Steve Clarke watched his Scotland side overcome Spain at Hampden Park last night and revealed that this group is focussed and not treating this victory as if anything is won and done. It was a magnificent display from his team but as we’ve seen many times before with Scotland, beating the big boys doesn’t guarantee you anything.
The former Kilmarnock boss joined Emma Dodds, Ally McCoist, Michael Stewart and ex-Celtic goalkeeper, Craig Gordon, in discussing what was a monumental effort from his players in an electrifying night at the national stadium. After Scott McTominay put us up inside 10 minutes, it have us the impetus to go and get something from the game as we annoyed the opposition.
Clarke alluded to the fact that this is only another small step in what will be a long road full of potential obstacles if we are to book a place in Germany for Euro 2024. After making the cut for Euro 2020, ending years and years of qualifying misery, Clarke managed to restore national pride after overcoming Serbia on penalties to make it in dramatic fashion.
We had a disappointing tournament in all honesty in the summer of 2021, as the lads lost twice at Hampden to both the Czech Republic and Croatia, grabbing a respectable draw against England at Wembley which saw us earn credible and well-deserved praise in the aftermath of the game. But these players will want more after tasting big tournament football and that’s what Clarke’s aim is.
He revealed that he wanted more from the players after Saturday’s 3-0 win over minnows Cyprus. It was a real boring game that teetered on the edge until very late on, thanks to another Scott McTominay brace on the day, putting us three goals to the good in the end. But for large spells we were really lacklustre and Clarke wanted to put that right.
Well he definitely did just that, as we outsmarted and outwitted the Spanish for the whole game. They really had no answer for Scotland and it showed as frustrations boiled over on the park. Persistently surrounding the referee, Rodri and his teammates couldn’t handle the atmosphere or the fact Steve Clarke and his side and their number last night.
Clarke was delighted after the game, even if he was quite reserved, but nonetheless enjoyed the moment with the Viaplay punditry team. Watch the interview below…
🏴 @ScotlandNT head coach Steve Clarke reacts to a massive win over Spain
“Delighted with the performance of the team. I thought the players were absolutely outstanding. First minute to last minute.” 🗣️#EURO2024 | #SCOESP pic.twitter.com/frZT2u555m
— Viaplay Sports UK (@ViaplaySportsUK) March 28, 2023
Paul Gillespie
