.

[SteveHFC]

So would I - McGregor needs a big game

McGregor better have the game of his life tonight.

[hibbysam]

We'll have to agree to disagree.

I'll not be convinced that the likes of Georgia and North Macedonia warrant a place at the European Championships because they overcame the might of Armenia, Gibraltar, Liechtenstein, Andorra, Latvia, Kazakhstan and Belarus.

Take out the nations league, those four spots would have been filled by playoffs as they always have been. They would have finished third in their qualifying group so would have entered the play offs regardless.

[CMurdoch]

Marshall; McTominay, Gallagher, Tierney; O'Donnell, Jack, McGinn, McGregor, Robertson; Christie, Dykes.

Would have had Armstrong over McGregor.

So we have gained Tierney & Christie and lost Fraser from the last squad.

Might have preferred Cooper in place of Gallagher because he has played matches marking Mitrovic so would know what to expect.
There is a risk of Gallagher giving away a penalty as he struggles with Mitrovic who is big, very strong and wily.
Cooper is also experienced with VAR whereas Gallagher may forget and try sneaky pulls etc.

Still wish we had found a way to sneak in Tavernier instead of O'Donnell :rolleyes:

[Sir David Gray]

1-2

Goal from our old pal Glen Middleton

Croatia player sent of for kicking Porteous

30 mins to go

Gilmour about to come on

Scotland team includes the following 9 players
McLellan, McCrorie & Ferguson of Aberdeen
Campbell of Motherwell
Porteous of Hibs
Middleton of Rangers
Gilmour of Chelsea
Hornby of some French team
Doohan of Ross Co

Game live on SFA website

Can't believe Middleton's still only 20, seems to have been around for years.

[Sylar]

So we have gained Tierney & Christie and lost Fraser from the last squad.

Might have preferred Cooper in place of Gallagher because he has played matches marking Mitrovic so would know what to expect.
There is a risk of Gallagher giving away a penalty as he struggles with Mitrovic who is big, very strong and wily.

Still wish we had found a way to sneak in Tavernier instead of O'Donnell :rolleyes:

RB is perpetual weak spot. Not since Hutton have we had anyone decent back there. Really don't rate O'Donnell - Jack and McGregor screams defensive to me - would much rather Armstrong was in the place of one of them.

[Billy McKirdy]

Anyone else getting major excited?

No Hibs players involved so couldn’t care less

[Scottie]

Anyone else getting major excited?
Buzzing mate. What a summer it could be if we can get a result tonight. Come on boys :saltireflag

[murray26]

No Hibs players involved so couldn’t care less

Why bother reading the thread then..

[Billy McKirdy]

Why bother reading the thread then..

I didn’t, I just responded to the first post 😉

[Lancs Harp]

1-2

Goal from our old pal Glen Middleton

Croatia player sent of for kicking Porteous

30 mins to go

Gilmour about to come on

Scotland team includes the following 9 players
McLellan, McCrorie & Ferguson of Aberdeen
Campbell of Motherwell
Porteous of Hibs
Middleton of Rangers
Gilmour of Chelsea
Hornby of some French team
Doohan of Ross Co

Game live on SFA website


Fraser Hornby plays for Stade de Reims our old European Cup semi finalist protagonists.

[calumhibee1]

That’s a very good Serbia team.

[HH81]

All the best to Scotland tonight.

Tough game. Hope they win.

[CMurdoch]

Can't believe Middleton's still only 20, seems to have been around for years.

Will be 23 when his Rangers contract expires but should be looking to move on and finding his level in the summer.
Should try to go on loan to somewhere like Motherwell in January. He needs to find his level.

[CMurdoch]

Fraser Hornby plays for Stade de Reims our old European Cup semi finalist protagonists.

I think "plays" is stretching the truth a bit :wink:. 3 games to date.
The best thing about Hornby is he is 6'5" so there is hope for the guy.

[Chorley Hibee]

Take out the nations league, those four spots would have been filled by playoffs as they always have been. They would have finished third in their qualifying group so would have entered the play offs regardless.

Not true, Georgia finished 4th of 5 in their Euro 2020 qualifying group - beating only Gibraltar along the way.

Play Offs in their traditional format would also have been seeded, meaning there was no chance Georgia would have been playing North Macedonia, or a side from their Group D level.

