(FM23) We're Gonna Deep Fry....Everything!!

[phnompenhandy]

3 hours ago, andychar said:

There's that and there's a few African Nations I've come across that are unlikely to qualify for anything but I'm being told the distance is too great for a Friendly. So there are a few things that might stop me being able to 100% complete this. I do need a lot of luck with draws going forward. Been good right now because pretty much all needed to be ticked off. I want to stay as high as possible in the Nations League cos it gives me more chances to tick off these big Countries without resorting to Friendlies.

I don't know my way around international management, but can you not arrange friendly tournaments, like you can in club pre-seasons? Could be staged in a neutral country that's a half-way house.

[andychar]

14 hours ago, Johnny-Trotter said:

I think that if you continue to risk up the rankings and improve Scotland's reputation, the question of distance being too far will be less of an issue. I would imagine that if Brazil offered any African side a friendly, they would be tripping over themselves to accept it.

I'm 19th in the World and still can't arrange a home or away friendly with them. Maybe if I'm in the Top 10, or maybe I have to win something? I'll keep plodding on. The World needs to see Mozambique v Scotland!

13 hours ago, phnompenhandy said:

I don't know my way around international management, but can you not arrange friendly tournaments, like you can in club pre-seasons? Could be staged in a neutral country that's a half-way house.

Unfortunetly there's no custom International Tournament. Just a Home or Away fixture. Would be nice though!

[andychar]

Nations League 

Croatia (h)

If you would have told me before the Spain game we would be playing Croatia at Hampden knowing a win will secure survival. I would have bit your hand off. But yet, here we are, in that exact scenario.

We are slight underdogs but on paper its the easiest game of the Group. We have to go into it with confidence. Not sure if away goals play a factor in the Head to Head decision. If it does then a 0-0 or 1-1 draw would also be nice. A loss and its over, we are down.

As you can imagine some changes from the Tuvalu game.

Che Adams comes in for Munro up front. I just trust him more in the bigger games. Buchan gets in ahead of Gauld. Fast start required here.

Buchan is bought down in the box and Gilmour makes no mistakes. Fast start achieved!

Turnbull's powerful effort leaves the keeper no chance and this is the start dreams are made of.

We've been here before against Croatia....

We had an explosion of chances in the last 10 minutes to pad the stats but it has been an even game. The chances we have missed have been criminal. Fingers crossed they don't come back to haunt us.

Welsh criminally loses the ball in his own box and its a gift of a goal. I'm sensing a theme when playing Croatia.

Fantastic performance. Turnbull himself should have had 4 goals!

Confirmation of our survival. After 3 games we had 1 point and were staring at Spain away. Now we go into the Portugal game with a small outside chance of actually qualifying for the Semi Final. Can you imagine!

[andychar]

Nations League

Portugal (a)

No pressure here. No expectation. We can amazingly make the Semi Final still but we need to beat Portugal away and hope Croatia beat Spain. 

We face a tough task, but we beat Spain away (don't know if I'm mentioned that) so who knows. 

Once more a win here and we will have managed a clean sweep of teams ticked off. Spain and Croatia is great. Portugal would be the icing. 3rd times the charm right?

A much changed side, between fatigue and suspension. McKenna starts ahead of the suspended Tierney, Patterson switches flanks and Hamilton comes in, last time he played he had a great game. Welsh knackered so Morrison gets the nod. Hunter gets his first taste of competitive International Football. Munro goes up front so Che Adams can fill in for shattered players. Everybody gave it their all in the Croatia game. Anything else is a bonus.

We have a nasty habit of giving the ball away in stupid places and conceding from it recently.

The Spain result proved we need everybody to turn up if we are to stand a chance. Nobody has turned up here.

Oooo a lifeline. Munro pounces on his own miss and slots it into an open goal. Good to see him get a goal as I don't think the Tuvalu goals counted towards anything for him. Wonder if its because they aren't FIFA recognised.

