[FM16] If I had a Nicol for every goal, I'd have just over six dollars

[forameuss]

Living up to a Legend is a Pain in the Archie

A Scottish (or something) Career

Scottish National Team



European Championships - Spain '64

Thursday 3rd July



No shock for Spain as the hosts struggle past Turkey. It took them until the 80th minute to take the lead, followed by the Turks losing their heads a little (surely not?) in injury time, getting a man sent off. They'll await the winners of Russia vs France in the Western/Eastern Front derby.

[forameuss]

Living up to a Legend is a Pain in the Archie

A Scottish (or something) Career

Scottish National Team



European Championships - Spain '64



4th July 2064

European Championships Quarter Final

SCOTLAND vs Croatia

Estadio de La Cartuja, Sevilla











Two years ago, we served up a classic World Cup Final. Tonight, we barely managed to scrape past watchable. A niggly game that frustrated us no end, finally decided by - who else - Bobby Nicol. We picked up a lot of bookings though, which could come back to haunt us in the next round.

[forameuss]

Living up to a Legend is a Pain in the Archie

A Scottish (or something) Career

Scottish National Team



European Championships - Spain '64

Saturday 5th July



An unexpected Portuguese win here. I had imagined that Italy would take their place in the semi final, but instead it's a rematch of qualifying. Let's hope it's more like the 4-2 win we managed in Lisbon than the 2-1 reverse in Glasgow.



Sunday 6th July



France are looking ominously good again, and surely they are now favourites for the title. They'll face hosts Spain in the other semi final.

[forameuss]

Living up to a Legend is a Pain in the Archie

A Scottish (or something) Career

Scottish National Team



European Championships - Spain '64



10th July 2064

European Championships Semi Final

SCOTLAND vs Portugal

Estadio La Peineta, Madrid











We did it, and we book a spot in Sunday's final. It looked a lot more comfortable than it was, with us leading 2-0 for the majority of the game. Portugal's goal really lit a fire under them, and it could have gone either way from that point. Luckily we rode out the storm, and George Watson slid home the goal that sealed it in the 89th minute.



Was it a shock? Perhaps slightly. Spain looked impressive during the tournament, and were of course the hosts, but France bested them over 120 minutes to move into the final.

France vs Scotland. Because they always go so well for us, don't they?

[forameuss]

Living up to a Legend is a Pain in the Archie

A Scottish (or something) Career

Scottish National Team



European Championships - Spain '64



13th July 2064

European Championships Final

SCOTLAND vs France

Camp Nou, Barcelona









"Up against it" doesn't quite cover it. We were favourites for the World Cup Final, but there's absolutely no way we're even close to that here. France have looked very impressive, and we'll do very well to get past them here.



It is indeed Judgement Day. To be honest, if this did happen in real life exactly how Archie has managed, after winning a World Cup we'd surely be expected to follow it up with the Euros. Big pressure on the team.

[forameuss]

Living up to a Legend is a Pain in the Archie

A Scottish (or something) Career

Scottish National Team



European Championships - Spain '64



13th July 2064

European Championships Final

SCOTLAND vs France

Camp Nou, Barcelona











Gutted.

2-1 perhaps flattered us, as we never really looked in the game. We were level for all of three minutes before France took the lead again, and they dominated throughout. Have to hand it to them, they've deserved this title.

[forameuss]

Living up to a Legend is a Pain in the Archie

A Scottish (or something) Career

Scottish National Team



European Championships - Spain '64



13th July 2064

European Championships Final

SCOTLAND vs France

Camp Nou, Barcelona





We were named as the biggest overachievers, which I guess points to how amazing it was for us to win the World Cup. Usually the World Cup winners would be expected to reach the final of the following tournament, but we're still considered underdogs. Fine by me.

Also note that even though he wasn't in blistering goal-scoring form, Bobby Nicol still managed to top the assists table. An all round wonderful footballer.





We move up to 3rd in the rankings, with France overtaking us, as expected. It was fun being on top for the four months that we were, but it just gives us a push to overtake the two nations above us.

[forameuss]

Living up to a Legend is a Pain in the Archie

A Scottish (or something) Career

Scottish National Team



European Nations League





Our campaign ended with promotion thanks to four matches unbeaten. We'll be in the top tier again next time around, and I'll be aiming to - finally - win the competition.