Anyway, settling down to support Scotland regardless of my sceptical views on the qualifying route.

[Rumble de Thump]

No Hibs players involved so couldn’t care less

Please keep us updated regarding what else you're not interested in :greengrin

[Lancs Harp]

I think "plays" is stretching the truth a bit :wink:. 3 games to date.


Not wanting to set Calum off again but he's a Northampton lad :greengrin

[Sylar]

Their starting 11 worries me - quality all over the park. Tadic vs Gallagher...Mitrovic vs McTominay or Tierney...

Shudder.

[marinello59]

I’ll put my hands up to being a bandwagon jumper for this game, I don’t really follow International fitba. But what a lift a win would give the whole country at a time when it’s really needed. C’mon Scotland. :thumbsup:

[hibbysam]

Not true, Georgia finished 4th of 5 in their Euro 2020 qualifying group - beating only Gibraltar along the way.

Play Offs in their traditional format would also have been seeded, meaning there was no chance Georgia would have been playing North Macedonia, or a side from their Group D level.

Anyway, settling down to support Scotland regardless of my sceptical views on the qualifying route.

Like i said, all the third placed teams plus a small number of additional teams ended up in playoffs. All it did was give a couple of extra spaces, and like tonight’s result showed, the right and stronger team in Macedonia qualified, like they may have anyway if the traditional play offs were in place.

[Stuart93]

Their starting 11 worries me - quality all over the park. Tadic vs Gallagher...Mitrovic vs McTominay or Tierney...

Shudder.

Both playing in the same league for better teams than Mitrovic. Should be able to handle him.

I’d also say McGinn’s coming up against better players than Tadic week in week out. We’ve definitely got quality in our team as well.

[hibbysam]

Their starting 11 worries me - quality all over the park. Tadic vs Gallagher...Mitrovic vs McTominay or Tierney...

Shudder.

Tierney plays against players like Mitrovic every week. McTominay I’d have had in midfield but he’s more than good enough defensively.

[CMurdoch]

Please keep us updated regarding what else you're not interested in :greengrin

:greengrin:greengrin:greengrin

[JohnMcM]

Hope it works out for us. Very worried to see McTominay out of position again and McGregor in over Armstrong again. Griff off the bench to see us through with a free-kick wonder goal.:greengrin

[CMurdoch]

Their starting 11 worries me - quality all over the park. Tadic vs Gallagher...Mitrovic vs McTominay or Tierney...

Shudder.

Tierney is a robust player these days. Doesn't take any crap.

[CMurdoch]

Both playing in the same league for better teams than Mitrovic. Should be able to handle him.

I’d also say McGinn’s coming up against better players than Tadic week in week out. We’ve definitely got quality in our team as well.

20 percent of the Scottish outfield players play for Motherwell. That is scary.

[The 90+2]

Buzzing mate. What a summer it could be if we can get a result tonight. Come on boys :saltireflag

Too right mate!

[JammyDoidger]

Stephen O'Donnell is a Diddy. He is the only one you look at and think wow. Just have the game of your life tonight son!

[SteveHFC]

Stephen O'Donnell is a Diddy. He is the only one you look at and think wow. Just have the game of your life tonight son!

He’s done alright for Scotland.

[Sylar]

Pretty ****ing heartbreaking seeing Doddie Weir there.

[B.H.F.C]

Hope it works out for us. Very worried to see McTominay out of position again and McGregor in over Armstrong again. Griff off the bench to see us through with a free-kick wonder goal.:greengrin

McTominay was superb in the last three games. Hope he can continue that.

[Just_Jimmy]

Pretty ****ing heartbreaking seeing Doddie Weir there.and in the same vein hugely inspiring. if they channel half of his character they'll stroll it.

he's a legend.

I'm so excited for this game.

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[Sylar]

and in the same vein hugely inspiring. if they channel half of his character they'll stroll it.

he's a legend.

I'm so excited for this game.

Sent from my Pixel 3a using Tapatalk

Absolutely - I haven't heard him speak since his diagnosis and had met him a couple of times prior - it's tragic to see how destructive a disease MND is.

Hope you're well, J.

[lord bunberry]

That’s a very good Serbia team.
It’s not a bad Scotland team as well.

