European Super Football

Scotland 3 -  1 Greece Scotland moved closer to a World Cup play-off place as Lewis Ferguson scored his first international goal to inspire a dramatic comeback against a dominant Greece at Hampden. Author | Sean M Stadium | Hampden Park In his record-equalling 71st game in charge, head coach Steve Clarke’s side sought revenge for their Nations League relegation at the hands of Greece at the same stadium in March. For more than an hour, Scotland struggled against the visitors, who looked certain to be ahead by at least three goals before Roma left-back Kostas Tsimikas converted a rebound just after the hour. The Tartan Army voiced their frustration loudly, but Ryan Christie quickly restored parity from a corner, with his effort surviving a lengthy VAR review, setting the stage for a remarkable turnaround. Ferguson then struck from close range following a scrappy free-kick with 10 minutes remaining, turning tension into euphoria as Clarke’s side seized a priceless lead. The victo...

Denmark v Scotland preview Could we be seeing the beginning of Steve Clarke's last dance as Scotland boss? Author | Alan White Stadium | Parken Scotland players celebrate a memorable win over Denmark in 2021 Scotland look in danger of stalling under Steve Clarke, who is still searching for a first World Cup qualification of this century. The March international break brought fresh disappointment as they were relegated from their Nations League group after a chastening defeat to Greece . The players building their careers and thriving in Italy Scotland have retained individual quality, with the likes of Scott McTominay central to their hopes. Like the former Manchester United midfielder, Billy Gilmour is also a league winner with Napoli , while Lewis Ferguson captains Bologna and lifted the Coppa Italia last season.  Teenager Lennon Miller has already traded Motherwell for Udinese after making his international debut earlier this year. Che Adams is starting his second season ...

Denmark 0 - 0 Scotland Scotland began their bid to reach a first World Cup since 1998 with a valuable draw against Denmark in a feverish atmosphere. Author | Sean M Stadium | Parken Stadium Pre-match atmosphere Steve Clarke’s side, who were swept aside on their last visit four years ago, stood firm this time and even threatened to claim a famous victory in Copenhagen, something not achieved since 1975. Ryan Christie nodded narrowly wide and John McGinn spurned a good chance at the far post during a first half that exceeded expectations. After the interval Scott McTominay wriggled to the byline only for Kasper Schmeichel to save, while Lyndon Dykes delayed fatally when the goal beckoned. Denmark were restricted mostly to speculative efforts until the closing minutes, when Angus Gunn had to react sharply to Rasmus Højlund’s volley. Scotland ’s resilience was matched by a touch of fortune as substitute Max Johnston escaped with only a yellow card after handling to deny a clear opportunit...

 Scotland 1 - 3 England In a raucous Hampden Park friendly, England continued their modern-day superiority over Scotland.  Scots last won this fixture in 1999, but hopes of a 42nd win appeared ominously faint as Phil Foden's opener silenced the stadium before Jude Bellingham added a second. A shaken Scotland eventually awoke the home crowd as Harry Maguire sent Andy Robertson's cross screeching beyond Aaron Ramsdale. A mesmerizing Bellingham assist enabled Harry Kane to score England's third as a result of England's classy play and intricate movement. Top of their European Championship qualifying group with five wins from five and facing an England team held by Ukraine on Saturday , Steve Clarke spoke before the match about the desire to see how much his team had narrowed the gap between themselves and England. An almost ruthless first half from Gareth Southgate's team offered a sobering reply. After a slick, composed and controlled performance, the visitors des...

Norway 1 - 2 Scotland There was a great finish to give Scotland a classic smash-and-grab victory and send their fans into party mode during a sun-dappled Oslo evening. With three minutes of normal time, Steve Clarke’s side trailed to Erling Haaland’s 59th goal of the season, and they were staring at their first defeat in Euro 2024 qualifying. Unlikely and sensational late goals from Lyndon Dykes and Kenny McLean maintained Scotland's perfect start to Euro 2024 qualifying as Steve Clarke's side stunned Norway in Oslo. Euro 2024 Qualifying (eurosuperfootball.blogspot.com) A closer look at the match Erling Haaland's goal from the penalty spot just after the hour mark looked to have given the more lively Norwegians a victory which would have revived their Group A hopes. However, out of nothing Dykes pounced on a mistake with three minutes of normal time remaining to snatch what seemed like a brilliant point for Scotland. Then, barely two minutes later substitute McLean sw...