Confederations Cup Draw



We'll be reunited with Spain in the Summer as they host the Confederations Cup. Yes, they're once again hosting two tournaments (three if you count this one) in a row with the World Cup being there in 2066. We should have enough to qualify for the semi final at least from this group, so would be nice to add this trophy to the list. France, South Korea, New Zealand and Argentina await in the other group, so semi final might just be our ceiling.

Overall Best Eleven



A look at this for the first time in a long time, which should be interesting given that I've been in charge (across two managers) for the majority of the save. Some pretty baffling decisions in there too. Super record holder Peter Dailly has been cast out of the starting eleven to be replaced by Willie Stevenson for no reason that I can see. Don't worry Peter, you're still my bae. There isn't a single player in there that hasn't featured under either Hamish or Archie, and they hold 1953 caps between them. Good to see Andy Robertson and Ryan Gauld still holding spots alongside the newgens.

[forameuss]

Living up to a Legend is a Pain in the Archie

A Scottish (or something) Career

Scottish National Team



FIFA World Cup 2066 - European Qualifying Draw



Thanks to the World Cup seedings being determined by World Ranking, we're comfortably in pot 1. Of course this shouldn't matter, as we should have the quality to beat anyone, but it does mean we'll avoid the biggest sides. Like France.













Dream Draw: Faroe Islands, San Marino, Albania, Cyprus, Wales, SCOTLAND

Nightmare Draw: Iceland, Georgia, Ukraine, Belgium, SCOTLAND



And the last team to be drawn was...us.



Have to say, I'm pretty happy with this draw.

[forameuss]

Living up to a Legend is a Pain in the Archie

A Scottish (or something) Career

Scottish National Team



FIFA World Cup 2066 - European Qualifying

Matchday 1



For a change, we sat out the first matchday, giving our rivals the chance to steal a march. As expected, Sweden and Czech Republic both won their games. They'll be our main opposition, definitely.

Can't say that we had too good a time in the friendly we played at the same time. We were thumped 3-0 by DR Congo. They're one of the best sides in Africa at the moment, but still, we shouldn't be getting beaten like that.

Matchday 2



Not what we wanted. After a disappointing friendly result, this is absolutely rotten. Two points dropped in our first match, and we're already playing catch-up in a group that is likely to only feature one qualifier.



A win in our game in hand would put us back in contention of course, but we've stumbled at the very first hurdle. Horrible memories of the one campaign that Hamish had when we didn't qualify.

Match Report

Player Ratings

Match Stats

[forameuss]

Living up to a Legend is a Pain in the Archie

A Scottish (or something) Career

Scottish National Team



FIFA World Cup 2066 - European Qualifying

Matchday 3



Just what we needed after the poor result in March. It helps that we faced San Marino, the perennial whipping boys, but you can only beat what's put in front of you. We're on the board.



Match Report

Player Ratings

Match Stats

Matchday 4



We followed up that easy win against San Marino with a big - albeit defensively shaky - win against Latvia. Just Sweden to play now before we reach the half-way point, and a win is absolutely essential there ahead of meeting the Czechs again. Especially as in the other game, Sweden bested them. If we can beat the Swedes, then that becomes a wonderful result for us.



Match Report

Player Ratings

Match Stats

[forameuss]

Living up to a Legend is a Pain in the Archie

A Scottish (or something) Career

Scottish National Team



FIFA Confederations Cup

It's the summer. Football is over for another few weeks, and all over the country people are wandering around in our town centres. Dazed. Confused. Bumping into gaudy shop windows with tears in their eyes.

But don't worry, it's Confederations Cup time! No, wait! Come back!





Probably a more balanced squad than we took to the Euros, and most certainly better covered up front. We should just go out and enjoy this one - if we win, great, otherwise, meh.

[forameuss]

Living up to a Legend is a Pain in the Archie

A Scottish (or something) Career

Scottish National Team



FIFA Confederations Cup



28th June 2065

Confederations Cup Group A

Spain vs SCOTLAND

Santiago Bernabeau, Madrid











We're terrible guests, aren't we? Not only did we turn up to the Confederations Cup as World Champions, but now we've cast aside the hosts with ease. Spain have really fallen from their once lofty position, but it remains a really good result for us.





In the other game, the USA looked very impressive against the Ivory Coast. They go top thanks to goals scored, and could they perhaps cause a shock by going through?

[forameuss]

Living up to a Legend is a Pain in the Archie

A Scottish (or something) Career

Scottish National Team



FIFA Confederations Cup



Everything went according to plan for Group B as France and Argentina ran out easy winners. The only thing that is still unknown there surely is who will finish top.