[B.H.F.C]

and in the same vein hugely inspiring. if they channel half of his character they'll stroll it.

he's a legend.

I'm so excited for this game.

Sent from my Pixel 3a using Tapatalk

Totally agree. He’s been fighting that horrible disease for a lot longer than a lot of folk do. And he still has a smile on his face. Inspiring big guy.

Players need to fight and scrap for everything tonight. Hopefully have a fraction of his spirit.

[CMurdoch]

Not wanting to set Calum off again but he's a Northampton lad :greengrin

I see that :wink:

[EI255]

How come Naismith not playing? He's played a few minutes in a couple of Championship games, surely that's enough?



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[McSwanky]

Any way of watching this online? New house and WiFi but no aerial [emoji849]

[calumhibee1]

Not wanting to set Calum off again but he's a Northampton lad :greengrin

I would say I’m surprised to see folk that aren’t Scottish playing for Scotland but that would be an absolute lie :agree:

[The 90+2]

Any way of watching this online? New house and WiFi but no aerial [emoji849]

YouTube buddy. Sky sports.

Come on Scotland let’s do this.

[JohnMcM]

Any way of watching this online? New house and WiFi but no aerial [emoji849]

Try finding the Pick channel on SkyGo or YouTube if you have a data contract mate.

[One Day Soon]

What result do we need here?

[Sylar]

What result do we need here?

A win.

[The 90+2]

What result do we need here?

Snatch a 1-0 win late on. Super Leigh or John McGinn.

[One Day Soon]

A win.

Hmm. McGinn has scored seven goals in nine starts? That's pretty impressive. Get Leigh on too...

[hibbysam]

Come on the boys 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

[CmoantheHibs]

Cmon Scotland. Doesnt matter how we do it lets just win and leave the hard luck stories to them.

[McSwanky]

Try finding the Pick channel on SkyGo or YouTube if you have a data contract mate.Thanks, but just realised I have 2 days left on a nowtv pass so I'm sorted! Cheers

[cabbageandribs1875]

mon sconnie botland :saltireflag:saltireflag:saltireflag:saltireflag

[SHODAN]

No bad so far.

[Pretty Boy]

Really good start.

[The 90+2]

Scotland to go to the Euros with the two biggest ****gers in football up front.

[Hibbyradge]

Good to hear the Tartan Army in fine voice.

[Greenfly]

Positive stuff so far.

[blackpoolhibs]

Good to hear the Tartan Army in fine voice.

3000 travelled and are outside singing.

[marinello59]

Positive stuff so far.

Aye, a very confident looking Scotland team.

[Keith_M]

I would say I’m surprised to see folk that aren’t Scottish playing for Scotland but that would be an absolute lie :agree:


Jeez mate, give it a rest.

[Pretty Boy]

Are Serbia doing a Djokovic here and they will suddenly start playing out of nowhere? They are so passive so far.

[Sir David Gray]

Good start so far.

[Lago]

Try finding the Pick channel on SkyGo or YouTube if you have a data contract mate.
Free view ch 35

[Greenfly]

Are Serbia doing a Djokovic here and they will suddenly start playing out of nowhere? They are so passive so far.
Doubt if they expected Scotland to be pressing like this - I certainly didn't but it's fine to see.

[Mon Dieu4]

Are Serbia doing a Djokovic here and they will suddenly start playing out of nowhere? They are so passive so far.

Maybe they will give up gluten at half time and turn into the best team ever in the second half

[cabbageandribs1875]

so slack from sjm there

[ClermistonGreen]

Will you keep the noise down please ,
the Golf is on 🏌️*♂️ .

[Greenfly]

maybe they will give up gluten at half time and turn into the best team ever in the second half

ggttgf

[JeMeSouviens]

Does poppy wearing not normally stop after the 11th?

[Hibbyradge]

3000 travelled and are outside singing.

Idiots. The tickets can't have been that expensive.

[Wull]

Serbs no looking too confident,but oor movement off the ball needs to be better

[cabbageandribs1875]

possession after 20 mins

45%-55%

[SJNB Hibby]

That was a warning

[blackpoolhibs]

Idiots. The tickets can't have been that expensive.

😂

[Greenfly]

Does poppy wearing not normally stop after the 11th?

