FRANCE 98 – General Media News Template

Scotland have an enviable record of getting to the World Cup finals, but once there the problems start. Finalists in five of the last six World Cups is some record, but each time the team has had to pack its bags early, never making it through to the knockout stages.

Can France 98 change all that?

Only time will tell but Craig Brown’s men are certainly arriving with all guns blazing, and if an electric encounter in a packed Stade de France against the champions Brazil in the opening match doesn’t inspire them nothing will.

Brown appears to have put together a tight unit with a tremendous spirit as evidenced by a creditable 2-2 draw against Colombia in a World Cup friendly. Scotland earned their passage to France by finishing runners-up to Austria. losing only one of their qualifying matches — a 2-1 defeat in Stockholm to the Swedes.

Formerly regarded as a dour defensive force, a frisson of anticipation is now coarsing through the veins of the tartan army as their team adopts a fresh new attacking style.

Positive signs abounded in the game against Colombia, an early penalty sparking fierce attacks with Monaco midfielder John Collins showing his skills with a fine drive. Kevin Gallacher was the main contributor on the road to the finals with crucial efforts against Austria and Latvia included in his six goal tally.

In midfield Collins is well served by Celtic’s Paul Lambert and Craig Burley whose uncle George Burley was a former Scotland defender. A strong back line centres on the established figure of Colin Hendry and the versatile Tom Boyd.

Jim Leighton of Aberdeen featured in all but three of Scotland’s qualifying games and is fit far beyond his 39 years. He will need to be as second-choice Andy Goram has walked out after his complicated personal life was exposed in the papers.

Competing in their eighth finals Scotland will be desperately keen to avoid a hasty exit but they have not been done any favours with a tough group.