Belarus 0 - 2 Scotland Scotland claimed a straightforward but valuable win over Belarus to maintain their promising start to World Cup qualifying. Author | Sean M Stadium | ZTE-Aréna  Friday’s battling draw in Denmark had been hard won but risked being diminished had Steve Clarke ’s side slipped against the group’s lowest-ranked team. There was little danger of that once Che Adams struck the opener before forcing the own goal that sealed the points after the interval. Closer look at what happened With no atmosphere to feed off, the onus was on Scotland to create their own intensity. This had the potential to be a difficult match.  Clarke made four changes, one of them recalling Bournemouth’s Ben Gannon Doak. The 19-year-old was the player who most often quickened the pulse with his direct running, even if his final ball occasionally lacked precision. More established figures again carried the threat, with Scott McTominay heading John McGinn ’s cross into Adams’ path fo...

"Yes sir, I can boogie..." Can Scotland achieve what they've never done before by advancing from the group stage in a major tournament? After successfully qualifying from a challenging group that included Spain and Norway, hopes were high for such an achievement. However, Steve Clarke’s team then endured a run of seven games without a win (before a hard-fought victory against Gibraltar). While defeats to France, England, the Netherlands, and Spain were expected, losing to Northern Ireland was more concerning. For the first time in a while, the team appeared deflated. This dip in confidence might not be entirely detrimental. Overconfident Scots often struggle. In 1978, the team left for the World Cup amid great fanfare but failed to deliver. Clarke has assembled a capable side that should believe they can finish above Hungary and Switzerland, though they still lag behind the group’s standout team, Germany, in terms of overall ability. ECQ: Scotland shock Spain (eur...

Croatia 2 - 1 Scotland Scotland's wait for a victory in their Nations League campaigns continues, as Croatia came from behind in Zagreb to extend Steve Clarke’s team’s 13-month drought in competitive matches. Author - Liam C Despite missing key players and having just one win in their last 14 games, Scotland put up a strong fight in a tense encounter. They thought they had secured a dramatic equaliser in the 95th minute when Kristijan Jakic scored an own goal, but it was ruled out for offside against Che Adams after a VAR review. The match had begun promisingly for Scotland, with Ryan Christie slotting in the opening goal after a cross from Ben Doak was inadvertently teed up by Luka Sucic. However, the lead was short-lived, as Igor Matanovic guided Ivan Perisic's cutback into the bottom corner just four minutes later, levelling the score before half-time. Croatia took control in the second half, and Scotland's defence finally gave way in the 70th minute. Craig Gordo...

 Scotland 2 - 0 Spain It was another raucous at Hampden Park as Scotland stunned Spain. Scott McTominay scored a double as the home side took control of their Euro 2024 qualifying campaign. The Manchester United midfielder, who also netted twice in Saturday's 3-0 victory over Cyprus, fired in the opener at Hampden Park after just seven minutes. This sent the Scotland crowd into an absolute frenzy. Spain looked for an immediate response. Dani Ceballos threaded a pass through to Mikel Oyarzabal but he could not get the ball under control and it rolled out. Scotland were then inches from a second in the 15th minute. John McGinn saw Stuart Armstrong on the edge of the box. However, his shot went just wide of the post. Ryan Christie and Lyndon Dykes also went close as Spain struggled to make their mark against Steve Clarke's side that looked a different level to the side that missed out on qualification to the World Cup. 🏁 HALF TIME AT HAMPDEN PARK!! @SEFutbol goes to the l...

Scotland's attacking questions and defensive resilience leave Group C hopes finely poised. They have three points from a 1-0 win over Haiti and a 1-0 defeat by Morocco. Author | Sean M That tally of points could yet prove enough if they avoid a heavy loss to Brazil on Wednesday, while a draw would leave them on the brink of reaching the last 32. But what have the two matches in Boston revealed before the Tartan Army descends on Miami? In the build-up to the tournament, head coach Steve Clarke switched to a 4-4-2 formation for friendlies against Curacao and Bolivia with encouraging results. Against modest opposition, Scotland scored eight goals across those two games and arrived at the World Cup in confident mood. Clarke persisted with the same shape for the opening match against Haiti, but Scotland managed fewer shots than their opponents and posted a lower expected goals figure (1.05 compared with 1.21). John McGinn's winner arrived via a deflection, while starting forwards La...

