Scotlands Biggest Game?

[Gribz 919]

Thought id get a new thread going seen as the other is a bit messy now and we are approaching the game.

 

Would everyone class this as our biggest game ever? A lot of people are branding as our biggest but Id say no. I think the England play offs in 1999 for the Euros had to be bigger and the Holland play offs a few years ago would be equal.

 

But this game is a one-off game and not a 2 legged game, although its still a group stage match.

 

One thing that probably can be said is it will be our biggest ACHIEVEMENT if we do win when you take into consideration the toughness of our group and how far backwards we went with Berti Vogts.

 

Whatever way we look at it, its great to see the national team get themselves in these positions again and I do believe it is time we graced a championship again. We were always regular qualifiers in the 70s 80s and 90s.

 

I dont like people going round saying its been a great campaign win lose or draw. That sort of talk says its over already and we havent qualified. Id prefer to reflect once the dust has settled. 100% concentration should be focused on the match in hand.

 

So Italy at Hampden. Can we win? I say yes. If I was McLeish id say these 3 things to the players:

1) Go out and perform without nerves, this is whats its all about.

2) The whole country doesnt have eyes on you and are not watching you - They are WITH YOU.

3) Dont reflect on other results but hopefully Russia do us a favour and beat Israel

 

I think Eck will have 13/14 players in his mind for his starting line up. - Gordon, Hutton, Weir, McManus, Naismith, Caldwell, Ferguson, Brown, Fletcher, McCulloch, Hartley, Miller, McFadden, Boyd.

 

His poser is whether to have a extra central midfielder (Hartley) or defender (Caldwell) or go with our strongest and most attacking XI.

 

Having a midfield of Brown, Ferguson, Fletcher and McCulloch may be a little too attacking with McFadden and Miller upfront but thats what Id probably go with.

 

I cant wait for this one and I think we will nick it.

[Hurlock 0]

Yep, it can't come any sooner, I haven't eagerly awaited a Scotland game the way I have this last while since the Scotland v Brazil world cup opener in 98.

 

C'mon the Scots !!

[Gribz 919]

Yep, it can't come any sooner, I haven't eagerly awaited a Scotland game the way I have this last while since the Scotland v Brazil world cup opener in 98.

 

C'mon the Scots !!

 

I rank this up with the England games in 96 and 99 plus that Brazil game for my anticipation.

 

Its going to be a long Saturday for me having to wait until 1am.

 

Speaking of that Scotland v Brazil game, I think we have our strongest side since that team (it was practically the same team for the England matches).

 

Only then we had a stronger bench than we do now, but our starting XI isnt far off that side. That team maybe just had a bit more quality with Lambert, McAllister and Collins in the midfield. Of course Weir and Ferguson played against England aswell.

 

But the team we have now are a lot more dangerous in attack than that side. McFadden, Brown and Hutton have the ability to make something happen out of nothing.

 

I wish I was home right now for this game to share the atmosphere.

[Wija 0]

I am not over confident. I do not think we will beat the Italians. Yes I am hoping we do, but my head says we won't and as such I ain't getting too worked up.

 

I truly hope we do, but it will be France and Italy to go forward.

[Gazza_8 233]

I'm the same as Wijanator. Italy are world champions plus when they need to get a result they 9 times out of 10 do. Scotland will need to play to their maximum and probably a little bit more too. Personally, I can see another glorious failure coming on.

 

Obviously I'm hoping we can win, that would just be absolutely fantastic but in reality it'll be extremely tough.

 

Let's prey Eck doesn't decide to fanny about with tactics and go with the tried and tested formation that's worked at home in the last few games.

[ian1964 10,761]

I agree that Italy are world champions and should win,however few would argue that France are the best team in the world and we beat them twice,no fluke,so I don't see why we can't beat the Italians,especially at Hampden where we remain unbeaten,although it's a big ask of the players,let's not forget that we are a very good side at home and if we play a high tempo game I think we can win,and on that note i'll finish with saying we will win,BELIEVE !!!!!!!!!!

[Gribz 919]

Lets remember folks if we get a draw, Ukraine can still beat the French.

 

In an ideal world we would win on saturday and the french dont win in Ukraine and the italians would join us to qualify. Id rather see Italy thru than France.

 

But buggar all that, Scotland to win!!!

[Jon 0]

I'd just love us to qualify an dont care which one of the big two dont. Just be great imagining them next year watching US on tele

[Gribz 919]

I'd just love us to qualify an dont care which one of the big two dont. Just be great imagining them next year watching US on tele

 

Didnt realise the US were in europe

 

But it will be great if we qualify and are the UK's only rep's

[mainstandbear 0]

It's a massive game because of the hype surrounding it...i was thinking the other day about what will happen if we do win...we've qualified! thats it...haven't won anything...knocking france or italy out will be fantastic but if we go to the tournament and have one of our usual campaigns then what was it all about? glorious failure yet again....and if we get beat on saturday...then we may see the nasty side of the TA...can you imagine 40 and 50 somethings in kilts and see you jimmy hats tearing up the place...haha...belter! doubt it tho..they'd probably just find a fountain to jump in...in their usual 'whacky' way...but in all honesty i think we've got a great group of players...even the tim ones...and i think we have a chance. So COME ON SCOTLAND!!!!