3. Scotland 1 Republic of Ireland 0 – Friday, November 14
No-one said anything about this being a countdown only for club football…did they?
Ahead of facing the Republic of Ireland in a must-win Euro 2016 qualifier, questions were asked about when the last time was that Scotland won a fixture of this magnitude. Probably when some managers of today were turning out in the navy blue shirt. Ukraine at Hampden in October 2007 was probably the last occasion. Since then, amidst the dross served up under George Burley and Craig Levein, key home matches against Norway, the Czech Republic and Serbia had each seen two points frittered away. Now it was time for a statement to be made.
There was no doubting the start Gordon Strachan had made as Scotland manager ahead of this game. Performances were improved, morale was raised and there was genuine hope that the Euro 2016 qualification campaign could end in success. However, the points his team gained in the World Cup 2014 process were just for points’ sake. The two wins over Croatia, and the victory in Macedonia, while all enjoyable, were obtained after, to our shame, we became the first European side to officially exit the World Cup.
A 2-1 defeat in Germany wasn’t unexpected, but was made harder to accept in the games to follow, with both Poland and the Republic of Ireland taking points from the world champions. While that was going on, we gained a victory over Georgia and got a not-too-shabby draw in Poland. But this really was it. The Republic of Ireland simply had to be beaten on our home territory if we were to keep ourselves on course.
We knew it wasn’t going to be easy. And for 74 tense, nervous minutes, it proved exactly that. Chances came for both sides, chances were missed by both sides, and neither goal was breached. Then all it took was five touches for the deadlock to be broken. Corner taken short by Shaun Maloney to Ikechi Anya, and then returned. Another one-two, from slightly longer distance, with Scott Brown. And whack. Goal.
The goal that kept us on course. The next big game isn’t until June – let’s face it, if we can’t beat Gibraltar, and beat them well, at home in March then we really don’t deserve to be in with a shout. Then it is on to Dublin.
While on the international theme, it’s worth noting that the Scotland national women’s team also achieved a goal of their own this year, reaching the play-offs for the 2015 World Cup. However, the Netherlands eventually proved too big an obstacle to overcome.
With two automatic places up for grabs in the men’s qualification group, let’s hope play-offs aren’t needed and we’re off to France. It’s about time.
Number 2 will be published on Tuesday, December 23.
The Dumbarton Terrace 