We were battered up until the goal and then enjoyed a very dominant spell. Ray of hope?

We seemingly just wanted to give them a head start. Since we went 2 down we have been brilliant. Che Adams with the goal. 

We couldn't complete the turnaround but that's a brilliant effort.

Spain and Croatia drew in the end so a win wouldn't have been enough anyway. Overall, very happy with how that went in the end. Most goals scored and most conceded.

[andychar]

Nations League Round Up

We start with a huge shock! Ireland through to the Knockouts and with that Group they were favourites to be whipping boys.

Now if FM is accurate then the Euro Qualifiers will be Seeded by these Groups meaning Pot 1 (Top 10) will consist of the 4 Group Winners, all 4 Group Runner Ups, Holland and....Us. We have a chance of being the Top Seed in the next set of Qualifiers!

All 4 teams who are coming up we haven't faced yet which is good. I also think we will be 3rd Seeds for the next one and we will fancy our chances against all of these teams. Sweden, Romania and Israel, all teams we have history with in the same group. Good showing by Albania and Kosovo.

Lithuania go up in what was a poor group. Austria still can't catch a break! Finland and Azerbaijan I think maybe favourites to stay up via the playoffs. We will find out in 2027.

Latvia drew with San Marino and still managed to go up! Malta the other team in what is an absolutely pointless Group! (No offence Gibraltar and Andorra)

[andychar]

126 days until we play again, hopefully the Friendlies will survive and then I'm sure the Euro Qualifying Draws will be made. The best case scenario soon is Scotland hosting something. I could get so many Countries ticked off then with random Friendlies!

[andychar]

I was right! 1st Seeds!

F*** You Finland - Scottish Fans (Apparently)

It could have been worse, Denmark will be a tricky tie but its Top 2 that get through so that should be very straight forward. And the best thing. All 4 teams need ticking off. So I'm happy.

[andychar]

On paper it should be 2 Countries off the list and a good start to the Euro Qualifiers.

The absolute usual 3. I can't see this changing any time soon really.

Didn't realise how few defenders I called up here. No surprises, nothing new.

We have had a good glut of Midfielders come through, Hunter has the potential to be use. Decided to recall Armstong but I don't think he is good enough anymore.

Gauld won't be played as a Striker. Brotherston might play but at the moment he's older and worse than Munro so I don't see any reason why. Just wanted to give a new player a chance.

[andychar]

Friendly

Cape Verde (h)

Should be a win on paper. Thought that against Canada!

Some bigger names start on the bench. I'm weary of the Competitive fixture and don't want to lose players due to Fatigue.

Oh my that is some goal from Fiorini. Good way to start the scoring.

Gave Armstrong the start. He delivers from the spot. Might be the last time we see him so a nice end. Just too many youngsters coming through to even justify his inclusion. I'm worried its the same for John McGinn!

And just like that John McGinn scores.

Good half of football.

I was wrong earlier by the way. We have played Georgia before and ticked them off.

Alex Lowry came on at HT and took 4 minutes to score.

Armstrong doing everything he can to prove he has a spot in the squad.

Can't seem to keep a clean sheet at the moment.

Comeback.

Last goal winner!

Job done.

 

[andychar]

Euro 2028 Qualifying

Georgia (h)

On paper it should be a win. Georgia started their campaign with a 9-0 thrashing of Liechtenstein.

Historically in real life Georgia has been a banana peel so we can't just assume its done and dusted.

Nothing surprising here.

Patterson suspended from the end of the Nations League so Tierney goes on the right. Means Porteous gets his first cap for us in a while. Technically Adams is the best player in that position so I'm going to continue this experiment of playing him on the wing and Munro up front. McGinn misses out over Hunter, mainly made the decision based on age. Need to blood these youngsters.

The ball bounces around the box until it finally falls to Hickey of all people who smashes it home. A celebration more of relief than joy at this time.

