Scotland beating Spain was just about the only topic on the Hotline and rightly so.
The brilliant performance of Steve Clarke’s side to sink their highly-rated opponents stunned Europe and rocketed the troops to the top of Euro 2024 qualifying section. Clarke and his team had Hampden Park rocking and believing the team is making serious progress.
It was a stream of congratulations as Andrew Lamb, Fraserburgh, said: “Whilst I’ve never been slow to criticise previous Scotland teams, then I’m big enough to praise what was a very good team performance. A great result. Well done all.” Hugh McKirdy continued: “A lot of people are shocked that Scotland beat Spain. But why? It isn’t the Spain of a few years ago, albeit they are a fair side. But Scotland have a lot of players playing at a decent level and seem a good mix.”
Arin Geddes, Irvine, said: “Spain had no answer to Scotland’s in their face approach and with a bit more composure in front of goal it could have been a bigger margin. Who saw that coming? Well done lads!”
Scott Gowers, Edinburgh, added: “Steve Clarke and Scotland deserve huge congratulations and all the praise in the world after what was one of the greatest results in our history.
“Spain are blaming the long grass which both teams played on and as for Rodri saying Scotland were wasting time, it was his team that threw themselves to the floor and rolled about like pansies for an age in attempts to get Scottish players booked.
“Had the Spaniards stayed on their feet and played they might not have been outplayed on such a great night for Scotland.”
That Spanish moaning also cut no ice with Frank McFerran, Carrickfergus, who said: “What a lot of snivelling players Spain are. Long grass my backside, my second team won because they were the better side in the night."
Jubilant Stephen Johnstone, Ardentinny, was clearly on cloud nine as he said: “Scotland were underdogs to qualify from their group of death in the 2024 Euro campaign.
“Now they are top dogs after putting Spain to the sword and by beating them now sit top of their group and proudly so.
“This young group of players can go all the way and make history as they are no longer the tournament underdogs and fear no one.”
Stephen Mulhern, Dumbarton, was more pleased to see the manager and players keep it calm after the win.
He said: “Even after Scotland’s biggest victory since the double headers against France, Clarke was his usual cool calm collective self at the press conference.
“Six points won’t have the Tartan Army booking their flights to Germany and it’s now a must win game for Norway with Europe’s finest striker in Erling Haaland back in their side which will now be uppermost in his mind.”
Tim Gibbens couldn’t resist an email which read: “After that performance, will the SFA now be expecting us to shell out £150 for a Scotland top instead of the previous bargain price of £90?”
Naturally, away from the Scotland triumph, the incident involving Rangers’ women’s coach Craig McPherson and his headbutt on Celtic boss Fran Alonso crept up.
Dr Robert S Pender said: “How embarrassing the behaviour. Rangers cannot tolerate such behaviour and remove him from the club immediately.” Robert McEwan, Mount Vernon, added: “The Rangers coach should be banned by the club and not allowed to coach any team in Scotland. Absolutely sickening to see that. Embarrassing.”
Finally, Alan Lough, Dunbar, said: “Now that Lionel Messi has surpassed 100 international goals he should retire not just from international football, but from football altogether. He has won everything and has nothing left to achieve or prove.”
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