FRANCE 98 – Team Detail

Although a regular qualifier for the major tournaments Scotland have never managed to get beyond the first round when it came to the finals. However coach Craig Brown is determined to put an end to their miserable record in France next June in France.

In the past Scotland, despite its failure, has never lacked talent. In 1978 the team boasted the presence of Kenny Dalglish, Graeme Souness and Joe Jordan. But, living up to its reputation for inconsistency, Scotland returned home from Argentina after having managed to lose to Iran but beating Holland.

In Euro ’96, Scotland’s quarter-final hopes vanished when Holland scored a a late consolation goal against England. During qualifying for the 1998 World Cup Scotland have looked more organised and solid in defence, with the duo of Colin Hendry and Colin Calderwood, than in previous campaigns. Conceeding only nine goals in 24 matches proves the strength of the defence. Competing against Austria and Sweden in their Group, Scotland, while never dazzling, kept their errors to a minimum, only being beaten once – 2-1 by Sweden. In attack, goals were hard to come by. It was the same problem in Euro ’96, but with the talent of Kevin Gallacher up front Scotland are hoping things will improve for France.

The Scottish championships have become almost a ritual between the two top clubs of Glasgow – Rangers and Celtic. Since the ’84-85 season it has been either Rangers or Celtic who have taken the title – Rangers winning the last nine years. But they have never managed to show the same success in Europe.