I'd like a second please!

Thank you. Turnbull. Good finish.

Munro had the ball in the net minutes before but it was chalked off. This time no mistake. Lovely goal and control for us.

Munro could have had an 8 minute hattrick if it wasn't for that meddling linesman. Comfy win.

Shaping us pretty much as expected. Us and Denmark should be comfortably through here.

[andychar]

In order to create tension. There will be a surprising name in the next Call Up....

[Herr Müller]

Kenny Miller for sure!

[andychar]

Just now, Herr Müller said:

Kenny Miller for sure!

Oh imagine the scenes!

On the off chance he would reverse his decision I gave Andrew Robertson a call. He said he would come bak for his Country! Every Scottish person rejoiced, apart from maybe Hickey!

Injury keeps out Gilmour, Patterson and Gauld.

Jordan Archer deserves to warm a seat.

With Patterson injured at least Hickey gets the call up. Nice to see Andrew Robertson will reach 100 caps.

I've called Ewan Fraser up cos I will want to give players rest for the friendly at the end of the break. Other than that no real surprises.

I do think we are going to be in safe hands going forward.

I still have hopes of convincing this Nigerian to come over to the dark side. No luck so far!

[Deisler26]

Still no other callup of Kieran Bowie

[DaneBramage]

Enjoying this so far. Fun seeing the names being ticked off the list.

Still hoping for a hilarious unexpected loss to some minnow nation though... come on Malawi!

[andychar]

Euro 2028 Qualifying 

Denmark (a)

The hardest game in our Group and we get it out the way early. Could be a close call this one, certainly not a guarenteed win. Chance to tick a Country off the list that has previous alluded us!

We go into this game as the underdogs. Home field advantage probably coming into effect.

Honestly think this could go either way. But we can't panic if it doesn't go our way. Qualification is still easily achieved.

No real surprises i don't think. With Patterson injured its good for Hickey as he keeps his slot and Tierney goes in CB so we can welcome Andy Robertson back into the fold. Hunter starts ahead of McGinn.

We haven't been at our best. Second best throughout. Munro missed the best chance when he stole the ball to go straight but hit it straight at the keeper.

We just haven't been good enough today. Goal conceded from a corner.

6 minutes later we are level. Munro played through, doesn't miss this time.

Well you don't save those.

Too many players went missing. Too many players missed very good chances. Very disappointing result and performance.

[andychar]

17 hours ago, Deisler26 said:

Still no other callup of Kieran Bowie

Would you be calling this up . He didn't even make an apperance for Fulham before being shipped to AFC Wimbledon. 

17 hours ago, DaneBramage said:

Enjoying this so far. Fun seeing the names being ticked off the list.

Still hoping for a hilarious unexpected loss to some minnow nation though... come on Malawi!

We drew 0-0 with Canada, that was embarssing enough!

[andychar]

Euro 2028 Qualifying

Iceland (h)

Back to games we should be winning. The loss against Denmark was poor but this is a good chance to bounce back. I have a feeling we will beat Denmark no worries at home to tick them off the list and finish top of the Group on head to head.

Iceland aren't the same team they were then they beat England so this should be a win.

Anything less than a win and we enter disaster territory.

Despite the poor performance I've decided to keep the same starting XI. Give them another chance. I'm a generous God.

Munro. That's more like it. Great start.

Silly mistake by them and Che Adams pounces. 

Munro again. Good way to bounce back.

Andrew Robertson. Welcome home.

Good half of football. Smiles back around Hampden.

Another screamer. Annoyed by our inability to keep a clean sheet.

That is an absolute beaut from Aaron Hickey. Much like Tierney's World Cup best goal.

Job done. Another Country off the list.

It's going to be very straightforward getting out this Group. Would like to top it though.

[andychar]

Friendly

Malawi

I very much hope to disappoint one certain reader with this result.

Its a team selection that screams "We should win this easily".

Buchan with the fast start.