Up to the individual obviously but RBL recommend wearing week of 11th and week before.

[The 90+2]

Camera angle is doing my nut in.

[J-C]

Good solid start, strong in the middle but Serbia just shown there why we have to be careful, we won't get loads of chances but just need to take one.

[Lago]

Some weather

[cabbageandribs1875]

dykes getting some good flick-ons

[Pretty Boy]

Dykes has played well so far but that foul there is something he can't do too often. Just relieves all the pressure and there's no need for it.

[whiskyhibby]

Good solid start, strong in the middle but Serbia just shown there why we have to be careful, we won't get loads of chances but just need to take one.


Agree, Scotland playing well but don’t look like they are capable of creating any scoring chances.breaks down far too often in the final 3rd

[Greenfly]

Some weather

Hampden weather in Serbia.

[Ryan91]

McGinn should have put his laces through that

[Vault Boy]

The imbalanced nature of our squad is causing things to break down in the final third, but the buildup in midfield has been decent. They've kept Serbia pretty quite too. We need to get our wingbacks more involved in the attacks, allowing McGinn and Christie to push into the box.

Dykes putting in another very decent shift.

[Magpie]

Serbia have grown more into the game the last 10/15 minutes.

[The 90+2]

Serbia have grown more into the game the last 10/15 minutes.

Serbia are *****. We will never have a better chance than tonight.

[One Day Soon]

possession after 20 mins

45%-55%


Always a good split for Scotland. :greengrin

[Magpie]

Griffiths on for Dykes at some point

[SJNB Hibby]

Dykes needs to change his boots---he cant stay on his feet

[Magpie]

Serbia are *****. We will never have a better chance than tonight.

They are ***** but still look the better team.

[The 90+2]

Griffiths on for Dykes at some point

Nah get him on for Christie I would think.

[Aldo]

Some of them need to get proper studs in their boots as they are slipping too much


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[The 90+2]

They are ***** but still look the better team.

I don’t see it. We will Killie them into submission here.

[easty]

Griffiths on for Dykes at some point

I’d keep Dykes on up top with Griffiths. Take off Christie.

[The 90+2]

I’d keep Dykes on up top with Griffiths. Take off Christie.

😂

[One Day Soon]

I’d keep Dykes on up top with Griffiths. Take off Christie.


Agree. That last third we look like we'll need something a bit special/unusual to unlock them and that's a Leigh speciality.

[The 90+2]

What did McGinn dae there? He’s being wrestled to the ground man.

[Pretty Boy]

McGinn was a wee bit unlucky there.

[easty]

Nah get him on for Christie I would think.

Great minds...

[SaulGoodman]

Mental decision there

[One Day Soon]

Mental decision there

Think this referee may be a bit of a tool tbh.

[Vault Boy]

How on earth did that decision go against SJM?

[The 90+2]

Great minds...

Naturally buddy 😎

[SaulGoodman]

Don’t think I’ve ever seen Dykes lose a header

[The 90+2]

****in close

[cabbageandribs1875]

not much rest for the players before facing slovakia on sunday

[kaimendhibs]

Ref is a fud

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[Magpie]

Griffiths would have been on the end of that

[Sir David Gray]

Great from Tierney, shame there was no one in the middle.

[NC1875]

Don’t think I’ve ever seen Dykes lose a header

And not one of Christie or McGregor gamble on him winnig the flick on .

[Green Man]

How is that even a foul never mind a yellow?

[cabbageandribs1875]

Yellow card for gallacher

[kaimendhibs]

Never ever a booking

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[Paul1642]

Crazy

[Since90+2]

That's never a booking. Ever.

[Greenfly]

Very encouraging first half - going to need to keep it up 100% though - we are well in this.

[Pretty Boy]

We will never get a better chance to qualify than this. Serbia look like a team that haven't won many games lately and are low on confidence.

Keep Dykes involved and get McGinn and Christie a bit closer to him (which means pushing the wing backs up a bit) and we can win this.

[NORTHERNHIBBY]

That's poor from the ref

[One Day Soon]

That's poor from the ref

As I suggested, he's a bit of a tool. Still that's a more than decent first half from us.

[Ryan91]

Scotland definitely the better team first half.

We can do this