[forameuss]

Living up to a Legend is a Pain in the Archie

A Scottish (or something) Career

Scottish National Team



FIFA Confederations Cup



1st July 2065

Confederations Cup Group A

SCOTLAND vs Ivory Coast

Estadio La Peineta, Madrid











We've often struggled against these kinds of teams (remember DR Congo?) but we didn't here. A very good performance, and puts us top of the group.





Spain and USA played out a classic in the other game, but one that fell on the side of the Spaniards. They drew level with USA on points now, so it's finely poised. I think it also means that we're not definitely through. If the USA beat us by three, and Spain win by three, then I think we're out.

[forameuss]

Living up to a Legend is a Pain in the Archie

A Scottish (or something) Career

Scottish National Team



FIFA Confederations Cup





France qualify thanks to a very good win against Argentina. It also makes us winning the group imperative, as it gives us the best chance of getting to the final (even though France will probably batter us once we're there).

[forameuss]

Living up to a Legend is a Pain in the Archie

A Scottish (or something) Career

Scottish National Team



FIFA Confederations Cup



4th July 2065

Confederations Cup Group A

SCOTLAND vs United States

Camp Nou, Barcelona











Ooft. Not only are we terrible guests in battering the hosts, we're also terrible party guests after beating the United States on Independence Day. Crashing parties all over the place.





We top the group with a perfect record, sending the USA down into 3rd after Spain ran all over the Ivory Coast. Job done.

[forameuss]

Living up to a Legend is a Pain in the Archie

A Scottish (or something) Career

Scottish National Team



FIFA Confederations Cup





Again, Group B went absolutely to plan with Argentina and France booking their spots in the semi final. France top the group, so they'll play Spain while we face Argentina.

[forameuss]

Living up to a Legend is a Pain in the Archie

A Scottish (or something) Career

Scottish National Team



FIFA Confederations Cup



9th July 2065

Confederations Cup Semi Final

Argentina vs SCOTLAND

Estadio La Peineta, Madrid











Absolutely battered. Hands down we deserved nothing from this game whatsoever. Argentina deserve their win and they'll go into the final to play Fra....

Wait, hold on a minute...



France are out, and Spain will go on to face Argentina in the final. That's the Spain side that we swept aside with ease. Great.

Also, as a nice little bonus, it means that not only are we out, but we STILL didn't avoid France, who we'll face in the 3rd place playoff. Woo.

[forameuss]

Living up to a Legend is a Pain in the Archie

A Scottish (or something) Career

Scottish National Team



FIFA Confederations Cup



12th July 2065

Confederations Cup Third Place Playoff

France vs SCOTLAND

Estadio La Peineta, Madrid





Can't be arsed covering this in detail, and I'm sure you can appreciate why. After being battered by Argentina, it's only right that we roll out the blue carpet and let France kick us repeatedly in the face for 90 minutes. 5-0 going on 12. Let's move on.

As expected, Argentina strolled to a 2-0 win in the final, and they're the Confederations Cup Champions this year. We'll still be gunning for them next summer though as we defend our trophy.

[forameuss]

Living up to a Legend is a Pain in the Archie

A Scottish (or something) Career

Scottish National Team



FIFA World Cup 2066 - European Qualifying

Matchday 5



Just the result we needed to wipe away the tears from the Confederations Cup as we got a priceless three points against Sweden. The Czechs beat San Marino in the other game, but that defeat against Sweden in the last match has really affected their chances. If we follow this up by beating them too, we're good.



Match Report

Player Ratings

Match Stats

Matchday 6



We sit out our second and final round of matches, so it's full steam ahead for the next four. In the matches themselves, Sweden and the Czech Republic got the three points to keep the pressure on us.

[forameuss]

Living up to a Legend is a Pain in the Archie

A Scottish (or something) Career

Scottish National Team



FIFA World Cup 2066 - European Qualifying

Matchday 7



A huge result in Prague as we banished memories of the 1-1 at Hampden. We ran out 4-1 winners, and now we're pretty much one match away from topping the group. Unless we somehow drop points to Latvia or San Marino, a win against Sweden will be enough to ease in.



Match Report

Player Ratings

Match Stats

Matchday 8



**** off. Just **** off.

Doing fine, and then we go and do this. Disgusted with them to be honest.



