THE full-time whistle in the Estadio Algarve last night brought to an end another Scottish qualifying campaign which, after starting so positively, ended in another bitterly disappointing failure.
Gordon Strachan – if, that is, he decides to stay on as manager - and his men will now turn their attentions towards clinching a place Russia 2018.
But let’s, if it is not too painful to do so, pause to reflect on our ultimately ill-fated bid to make it through to Euro 2016 in France.
It may, just four days after a 2-2 draw against Poland at Hampden which ranks alongside any of the many disappointments Scotland has suffered in their history, be hard to accept.
But there were, in amongst the agony and despair, many experiences for members of the Tartan Army to savour. So what were the highs? What were the lows? What were the moments which got us on our feet? What events brought us to our knees?
BEST GAME
There are a few contenders for this accolade. The performance against Georgia at Ibrox last October was excellent. Sure, Scotland only ended up winning by a solitary strike, an own goal scored by Akaki Khubutia. But the all-round display impressed and the three points accrued got us up and running after a defeat against Germany in Dortmund in the opening game.
The 2-2 draw against Poland away in Warsaw in October was also impressive. The threat posed by Robert Lewandowski was effectively nullified thanks in no small part to an uncompromising early challenge from Gordon Greer. Only an equaliser from Arkadiusz Milik in the 76th minute denied Scotland outright victory.
But the win over the Republic of Ireland at Celtic Park in November was epic. It was a no-holds barred encounter which led to some derogatory comments about the standard of the game in both countries from further afield. But it was captivating viewing for the supporters of both countries. The atmosphere generated by the 59,239-strong crowd was intense.
Yes, Gordon Strachan’s side lucked out when Grant Hanley avoided an ordering off after a crunching tackle on Shane Long. But they were comfortably the better side over the course of 90 compelling minutes. Shaun Maloney’s 76th minute goal sealed a deserved victory.
WORST GAME
No debate needed here. The 1-0 defeat to Georgia in the Boris Paichadze Dinamo Arena in Tbilisi last month was catastrophic. Scotland fielded a strong team. But several key players, most notably Scott Brown and Steven Naismith, failed to perform to their usual high standards. The visitors didn’t manage a single attempt on target.
The home team also played superbly. Valeri Kazaishvili’s well-taken goal seven minutes before half—time ensured Kakhaber Tskhadadze’s prevailed. It was their first win at home in Group D and one of only three victories they recorded in the section.
BEST GOAL
Again, there are a few contenders for this. Ikechi Anya’s strike against Germany in the Signal Aduna Arena in Dortmund in September levelled the game against the newly-crowned World Cup winners and will live long in the memory of every Scotland supporter lucky enough to witness it.
Matt Ritchie’s long-range piledriver against Poland at Hampden last Thursday was a screamer and Steven Fletcher’s subsequent effort in the second half was also superb. But one goal stands head and shoulders above the others.
The match-winning goal against the Republic of Ireland was stunning and came straight off the training field where it had been devised by coach Stuart McCall. From a corner, Shaun Maloney played a one-two with Ikechi Anya before feeding Scott Brown. The Scotland captain back then heeled it to Maloney whose curling effort eluded the clutches of David Forde. Stunning.
BEST QUOTE
Ikechi Anya’s disbelief at his goal against Germany in the opening Euro 2016 qualifier in was summed up in a message he posted on Twitter the following day. “I scored past Manuel Neur,” the Watford player wrote. “Wow! I can’t even do that on FIFA!”
BIGGEST CONTROVERSY
Gordon Strachan’s unwillingness to give Leigh Griffiths a start ahead of Steven Fletcher despite the Celtic striker’s inspired form both domestically and in Europe was a source of frustration to many Scotland fans. However, Fletcher’s goal and overall contribution against Poland more than justified his continued inclusion.
But the delayed flight home from Tbilisi after the defeat to Georgia last month was appalling. To have international footballers sitting in an airport departure lounge for hours just days before playing the world champions Germany due to an unwillingness to pay to have a chartered plane waiting on the tarmac for two days was unnecessary and, quite frankly, depressing.
BEST PLAYER
Ikechi Anya may won the Scottish Football Writers Association International Player of the Year award at the end of last season. But, for me, the most effective player was Shaun Maloney.
The diminutive forward started off playing for Wigan, moved to Chicago Fire and then returned to these shores and signed for Hull City. He played consistently well wherever he was based. He scored no fewer than four times and was responsible for both Georgia and the Republic of Ireland conceding own goals.
Our inability to reach the finals of a major tournament continues. But there was much to enjoy and be positive about going forward. See you for our opening World Cup qualifier against Malta in the National Stadium in Ta’ Qali on September 4, 2016.
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