Scott Brown always loved it when a rival player took the bait. So the wizard of wind-ups was wowed by Scotland landing a big catch with Spain’s sore losers.
Broonie is looking forward to watching the Scots build on a bright qualifying start this weekend against Norway before hosting Georgia. The former national skipper couldn’t be more confident because he reckons this Steve Clarke squad is so streetwise. Brown savoured seeing Scotland slaying the Spanish at Hampden in March as a major boost for our Euro 2024 hopes. But he also applauded his old colleagues for antagonising a major opponent.
Rodri’s infamous post-match rant about tactics and timewasting was music to Brown’s ears. The Manchester City ace also complained he and his pals were provoked in the 2-0 defeat. That told Brown that Scotland not only have the quality but the big-game mentality now to succeed at the top level. He said: “I really enjoyed the win over Spain. But I actually enjoyed the comments after the game from the Spanish lads even more!
“I’d love to have seen them play us about 10 or 15 years ago – because we were much more like hatchet men back then! But our lads try to play and we have some fantastic players who are performing in the Premier League.
“Probably most of those comments were actually disrespectful to Scotland. Sometimes you get beaten by underdogs but you can’t be that graceless. Those were small and petty words. But that put a smile on a lot of Scottish people’s faces – including mine. It’s clear this Scotland team isn’t here to make up the numbers. You want to get body contact, you want to do the nasty parts of the game.
“Yes, when we play teams like Spain they’re going to have lots of possession. And we can’t just let them play through us and win by three or four. You want to make sure you win your battles.
“I could see that all the lads had each other’s backs in that game. There was a togetherness that impressed me. When someone went in for a tackle, they were all in and around it, trying to win every second ball.
“They didn’t give Spain a second to let them play their luxury football. Playing against these top nations with the so-called biggest players in the world, that’s exactly the way you want to compete.”
Listening to an opponent’s sob story is a pleasant change from reluctantly starring in one. That was a familiar tale for Brown during his 55-cap career. He was in the team on the wrong end of the dodgy decision at Hampden against Italy that ended Euro 2008 hopes for Alex McLeish’s side. A string of subsequent campaigns for Brown were blighted by poor starts, in marked contrast to this one.
Scotland sit top of Group A on six points, heading into Oslo for Saturday’s clash with Erling Haaland and company. The Fleetwood Town boss said: “This great start could make a big difference. I am sure everyone in that squad has that crucial belief in each other now. It’s a huge confidence-builder beating Spain.
“Neither Norway nor Georgia will be an easy game. Scotland might have to open up a bit more and we won’t be catching these teams on the counter. It’s a different kind of test. But Steve will know all about the structure and shape of those teams after watching them and think he can get the better of them. I’m sure he’ll also get all the lads right up it – just like we were against the Spanish.”
Brown never made it to a major finals but has tipped his former team-mates to reach a second Euros. He reckons Scotland have an edge over many rivals in the middle of the park with his pals Callum McGregor and John McGinn.
He added: “Cal is a fantastic player. Over the last couple of seasons he’s won PFA Player of the Year and really grown into the Celtic captaincy. You can see he’s got the understanding and confidence of a guy who owns the pitch out there.
“John McGinn has been great too, as always for Scotland. Big Heid is scoring goals for fun.
“He’s got a wand of a left foot. The way he controls the ball and manages to roll out of situations using his body is fantastic. He’s got great drive and energy, plays for Aston Villa every week and deserves to be playing right at the top level.”
