Steve Clarke remarked that it was a “surreal night” for him and his players as Scotland created history by becoming unbeaten in the first four games of a qualifying campaign. It was a remarkable evening at Glasgow’s Hampden Park as the game delay and suspension by the match officials lasted the duration of a full football match.

20th June 2023; Hampden Park, Glasgow, Scotland: Euro 2024 Qualifier Football, Scotland versus Georgia; Pitch response ground staff try to clear the water from the pitch

Despite the interruption and irritation the delays caused, Clarke and his men remained diligent and in control and subsequently, emerged victorious against Willy Sagnol and his team. The Georgians were determined not to get the game restarted but Clarke admitted that they knew the pitch was playable after the final inspection by the officials last night.

20th June 2023; Hampden Park, Glasgow, Scotland: Euro 2024 Qualifier Football, Scotland versus Georgia; Groundstaff try to clear the pitch

After the game, the Scotland boss spoke to the media and insisted it’s one of the most bizarre fixtures he’s been involved in but that the most crucial thing was Scotland getting the three points on the night. He said: “I’m tired. It was a surreal night but we did the most important thing and got the three points. Apart from the birth of my three children, I think it was the longest day of my life.

“The players were magnificent and stayed focused. I don’t know how many times they warmed up but the crowd were always singing and letting them know they were there. I think the Georgian boys were looking at the pitch thinking it was still the same but they knew they had to play when it was better.”

20th June 2023; Hampden Park, Glasgow, Scotland: Euro 2024 Qualifier Football, Scotland versus Georgia; Scotland Coach Stevie Clarke passes instructions to Callum McGregor of Scotland as the players celebrate Scott McTominay of Scotland scoring in the 47th minute to make it 2-0

The challenge is now to keep this momentum going and Clarke reiterated to the players after the game that 12 points doesn’t qualify you for the major tournaments. It was reflected in the calm and collected manner in which the players went about their business and celebrated at the end too.

Watch the Scotland boss discuss his history making squad below…

🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿 @ScotlandNT manager Steve Clarke in conversation after leading his side to four consecutive wins in qualifying

“I’m really proud of them. The first four, it would be nice to make it five!” 😉#EURO2024 | #SCOGEO pic.twitter.com/dCBcBMg9bw

— Viaplay Sports UK (@ViaplaySportsUK) June 20, 2023

Paul Gillespie

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