We sit two points behind Sweden with both sides having two games to go. We need them to at least draw a game, otherwise we need to go through the lottery of the second place table.

Match Report

Player Ratings

Match Stats

[forameuss]

Living up to a Legend is a Pain in the Archie

A Scottish (or something) Career

Scottish National Team



FIFA World Cup 2066 - European Qualifying

Matchday 9



No mercy.

Bobby Nicol hadn't quite been himself lately, so he decided to change that. Four goals for him, ten for us, but will it all be for naught at the end of the campaign? That'd be oh so Scotland (in real life of course). Sweden narrowly beat Latvia, so keep their narrow lead over us. Next up for them is a match against the Czech Republic in Prague. Ooft.



Match Report

Player Ratings

Match Stats

Matchday 10



Lucky. Lucky, lucky, lucky.

Czech Republic did us a huge favour, and one that we almost didn't take advantage of with a snatched win against Latvia. Still, it meant we just about topped the group, despite not really deserving it.



Sweden end up qualifying too as one of the three best second placed sides, so we would have too even if Sweden had won, but still, it's not been a great campaign in my eyes.

Match Report

Player Ratings

Match Stats

[forameuss]

Living up to a Legend is a Pain in the Archie

A Scottish (or something) Career

Scottish National Team



FIFA World Cup 2066 - European Qualifying

[forameuss]

Living up to a Legend is a Pain in the Archie

A Scottish (or something) Career

Scottish National Team



FIFA World Cup Draw









Finally we're in the top pot, so we stand the chance of getting a decent group. Of course, we could still get a horrible one, as evidenced by the sides in the other pots.

Dream Draw: SCOTLAND, Saudi Arabia, Morocco, Wales

Nightmare Draw: SCOTLAND, Croatia, Chile, Holland

It could go any way to be honest.



(Last side to be drawn are England)



It was all going so well until we drew Holland. They'll be extremely tough, and it was only them and Germany who managed 100% records in qualifying. Honduras and Morocco shouldn't trouble us, but they could still be tricky.

[forameuss]

Living up to a Legend is a Pain in the Archie

A Scottish (or something) Career

Scottish National Team





March saw us take on Armenia. Because why the hell not?

A very convincing victory, including a hat-trick for Bobby "Who's Peter Dailly?" Nicol. A good preparation for the World Cup.

[forameuss]

Living up to a Legend is a Pain in the Archie

A Scottish (or something) Career

Scottish National Team



FIFA World Cup Squad Announcement

[forameuss]

Living up to a Legend is a Pain in the Archie

A Scottish (or something) Career

Scottish National Team



FIFA World Cup 2066

Pre-Tournament Friendlies





All good from our two friendlies. I'm sure the fans have been drooling over the prospect of the dream match that was Scotland vs Haiti.

[forameuss]

Living up to a Legend is a Pain in the Archie

A Scottish (or something) Career

Scottish National Team



FIFA World Cup 2066

Friday 11th June

[forameuss]

Living up to a Legend is a Pain in the Archie

A Scottish (or something) Career

Scottish National Team



European Championships - Spain '64



12th June 2066

World Cup Group B

SCOTLAND vs Honduras

San Mamés Stadium, Bilbao











Honduras always strike me as being a bit "kicky" in games, but it was us who lost our discipline. We did come out of it with a 2-1 win, but Dale Leitch's very early sending off is just not good enough. Booked in the 22nd minute, then a little over ten minutes later he was off. Will he feature again? Probably to be honest. I'm not going to talk to him though. Not even look at him.

Back in the game, it was a brace from Bobby Nicol that got us the win. How often has he dug us out of holes recently? 1-0 down early on, and with the aforementioned disciplinary issues, but the boy done good with his double. A good result to start us off.

[forameuss]

Living up to a Legend is a Pain in the Archie

A Scottish (or something) Career

Scottish National Team



FIFA World Cup 2066

Sunday 13th June



Monday 14th June



Tuesday 15th June



Wednesday 16th June

[forameuss]

Living up to a Legend is a Pain in the Archie

A Scottish (or something) Career

Scottish National Team



European Championships - Spain '64



17th June 2066

World Cup Group B

Holland vs SCOTLAND

Estadio Riazor, Coruña











You can shove your total football up your ****.

Definitely our most difficult game in the group, and once again we managed to snatch a 2-1 win. Different to Honduras in that we took the lead on the stroke of half-time through Bobby "who else?" Nicol. Kieran Jardine added to the lead late on, but Holland came roaring back. They left it just too late to get an equaliser though, and it was a case of one of those matches that had it gone five minutes more...