Buchan gets his second.

Alex Lowry enjoying a start gets on the scoresheet.

Munro's turn to get in on the act.

Munro pounces quickest off his own miss. 

On course for 10?

Hickey has a habit of recently of scoring really good goals. Long may it continue.

Munro completes his hattrick.

Munro gets his 4th. 10 is looking unlikely.

Nice to not only keep a clean sheet but stop them having a single shot. Good game and another Country ticked off.

[andychar]

Now this break should be an absolute walk in the park.

First team Aaron Hickey hasn't been called up to since Andrew Robertson came back. He's not a happy chappy.

Bit with it being Vanuatu and Liechtenstein I thought I could make a few gambles.

Hibs have ruined Murray Johnson by not making him the starter. Kelly will be the starter now for a long time I fear.

I've given up on the good youthful Nigerian. He's made an apperance for Nigeria in a Friendly so its only a matter of time. We need fresh blood soon. The wingers are fine. Its the middle I'm concerned about.

2 new recruits. Likely to play at some point in either game. Lots of players over 30 here. Am I in danger of not moving on quick enough? Robertson, McGregor, Christie all continue to do good jobs for us so it seems silly moving on for moving on sake?

Another young attacker I wanted a look at. One position we are spoilt for choice for and might be for the next 2 decades! Munro's record is unreal.

[andychar]

We have managed to convince this guy to choose us over France. I wanted him before the Swuad was announced. He will be called up and play in a Competitive fixture ASAP.

[andychar]

Squad

So it occured to me I am showing you all these players without any context really. So here are the stats of selected players. You'll know all about the likes or Robertson and McGinn etc...

He could have been so good!

Hunter missed out through injury this time.

Laidlaw missed out so I could look at Nairn.

Any more you want to see let me know.

[andychar]

Friendly

Vanuatu

The potential to tick off the first from the OFC.

Some unseen names on this list. We should beat Vanuatu with ease surely!

Alex Lowry with a lovely free kick opens the scoring.

Nairn picks up a debut goal. Lovely stuff.

Lowry doubles his tally. He's in good scoring form...against Minnows.

Well its not been an instant classic. But we are in the drivers seat. All we can ask for really.

Lowry bags a hattrick. Great performance.

Job done. Nothing else really to say about it.

[andychar]

Euro 2028 Qualifying

Liechtenstein (a)

I will be throwing a full strength squad at this. Georgia beat them 9-0. I want 10! Denmark still haven't sat a game out so before this game we are 9 points behind them with 2 games in hand. 

Gilmour is a little fatigued so its John McGinn who starts. Other than that no surprises at all. Robertson will pick up his 101st Cap after hitting the Century as a sub against Vanuatu. Just as he dreamed of.

4 minutes previous Munro thought he had opened the scoring but it was ruled out. This time no mistake.

Munro again. Floodgates opening?

Munro 12 minute hattrick. I was just slacking in the capture.

Ryan Christie will a lovely goal. He continues to do a job for us.

Turnbull with the free kick. 10?

Munro with his 4th. I think that's now a goal a cap.

Great half of football. We want 10! We want 10!

Turnbull with another stunning free kick. 

Munro with his 5th. Its dark because I was asked if I still wanted to make changes. I did.

Turnbull with the hattrick. He deserves it.

Liam Morrison! 10!

Turnbull with a 4th. He's been unreal today.

Absolutely delighted. Finally hit 10 and then some.

An injury time winner for Georgia over Iceland keeps them at our heels. No room for error.

[andychar]

The next break features a sudden must win game. Georgia away. Losing it would put us under immense pressure.

The usual 3. Kelly obviously will get his 39th and 40th cap.

Tierney misses out so Hickey was obviously back in the frame. I'm getting that desperate for CB's that Ross McCrorie has been called up. Welsh and Morrison are the starters and its not even close at this point.

Midfield continues to be sterong. Hunter and Buchan are going to be the future, no question there.

