Scotland avoided another early stumble as they got their Euro 2024 bid off and running with a comfortable win over Cyprus.
It was the first time since 2006 that the national team have kicked-off a European Championships qualifying campaign with a win. But David Connolly fears Steve Clarke’s team will struggle to keep pace with Spain, saying: “We got there in the end but Scotland made heavy weather of beating a very ordinary Cyprus team. We should have been streets ahead but instead spent most of the second half sweating before Scott McTominay made sure of the win late on. There’s no way that level of performance will be good enough to beat the Spanish on Tuesday. I’ve heard folk say they’re not the force of old but they looked pretty slick against Norway.”
Stephen Johnstone, Ardentinny, added: “Scotland hit a double in Scott McTominay as they McGinn-ed their Euro qualifier campaign by beating Cyprus at Hampden! Hopefully we don't suffer pain against Spain." Tom Paterson, Falkirk, emailed in: “Being a Killie fan I am a big fan of our best ever boss Steve Clarke but I cannot for the life of me figure out what he sees in Ryan Jack. We have LOADS of better midfielders than the injury prone, ineffectual, overrated Jack. Come on Steve - open your eyes! We start a man down when he plays.”
Gary Stevenson, Newtonhill, said: “No wonder Scotland manager Steve Clarke never smiles. Ninety quid for a shirt, £7.50 for a Hot Dog, playing on a ploughed park and in charge of a team with limited ability. He keeps telling us how difficult this group is, a Herculean task to qualify, he claims. Strange how Spain and Norway don't think that it's a tough group.”
Gary wasn’t the only one feeling shortchanged. Willie Mercer, Dumfries, called to say: “How long must us fans of Scottish football put up with being treated with contempt by those who run the game. There will be many like me who on top of paying for their season ticket, also subscribe to Sky and BT to follow their team. Fans who are then asked to take out a further subscription TV package to watch not only our two premier cup competitions but also to follow our national team compete in the Euros qualifiers. Is it any wonder that many fans are looking for and turning to unofficial stream providers? Neil Doncaster was preening himself at the potential for record revenues this season, all at the expense if us ordinary football fans.”
Bruce Winters added: “Could someone please let us know who the responsible person is in Scotland that decides why we must pay Sky, BT and now Viaplay to watch Scottish football? Then if you cannot afford this luxury we are force fed England games for free on cooncil TV! And just to rub salt on the wounds, it’s £90 for a new 150th anniversary top, you just couldn't make it up!”
Steven Gerrard reacquainted himself with his former Old Firm rivals during Saturday’s legends game at Anfield. The former Rangers boss had to dodge a barrage of missiles as he celebrated his penalty in front of the Celtic support on Merseyside and Irwin Houston, Giffnock, said: “So Celtic claim another feat by becoming the first team in the UK to throw bottles and coins at a charity match. They hate everything and everyone past and present connected with Rangers Football Club. Graeme Souness wasn’t far from the truth when he branded Celtic as ‘the unacceptable face of Scottish football'."
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