For a country of Scotland’s size, the complete list of their major tournament qualifications is lengthy and proud. Championnat du Monde de Football Suisse 1954. VM Fotboll Sverige 1958. WM 74. Argentina ‘78. España 82. México ‘86. Italia ‘90. Uefa 92. Euro 96. France 98. Euro 2020(1). Sadly the complete list of the times they’ve failed to get out of the group is exactly the same length and not so much a badge of honour. Championnat du Monde de Football Suisse 1954. VM Fotboll Sverige 1958. WM 74. Argentina… but let’s not belabour the point. We all know what’s what.
But tonight in Stuttgart, Scotland have the chance to finally shake that monkey off their back. A win over Hungary would all but guarantee a place in the knockout stage of a tournament at last, at the 12th time of asking. Only a series of freakish results in the other groups could deny them, though fate has done a number on Scotland many times before, so nobody with even the most basic understanding of superstition will be counting their chickens. But, y’know, a win should do it.
A draw might even be enough. Two points would see the Scots through if Spain, Italy, Portugal and Turkey win their games against Croatia, Albania, Georgia and Czechia respectively. (Those results would leave the third-placed teams in Groups B and F on one point.) England beating Slovenia by a five-goal margin and Denmark defeating Serbia in Group C may also become a requirement should one of the Spain/Italy, Portugal/Turkey capers not go Scotland’s way, but we’re deep into the long grass of nonsense probability now. Best to keep things simple and win.
Defeat, and Scotland are out, sent homewards to think again. The wait will go on. It’s got to happen some day, though, so why not now? Good luck, everyone, may the best team win. Kick-off is at 8pm. It’s on!
| Pos | Team | P | GD | Pts |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Germany | 2 | 6 | 6 |
| 2 | Switzerland | 2 | 2 | 4 |
| 3 | Scotland | 2 | -4 | 1 |
| 4 | Hungary | 2 | -4 | 0 |