Scotland the … relevant

What a schizophrenic international week it was. I’ve only missed a handful of the national side’s games in Glasgow over the last couple of decades but Saturday’s win over the Netherlands was one of the most captivating I can recall.

Not since stuffing Spain on the way to the 86 World Cup or France enroute to Italia 90 have our country’s native footballing representatives put on such a gripping display. The atmosphere in these “Tartan Army” days still leaves a lot to be desired - half the punters are more interested in being “characters” than watching the football and even more are too drunk to know where they are - but the team played with a passion and commitment which swelled the chest.

And then, just four days later, The Dutch rip us to vengeful pieces in what became just one goal shy of Scotland’s worst ever defeat. Two results in four days producing emotions of opposite extremes but two results which also confirmed how much we care about the footballing fortunes of our country.

The SFA needs to pile in the investment at grass roots level so we can begin to produce players with the technique and fitness of the Netherlands. If the Hampden beaks can’t find the money then they have a mandate to go to the government because there’s no denying the results of the national team dominate the emotions of Scotland’s population and effect this country’s self-esteem.

That same government has to invest more in health education so as to produce players with the physiques to compete at international level. Martin O’Neill’s Celtic have shown in Europe how far a side can get on mass physical presence with just one or two gifted footballers. Imagine eleven Lee Wilkies … each with the skill of James MacFadden!

Oh, and, if the national team’s doing well, it might take some of the intense bitterness out the Old Firm rivalry. A good team always brings the fans in and a good Scotland team can make all Scotland’s club fans realise they have more in common than they’d like to think. Or maybe not - but we need a good Scotland team!

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Published:
11.19.03 / 5pm
Category:
News