Scotland v Greece Preview A win here would be a huge statement of intent from Scotland as they look to secure a place in next summer’s World Cup. Author | Alan White Stadium | Hampden Park Let's explore where Scotland's game against Greece might be won and if they have to what it takes to reach their first World Cup since 1998. Fortress Hampden? Hampden Park has history, but it is not always easy to say it has heart and soul when Scotland play there. There have been thunderous exceptions, of course. The 2-0 victory over Spain in March 2023 , complete with Rodri’s tears, remains unforgettable, as does the storm-lashed triumph over Khvicha Kvaratskhelia’s Georgia a few months later, inspired by Scott McTominay. Scotland v Spain | Euro 2024 Qualifying An arena unloved by many, Hampden still has the capacity to shake on its best nights. Scotland will need one of those on Thursday, when Greece arrive in Glasgow desperate to revive their own World Cup hopes while denting those of the...

Scotland 2 - 3 Poland Scotland's tough 2024 continued in heartbreaking fashion as Poland were awarded a stoppage-time penalty, crushing a spirited Nations League comeback at Hampden. Billy Gilmour and Scott McTominay scored second-half goals to revive Scotland after Sebastian Szymanski's long-range strike and Robert Lewandowski's expertly-taken penalty put the visitors ahead. However, as Steve Clarke's men pushed for a late winner , Nicola Zalewski was brought down by a reckless challenge from Grant Hanley. Zalewski, who had also won the earlier penalty, stepped up to slot home the decisive goal in the 97th minute. Scotland, who made a tame exit from this summer's Euros with just one point from three group games, now face a daunting trip to Portugal on Sunday. They have managed only one win in 13 matches in 2024, suffering five defeats. The manner in which this game ended was hard to believe, especially given Scotland’s poor first-half performance.  Clarke'...

Portugal 2 - 1 Scotland Cristiano Ronaldo’s late winner shattered Scottish hopes in Portugal, continuing Steve Clarke’s team's miserable run of form. Video and pictures from the European Super Football YouTube Scotland stunned everyone by taking a surprise lead in the seventh minute with a header from Scott McTominay, and they defended resolutely against Portugal’s 16 shots before half-time. However, another mistake cost them the lead. Angus Gunn failed to stop a long-range effort from Bruno Fernandes after the break, letting the ball slip into the net. Ronaldo, who came on at half-time, struck the post twice before finally breaking through, tapping in a brilliant cross from Nuno Mendes for his 901st career goal. The defeat, coming on the back of a loss to Poland on Thursday, means Scotland have now gone eight competitive games without a win —the worst run in their history—and have won just one of their last 14 matches. Despite this, Clarke might find some hope in how his ...

Scotland 2 - 1 Belarus With supporters expecting goals against a beleaguered Belarus side who had already conceded 13 times in Group C, Scotland managed only two. Author |  Sean M Stadium |  Hampden Park It might have been a far more uncomfortable evening for Steve Clarke, who was taking charge of his record 72nd match as men’s head coach. Evgeni Malashevich’s composed finish for what would have been a Belarus equaliser was ruled out following a VAR review, and Hleb Kuchko’s injury-time effort reduced the deficit with just minutes remaining. There were moments in the second half, with the score still 1-0, when unease spread around Hampden Park. Belarus were moving the ball confidently while Scotland sat deep, prompting boos from the stands. Those jeers returned at full time, mingling with scattered applause. It was a reaction born of frustration that had simmered from the start as Belarus played with more intent than many expected. Scotland’s smash-and-grab win over Greece...

Scotland 3 - 0 Cyprus A late double from Scott McTominay secured Scotland a comfortable winning start to their Euro 2024 qualifying campaign at home to Cyprus. John McGinn's close-range finish was a reward for a dominant first-half display. Substitute McTominay then eased increased nervousness around Hampden Park with a clinical 87th-minute finish. The Manchester United midfielder added his second moments later. Steve Clarke had billed it as a must-win game against Group A's lowest seeds and it was job done in that sense. However, despite their first winning start to a Euros qualifying campaign since 2006, they know that improvement will be needed as Spain visit on Tuesday. Yes, sir, I can boogie The dawn of a new qualifying campaign brought the Tartan Army to Hampden Park full of optimism. The atmosphere was amazing at times and brought back memories of some other incredible nights in Glasgow. Check out this video below. What are the fans saying? Darren McThomas has been...

