Scotland brought the 22-year wait for an international tournament to an end last night when they beat Serbia on penalties to qualify for Euro 2020
Unfortunately for Scotland, they didn’t get through the first round off Euro 2020 qualifiers and as a result were put into a knockout competition to get one of the final four remaining places. They took on Israel first and the game went to penalties with Scotland winning 5-3.
They would now face Serbia in the final of their group for a place in next summers international tournament. Scotland have waited 22 years to play at a tournament, their last being the 1998 World Cup. They didn’t make it out of the group stages after getting just one point in their three games.
The wait has been too long for a side like Scotland. They have lots of established Premier League players in their side and shouldn’t have gone so long without a tournament. Liverpool’s Andy Robertson captains the side, with John McGinn, Scott McTominay, Kieran Tierney, Stuart Armstrong and Ollie McBurnie all from the Premier League.
Serbia were the favourites for this one but it was the away side who took the lead. Ryan Christie opened the scoring from outside the box finishing it well into the bottom right corner. It was now backs to the wall for Scotland as they had done enough to get through.
However, it was heartbreak for Scotland in the final minute of the 90. Real Madrid striker Luka Jovic was left free in the box to head home and send the game to extra time. Once again the extra time went to penalties and Scotland were going to have to win from spot-kicks.
David Marshall was the hero in this one for Scotland saving the final penalty from Fulhams Alexander Mitrovic and sent Scotland to Euro 2020!
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How Far Can Scotland Go?
Scotland won’t be going to next summers Euro’s just to make up the number however, they will also be realistic about their chances. The fans will go to the tournament next year looking to enjoy every minute and just take in tournament football again.
Scotland are in a group with England, Croatia and The Czech Republic. This is a very tough group, in which Scotland are the least favourites to qualify at 5/4. For Scottish fans though, the big one will be the England game. If they could beat England at Wembley in a European Championships then that would make the 22-year wait worth it for them!
Steve Clarke’s side are 14/1 to win their group and 250/1 to win the whole competition, one of the highest-priced teams there. It’s going to be tough but could Scotland sneak out the group and create even more memorable nights?