Its getting harder and harder to argue Adams should be leading the line. Its Munro's to lose.

[andychar]

Euro 2028 Qualifying

Georgia (a)

Ticked off years ago, this is about making sure the passage into the Euro's is as safe as possible. A draw wouldn't be ideal but it would do I think.

We are favourites. I have a bad feeling. I don't know why, can't put my finger on it. Just have a bad feeling. 2 away games in a row here before we finish off 2 games at Hampden.

One change from the last game. Morrison comes in for the injured Tierney.

Georgia started strong but we just demostrated route one. Kelly with the assist. Munro with the goal.

Munro doubles our lead. Its not been as comfy as it appears.

Christie with a nice goal. Ok now its comfy.

Real comfy. Christie with his second.

They deserve it.

Talk about switching off! Suddenly this game isn't looking comfy!

Interesting 2nd half in store.

Christie gets his hattrick and its more relief than anything.

Job done I suppose. That will see us through even though its not yet set in stone.

 

[andychar]

Euro 2028 Qualifying

Iceland (a)

Another on paper game we should be fine with.

Although not as odds on as I would have liked really.

A few changes. Welsh suspended so in comes Hamilton, Porteous replaces a tired Morrison and Gilmour comes in for a tired McGregor.

Now he's on the wing his goals are few and far between but its Che Adams who pops up with a good goal and a good start.

Silly penalty to give away and suddenly we any chance of finishing top look to be over.

Hat full of chances missed. Its not been the most encouraging of International Breaks.

A screamer of a goal and I have water bottle on standbye.

Absolutel p*** poor performance. Embarssing.

We won't finish top. The only think we are playing for now is to tick Denmark off the list. Its been a very worrying qualification really. We should have walked this group.

[andychar]

Well done. It was a s*** loss against a poor Nation. *Slow clap*

[andychar]

Right here we go. Last Break of the year. Get this wrapped up and Qualification done and dusted.

Tierney also misses out due to a 2nd injury. Not his luck at the moment.

No point me even showing this anymore.

No Tierney once again means Hickey gets the call up. No change on who the back 4 are going to be.

McGinn getting closer to his Century. Campbell gets the call up, will probably feature at some point.

Same 3 here. 

[andychar]

Euro 2028 Qualifying

Denmark (h)

After the Iceland game anything less than a win here isn't good enough. Tick this Country off the list and at least we will have completed the Group we were given, its our 3rd attempt against Denmark. Feels like we shouldn't be struggling against the likes of Denmark but here we are!

We are not favourites and after the shambles of the last game I'm not surprised. If we play at our best we should win.

Morrison isn't 100% so Porteous comes in. Gilmour beats McGinn to the start, other than that its as you were.

Munro is really coming into his own as our main striker. He gives us the start we needed.

We should be more than 1 up. Munro has missed some chances! Lets hope it doesn't come back to bite us.

We deserve the win. Would have liked more goals but we got the win. That Iceland loss the only thing stopping us from finishing top. Can't dwell. Finally ticked Denmark off the list.

[andychar]

Nice to make it Official.

[andychar]

Euro 2028 Qualifying

Liechtenstein (h)

At least we get to finish with a flurry of goals (one would hope).

I think they are the longest odds we have played against.

King, Hickey, Hunter, Campbell, Lowry and Buchan come in. For old times sake Adams gets the nod up front. Pad those stats son.

We've been banging on the door and finally Che Adams fires us into the lead.

An own goal this time. They all count!

Lowry finishes off a good move.

Che Adams has the easiest job in the World and knocks it into an open goal.

Penalty and Che Adams completes his hattrick.

Che Adams gets a 4th. He's enjoying himself out there.

Hunter scores a stunning long range effort.

Che Adams makes it 5 on the night for him.

I think we might hit 10.

Welsh off the bench heads home. 10 not a foregone conclusion anymore!