Greece 3 - 2 Scotland Scotland find themselves within a single match of their first World Cup appearance since 1998, after Denmark’s draw with Belarus kept an unlikely route open on a breathless night Author | Sean M Stadium | Stadio Georgios Karaiskáki Just after the hour in Piraeus, Scotland trailed 3-0 to a Greece side already out of contention, while Denmark were edging ahead against Belarus in Copenhagen. Goals gifted far too cheaply to Tasos Bakasetas, Konstantinos Karetsas and Christos Tzolis appeared to end any realistic hope of automatic qualification, leaving March’s play-offs looming. Then the script tilted. Belarus equalised, and within three minutes Ben Gannon-Doak rifled in his first goal for Scotland at the very moment Nikita Demchenko put the group’s bottom side into a scarcely believable lead in Copenhagen. As word filtered through to the Scotland bench, Ryan Christie headed in to reduce the deficit, on a night littered with narrow escapes, missed sitters and no sh...

No Scotland, no party... Scotland's first World Cup since 1998 is proving to be a memorable occasion for their fans and for the people of Boston. Author | Sean M Of all the places the Tartan Army could have chosen as a base for their World Cup adventure, they have ended up in a city famous for driving the English out. Supporters dressed as William Wallace have been mingling with tour guides portraying Paul Revere. Others have been sporting "Boston T Party" T-shirts, with the T standing for Tennent's. Nearby, close to the site of the Battle of Bunker Hill, the Scottish Football Association has transformed a local pub into Scotland House. From exiting the World Cup unbeaten in 1974, to the disappointment of the 1978 campaign, a lone point against Uruguay in 1986, defeat by Costa Rica in 1990 and a heavy loss to Morocco in 1998, Scotland's World Cup history is littered with examples of hopes raised and then dashed. The venue for this Group C match is the Fifa-ren...

Scotland 0 - 1 Japan Scotland opened their World Cup preparations with a narrow friendly defeat by Japan. Author | Sean M Stadium | Hampden Park Playing for the first time since November’s memorable win over Denmark, which sealed a return to the World Cup after 28 years, Scotland national football team were unable to reproduce that level in the first of their March fixtures. Both sides struck the woodwork in an even first half and continued to create chances after the interval. It was Japan, however, who made the breakthrough when Ito scored in the 84th minute. The forward, who plays for KRC Genk, drove into the Scotland penalty area following neat interplay down the left, before guiding a low finish into the corner beyond Angus Gunn. Watch | Post match reaction from McClean. Video uploaded by Scotland's YouTube account  Steve Clarke’s side return to action on Tuesday against Ivory Coast national football team at Hill Dickinson Stadium, while Japan face England national football te...

A later winner from Scott McTominay sparked incredible scenes at Hampden Park to keep Scotland on course for the World Cup qualifying play-offs. The Manchester United midfielder bundled in his first goal for his national team after Eran Zahavi's free-kick and a Munas Dabbur finish twice had the visitors ahead in a thrilling contest. You can watch the highlights in the video below. What did Steve Clarke say? The Scotland manager told media outlets: "I told them at half-time - if you do want to lose the game, you're doing it in the perfect fashion. "The talk at half-time was really just - we have to play it our way. We have to play with more tempo, a little bit more ambition, control the game better and we did that from the start of the second half more or less to the 96th minute. We got our reward." The Hampden roar The scenes in the ground after the winning goal were incredible and many Scotland fans celebrated like they had won the World Cup. Who can blame th...

Scotland 0 - 0 Portugal Author - Sean M Scotland put on a determined defensive performance to hold Portugal to a 0-0 draw, earning their first point in the Nations League A campaign. Scott McTominay had a golden opportunity early on but missed, and from there, the Scots saw little of the ball as Portugal pressed hard for a breakthrough. Cristiano Ronaldo, making his 200th international appearance, was left frustrated in his pursuit of a 134th goal for Portugal, as Scotland’s goalkeeper Craig Gordon and his defence stood their ground. While the result means Steve Clarke’s team have now won just one of their last 16 matches, they avoided the unwanted record of becoming the first Scotland side to lose five consecutive games. A more detailed look at what happened in Glasgow After a tough time at the Euros and a difficult Nations League campaign so far , Scotland needed to lift the Hampden crowd, and they nearly did just that within the first four minutes. Ben Doak made a surging run do...