Still, that's another three points, and we're already through to the next round. An expected win in the final match against Morocco will see us top the group, and probably see us avoid Spain in the second round.

[forameuss]

Living up to a Legend is a Pain in the Archie

A Scottish (or something) Career

Scottish National Team



FIFA World Cup 2066

Friday 18th June



Saturday 19th June



Sunday 20th June



Monday 21st June

[forameuss]

Living up to a Legend is a Pain in the Archie

A Scottish (or something) Career

Scottish National Team



European Championships - Spain '64



22nd June 2066

World Cup Group B

SCOTLAND vs Morocco

Estadio de La Cartuja, Sevilla











We were far from impressive, but a win is a win. To be honest, we haven't really hit the heights of what we're capable of at any point so far. Not sure if that's good or not.





Spain won their group as expected, which means we'll get to avoid them. Ireland managed the win they needed to finish 2nd, so it'll be Scotland vs Ireland in the second round. Can't say I'm displeased with that.



Holland have no trouble in getting the second win they needed, but now face a tough second round match against the hosts.



We go to our 4th different stadium and city in 4 games as we trek over to Madrid. I expect our next round match will be at the Nou Camp, followed by whatever stadium we haven't visited yet.

[forameuss]

Living up to a Legend is a Pain in the Archie

A Scottish (or something) Career

Scottish National Team



FIFA World Cup 2066

Wednesday 23rd June





Chaos in Group C as things end up going according to plan, but only just. Nigeria were dead and buried prior to their match with Argentina, but they produced a huge performance to beat one of the favourites 1-0, even if it didn't matter. The Germany vs USA match then became a playoff - winner takes top spot in the group. A draw favoured the Germans however, and that's how it finished. Gutting for the USA as they miss out.



Somehow, Brazil managed to turn around their dreadful start to top the group after winning their two other games. Croatia will be kicking themselves. After beating Brazil in the opening game, they only picked up one more point to finish 2nd. They still qualified, but they should have won that group. In fact, all the sides in the group choked at one point.

Thursday 24th June





France did enough to top the group, but Wales pushed them all the way. It came down to the final match, and with that ending in a draw, the French topped the group on goal difference. Close. Iran and Chile fought it out to see who was the worst, and Chile...won? Or lost I guess.



Sweden may have pushed us all the way in qualifying, but they've had a miserable tournament here, managing only one point. Mexico and South Korea go through.

Friday 25th June





A shock in Group G as Ecuador top it ahead of Italy, thanks mostly to a win in the final round of fixtures. Turkey and Australia never really stood a chance.



England and Portugal were expected to go through, and go through they did. I actually fancy Portugal to go quite far into the tournament, and once again I'll be hoping to face England and embarrass them.

[forameuss]

Living up to a Legend is a Pain in the Archie

A Scottish (or something) Career

Scottish National Team



FIFA World Cup 2066



And with that, we have our line-up for the second round. As I've already said, we face Ireland in a winnable tie, but we will face either Germany or Croatia in a potential Quarter Final. Two tough sides there. Elsewhere there are some meaty ties - England vs Italy, Spain vs Holland...oh, and the small matter of Argentina vs Brazil. This tournament is delivering.

[forameuss]

Living up to a Legend is a Pain in the Archie

A Scottish (or something) Career

Scottish National Team



European Championships - Spain '64



26th June 2066

World Cup Second Round

Ireland vs SCOTLAND

Estadio La Peineta, Madrid











I don't say this lightly, but it was a complete mismatch. We kept them at arms length throughout, and they didn't manage a single shot on target throughout. Very disappointing for them, but it was poetry in motion for anyone of a Scottish persuasion. Even Nicol scored.

Spain finally edged a tight game against Holland to move through to the quarter finals along with us. They'll face either Argentina or Brazil. No pressure.

[forameuss]

Living up to a Legend is a Pain in the Archie

A Scottish (or something) Career

Scottish National Team



FIFA World Cup 2066

Sunday 27th June



A story all about Group A here. On the opening day, Croatia managed a wonderful victory over Brazil, and it looked as though the famous side were going to struggle. Fast forward, and the South Americans have just beaten their greatest rivals, and Croatia are going home. They lost 1-0 to Germany, but certainly didn't embarrass themselves there. I know that following up on the Brazil win would have seen them face Argentina, but still, it's a missed opportunity.

