Scotland suffered a nightmare start to their Euro 2024 campaign with a resounding 5-1 defeat to Germany. The defeat was a huge blow to Scotland, who were hoping for a vibrant and joyful return to a major tournament on foreign soil after a long absence. However, the reality was far from what they had hoped for.
One of the key issues that emerged from the match was Scotland’s underperformance. Former Scotland winger Neil McCann pointed out that many of the players did not perform to their usual standards. Angus Gunn, in particular, had a poor game in goal, and Scott McTominay seemed to be carrying an injury. The lack of threat from Scotland was also a concern, with former striker Steven Thompson suggesting that they looked “scared” on the ball.
The mentality of the players was also called into question. Roy Keane expressed his bewilderment at captain Andy Robertson’s admission that they lacked aggression. Keane emphasized the importance of being physical and aggressive at this level of football. Chris Sutton echoed these sentiments, stating that Scotland seemed to have an inferiority complex and froze on the big occasion.
These issues leave manager Steve Clarke with some uncomfortable questions to answer. After such a bruising defeat, he will need to reassess his tactics and make changes before the next match against Switzerland. Ally McCoist, the last player to score in a Scotland win at the Euros, believes that Scotland need to change their mentality and approach. He suggests getting more players forward and being more direct in their play.
In terms of tactical changes, Steven Thompson suggests that Scotland should consider changing their shape and playing with a winger to provide more width and attacking threat. He believes that the combination of Robertson and Kieran Tierney on the wings could be a potent weapon for Scotland.
Despite the disappointment of the defeat, Clarke emphasized the need for the team to react positively and learn from their mistakes. The upcoming matches against Switzerland and Hungary will be crucial, and Scotland still has a chance to qualify from the group if they can recover and perform better.
While the defeat will undoubtedly hurt, former Scotland defender Leanne Crichton advises the players and staff to move on and not dwell on the loss. Switzerland and Hungary will present different challenges, and Scotland needs to focus on those games rather than dwelling on their defeat to Germany.
For the fans, it will be important to keep the faith and support the team. Clarke’s message to the Tartan Army was clear: “Keep the faith.” This defeat may be a setback, but it’s important for the fans to continue supporting the team in their quest to qualify for the knockout stages.
In conclusion, Scotland’s defeat to Germany was a harsh lesson for the team. They underperformed, lacked aggression, and froze on the big occasion. However, there are still opportunities for them to recover and achieve their goal of getting out of the group. Tactical changes, a change in mentality, and continued support from the fans will be crucial in Scotland’s journey in Euro 2024.