Scotland Soaring to New Heights: On the Brink of Historic Back-to-Back Euros Appearance
Scotland on the verge of making history with a potential second consecutive Euros appearance! Qualification for Euro 2024 is within reach, as they face Cyprus while hoping for favorable results elsewhere Don't miss their friendly against England, coinciding with the 150th anniversary of the first international game Watch both matches on Sky Sports digital platforms
What a moment to be a Scotland supporter.
A team brimming with skill, a tactically astute manager, holding the top position in their group with an undefeated record of four victories in the qualifying matches. And guess what? There is a chance, a genuine possibility, for them to secure a spot in the European Championships in Germany by as early as Tuesday.
Scotland could potentially reach the finals with three games remaining if certain scenarios unfold. The most probable scenario involves Scotland defeating Cyprus in Larnaca on Friday, along with Spain's victory over Georgia, and a draw between Norway and Georgia on Tuesday night. While it would necessitate favorable outcomes in addition to Scotland's success, anything can happen.
On Tuesday, as Norway and Georgia face off, Scotland will be hosting England at Hampden Park to celebrate 150 years of Scottish Football. Just imagine the ecstatic celebrations if Scotland were to defeat England and secure their qualification for the consecutive European Championships on the very same night!
This scenario represents a dream week for Scotland. While it may not be an impossible feat, we should first concentrate on the upcoming task at hand: facing Cyprus in Larnaca.
Scotland cannot afford to underestimate the hosts, who currently sit at the bottom of the group and are classified as bottom seeds. Despite their position, the game against Cyprus should not be taken lightly. In a previous match at Hampden Park in March, Cyprus displayed resilient defense despite losing 3-0. Scott McTominay's late brace secured victory for Scotland and made the scoreline more favorable. The AEK Arena will likely witness a significant number of Scottish supporters, surpassing the official allocation. The Tartan Army now travels with confidence, showcasing the remarkable progress of the team.
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The current Cyprus manager is Temuri Ketsbaia. Newcastle fans will fondly recall his exuberant celebration at St James' Park in 1998 after scoring a crucial late goal against Bolton. The impact of that celebration was so intense that the advertising board still requires treatment to this day. Following his stint at Wolves, Ketsbaia spent a season in Scotland with Dundee before ultimately concluding his playing career in the same country he currently manages.
However, Scotland fans would prefer to forget his tenure as the head coach of his native Georgia, as it effectively dashed their hopes of qualifying for Euro 2016.
Georgia is also part of group A. When the schedule was announced, Scottish fans were skeptical about facing another trip to Tbilisi towards the end of the qualification group. However, the fact that the outcome of this match may not have a significant impact shows that things are going well.
Steve Clarke has managed to establish a stable squad with various options in multiple positions. His current dilemma is deciding who to exclude from the team. Che Adams has returned after recovering from an injury sustained in June. Lyndon Dykes performed exceptionally well against Norway and Georgia. While Clarke has previously played them as a striking duo, notably in the match against England at Euro 2020 in Wembley, recently he has preferred to play one or the other.
Aaron Hickey currently occupies the position of right wing-back, but Nathan Patterson has returned to the team for this two-game series. Both the form displayed at the club level and recent performances for the national team will be influential factors in determining the final decision.
A fresh addition to Steve Clarke's squad is Elliot Anderson, a midfielder from Newcastle. Anderson has already made appearances in all four Premier League matches this season and considering the squad's overall strength, it appears to be an opportune moment to enhance the team's already formidable midfield lineup.
Regrettably, Anderson had to exit the squad due to a muscular injury and has since gone back to his club for proper treatment. The midfielder, who hails from Whitley Bay, has represented Scotland at the youth and U21 levels, as well as participating in a training match for England U17 at St George's Park.
While some may interpret his withdrawal as a sign of uncertainty regarding his commitment to Scotland's international future, only Anderson himself can address that question. One thing is certain: this Scotland team is destined for success. If one chooses not to be a part of it, that is understandable, as the team will relish the journey regardless.
In a conversation with Ryan Christie this week, he displayed his usual serenity and composure, emphasizing the importance of the Cyprus game. Although he inadvertently revealed that a victory in Larnaca would redirect Scotland's focus towards winning the group, rather than simply qualifying.
The Scottish team has demonstrated their determination and fortitude, particularly during their match in Oslo last June. Despite the unexpected 35-degree heat in the Norwegian capital, it served as valuable preparation for the comparable conditions in Cyprus this week.