Monday 28th June



France aren't quite looking like the force they have been. They struggled against South Korea, but nevertheless they go through. Mexico had less issues against Wales, going through pretty easily.

Tuesday 29th June



Ecuador's good tournament is over after Portugal - my picks remember - edged a narrow game. The possibility of a showdown with England remains on too, after they took 120 minutes to put out Italy.

[forameuss]

Living up to a Legend is a Pain in the Archie

A Scottish (or something) Career

Scottish National Team



FIFA World Cup 2066



Confirmation of the quarter final draw. We'll have to slay another giant to reach the semis, but the prospects that await us there are equal parts tantalising and terrifying. We could face England. In a World Cup Semi Final. Or we could face a France side who see us as nothing more than their bitches.

On the other side of the draw, Mexico are the odd ones out, but they could spring a surprise against Portugal. Spain vs Brazil is another heavyweight encounter, and who would bet against Brazil getting through that after the tournament they've had.

[forameuss]

Living up to a Legend is a Pain in the Archie

A Scottish (or something) Career

Scottish National Team



FIFA World Cup 2066



22nd June 2066

World Cup Group B

SCOTLAND vs Morocco

Estadio de La Cartuja, Sevilla











It's happening again...

I'm sure I'm talking rubbish here, but it seems that if we get a result like this in a tournament, it's down to an absolute barnstormer of a performance. To the point where it seems like we either breeze through ties, winning by a distance, or get beat. I know that I'm just being selective with memory, and that we'll have had plenty of narrow wins, but these ones always stick in the memory. Germany were surprising listless here, struggling to get up to the tempo they had set through the tournament. We, on the other hand, didn't struggle, and imposed ourselves early. It was all over really on the hour mark. We got the opener in the first half, but it was Derek McInally's goal on the hour that sealed it. By the time Bobby Nicol rolled in the 3rd, it was already party time.

Now we just wait to see whether it's heaven or hell - England or France.



The hosts are out, and as expected Brazil are running riot after starting slowly. Another very good 3-0 win, and they'll go on to face the winners of Mexico and Portugal.

[forameuss]

Living up to a Legend is a Pain in the Archie

A Scottish (or something) Career

Scottish National Team



FIFA World Cup 2066



Mexico put up a great fight against Portugal, taking them all the way to penalties before finally succumbing. Shame for them, as their fairytale ends here.

You know what fairytale doesn't end? The one where we pummel England again. It's happening. England 2 - 0 France. We won't have to face our bogey team this tournament, and now we get to face our biggest rivals for a place in the World Cup Final.

Ooft. Ooft indeed.

[RudeboxS7]

I can't believe you left it hanging here......

[forameuss]

Living up to a Legend is a Pain in the Archie

A Scottish (or something) Career

Scottish National Team



FIFA World Cup 2066



Brazil are into the final after dominating language pals Portugal 2-0. They scored early on, and then very late on, and Portugal just didn't have an answer for them.

They'll wait to see who they face - us, or England.

[forameuss]

Living up to a Legend is a Pain in the Archie

A Scottish (or something) Career

Scottish National Team



FIFA World Cup 2066



7th July 2066

FIFA World Cup Semi Final

SCOTLAND vs England

Camp Nou, Barcelona











A few weeks shy of 100 years since England's maiden World Cup trophy, we put them to the sword in a tight match. They can perhaps feel hard done by, and arguably had more of the game, but Derek McInally got two quick goals early on to put us in a position of strength. They put themselves about a bit from there, picking up a few bookings, but when they got a goal back with half an hour to go, it was very much panic stations. But a wonderful defensive performance saw us see out the game, and, as the song goes, send them homeward to think again.

And yes, Hamish and Archie did give Eddie Howe a call after the game. Course they did.

[forameuss]

Living up to a Legend is a Pain in the Archie

A Scottish (or something) Career

Scottish National Team



FIFA World Cup 2066



11th July 2066

FIFA World Cup Final

Brazil vs SCOTLAND

Camp Nou, Barcelona





So here we are. Four years ago we faced Croatia in a winnable World Cup Final, but now we're up against Brazil, in what will probably be the complete opposite. It's interesting that the news item mentions the last time we faced them in the final. That day, Hamish Glengarrie presided over a painful 6-1 defeat as Brazil absolutely dominated us from start to finish.

If we can avoid that, I'll be happy. Well, not happy, but you know what I mean. We can win it, but it's going to be tough.



