Israel’s next visit to Hampden Park will carry considerably more importance than this exit of Scotland from cold storage. Next month, these teams meet in a long-awaited Euro 2020 play-off semi-final. Still, as he seeks to build momentum that has been so painfully lacking during umpteen years in the international wilderness, Steve Clarke is entitled to frustration that his side could not build on the first-half lead afforded them by a Ryan Christie penalty.
Israel, in the first game of Willibald Ruttensteiner’s caretaker spell, were worthy of their point. Clarke will privately be perfectly aware Scotland must improve if that semi-final is not to follow a grim storyline that has dominated since 1998 and a last appearance at a major finals. If the Scots do prevail over Israel next time around, it remains a big ask to believe Norway or Serbia can be defeated in the subsequent tie. On this evidence, only an increase in competitive football over the next few weeks for umpteen members of his squad can give Clarke quiet confidence. Israel left Glasgow with enhanced belief.
Continue reading…Israel’s next visit to Hampden Park will carry considerably more importance than this exit of Scotland from cold storage. Next month, these teams meet in a long-awaited Euro 2020 play-off semi-final. Still, as he seeks to build momentum that has been so painfully lacking during umpteen years in the international wilderness, Steve Clarke is entitled to frustration that his side could not build on the first-half lead afforded them by a Ryan Christie penalty.Israel, in the first game of Willibald Ruttensteiner’s caretaker spell, were worthy of their point. Clarke will privately be perfectly aware Scotland must improve if that semi-final is not to follow a grim storyline that has dominated since 1998 and a last appearance at a major finals. If the Scots do prevail over Israel next time around, it remains a big ask to believe Norway or Serbia can be defeated in the subsequent tie. On this evidence, only an increase in competitive football over the next few weeks for umpteen members of his squad can give Clarke quiet confidence. Israel left Glasgow with enhanced belief. Continue reading…