And it's true. I do believe in this team. We're still reigning Champions, and we deserve to be here. We're not the same frightened side that lost 6-1 all those years ago. We're one of the World's top sides. Brazil are too, but the gap is a whole lot smaller.



It would obviously be massive to retain the World Cup. It's been done before, sure, but it's rare. To join that top table...well, it would be quite an achievement.



Our journey to the final has been...well, pretty green. We've won every game, starting from that first friendly against Haiti. That Holland game was the key. Thanks to that win, we topped the group, which meant a match against Ireland. That meant we moved into the quarter finals high in confidence and in good form. We demolished Germany, then squeaked past England, and now we're here. And we're ready.



Brazil have gone on a similar journey, but with one considerable bump in the road. They fell apart in that first game against Croatia, but their reaction after that was brilliant. They somehow manged to top their group, but were still rewarded with a match against bitter rivals Argentina. Spain and Portugal were hardly diddies either, so they've had a tough journey to where they are now. They deserve to be here, and - say it quietly - it should be a close one on Sunday.

[forameuss]

Living up to a Legend is a Pain in the Archie

A Scottish (or something) Career

Scottish National Team



FIFA World Cup 2066



11th July 2066

FIFA World Cup Final

Brazil vs SCOTLAND

Camp Nou, Barcelona





No change to how we play. We'll set up in our usual positive 4-4-2, facing the seemingly Brazilian only box formation. Hoping we can get at them down the flanks.

[forameuss]

Living up to a Legend is a Pain in the Archie

A Scottish (or something) Career

Scottish National Team



FIFA World Cup 2066



11th July 2066

FIFA World Cup Final

Brazil vs SCOTLAND

Camp Nou, Barcelona









Scotland have retained the World Cup.

Scotland. Retaining. The World Cup.

It was fitting that we played out a classic. The two best sides in the tournament went toe to toe, and went the full distance. Twice we were ahead, Bobby Nicol scoring both of them on the grandest stage. But both times we were pegged back, and once extra time began, the indiscipline and late tackles ruled the day. Seven bookings in the 90 minutes, then another five in the further 30. We took eleven penalties each, and when Brazil's goalkeeper stepped up, his penalty was just too close to Ben Hamilton. Parried away, and the celebrations began in the Spanish sun.

This World Cup lark is easy.

[Rikulec]

[forameuss]

Living up to a Legend is a Pain in the Archie

A Scottish (or something) Career

Scottish National Team



FIFA World Cup 2066









I mentioned earlier about teams that retained the World Cup, but here's a bit more detail. There have been 33 editions of the World Cup, and in those, five nations have done the old two-in-a-row. No-one has ever won it three times in a row.

A little stat that I've only just noticed, we've now won the World Cup once more than England, and if you count our runners-up awards, we're one of the most successful sides in the history of the competition. We obviously haven't come close to some of the big ones - Brazil have six wins, Germany have five, so we're a long way away. Still, to now have more trophies than England, and to have done two in a row...





Interesting that neither Bobby Nicol, nor Derek McInally were involved in the final player awards. Nicol missed out on the Golden Boot thanks to playing more games than his nearest rival (as did McInally). George Watson was wonderful, and deserves his spot, but arguably you could have had him and both of our strikers in there.



Further controversy as both men can only make the bench of the Dream Team. Fourteen goals between them. A fix.



So, where now? Well, for the players, it's going to be preparing to finally clinch the European Championship trophy that Hamish managed. For me, it'll be similar, but there's a bit more to it.

My original plan was to carry on in the job until Bobby Nicol retired, see if I could get him to break any of Peter Dailly's records. However, he's only 25, which means he could very well be present for two or three more World Cups, and the same again for Euros. Although it would be nice to keep winning, I feel like I'd be burning myself out doing that.

So, unless something changes, I think this will be my last campaign. Full steam ahead to the Euros.

[forameuss]

Living up to a Legend is a Pain in the Archie

A Scottish (or something) Career

Scottish National Team



UEFA Nations League











If this is to be my final campaign, then we have the chance to finally secure the Nations League trophy after what is now around 50 years of trying. We almost blew it after losing to Italy in our final match. But then the Czech Republic did us a favour and beat Italy to hand us the top spot. Portugal, Germany and France await in the Summer's finals tournament.



And first up it's Portugal. Probably the best draw we could've hoped for, although Germany would probably be around the same level. I don't fancy meeting France again.