Gauld also off the bench makes it 10.

He quicky adds a second to match our away performance against them.

Nice way to finish.

Not perfect but it will do.

[andychar]

Euro 2028 Qualifying Round Up

A huge shock in Group A as Germany fail to qualify. Heartbreak for both Bosnia and Kosovo who miss out on the Final game.

Wales maybe a surprise to not do better in their group.

Another shock as Belgium miss out behind Poland. Albania a surprise in their hotly contested group. Bulgaria missing out on the head to head.

No other real surprises. There are the Playoffs to come so lets expect the bigger names to still be there.

[andychar]

Load of Friendlies created but I'm expecting draws for both the Nations League and Euro 2028.

At the moment thought the calendar looks like this...

Its a rowdy bunch.

[andychar]

2 winnable Friendlies kick off 2028. No draws yet which surprises me.

Always one isn't there!

  

Still the usual 3. Kelly is going to have to be wrestled away from his number 1 post.

Nobody new or surprising. Only 3 30 or older which is good I suppose, and one has already tried to retire once!

3 more over 30s here. I'm not worried about the future of the midfield really.

Certainly not worried here.

I don't think games against Teams who aren't listed the Rankings count towards any caps or goals.

[andychar]

Friendly

Northern Mariana Islands

Surely if there's a game we expect 20 goals in its this one.

Obviously giving some fringe players a chance here. No stats to pad.

Took longer to get going than anticipated but once we did it got going well. Christie with both goals.

Ryan Christie completes a 4 minute hattrick from the penalty spot.

Nairn makes it 4. Technically he's now 2 in 2 but it won't show.

Buchan gets on in the act.

Buchan's powerful shot too much for the keeper to handle.

Nairn get's his second just before the break.

What we expected really.

Erhahon with a lovely curling shot. No chance keeper.

Alex Lowry finally joins in on the scoring after numerous assists.

Nairn grabs his well deserved hattrick.

And then adds his 4th.

And then his 5th after a long period without a goal.

Our biggest win of the save. Another Country ticked off.

[andychar]

Never mind the save, the biggest win in History.

[BML]

Enjoying this story so far, good luck getting those weird little countries that don't want to travel!

Are you still running Scotland only? I expect you're missing out on a fair few newgens coming through without all levels of the UK running in full. Could help solve your defensive issues, especially as a load of players will get generated with the leagues turning on.

[andychar]

Friendly

South Sudan (h)

Only the one change because most other players have 45 minutes only! Munro comes in for Nairn.

Lowry loves a goal at the moment. He opens the scoring.

Christie from the spot.

Ooft an OG.

Munro finally joins the party.

Solid half of football.

Buchan bullies his way through.

Munro doubles his tally.

And Lowry doubles his.

Goals are flying in now. Munro hattrick.

Munro gets his 4th. I can barely keep up!

Lowry get his hattrick.

Munro with the icing. His 30th for Scotland.

That'll do pig!

[andychar]

38 minutes ago, BML said:

Enjoying this story so far, good luck getting those weird little countries that don't want to travel!

Are you still running Scotland only? I expect you're missing out on a fair few newgens coming through without all levels of the UK running in full. Could help solve your defensive issues, especially as a load of players will get generated with the leagues turning on.

Why thank you, I'm hoping there is a work around those Nations. Maybe I need to wait for Scotland to move closer to these places in 10,000 years.

I'm running all of Scotland but I've also loaded up all Scottish Players so hopefully nobody will fall through the cracks.

[andychar]

Nations League Round Up

The Finals and the Relegation was completed.

Moldova and Finland keep their place in Division C while the other two are relegated to the bottom tier.

Ireland took Portugal all the way but fell just short. England took home the crown for the first time in their History.

[andychar]

Ok now that could have been much worse. We should be finishing 2nd in that group at least.

Group F very much the Group of Death. Poor Ukraine. Group D the one which is hardest to call. 

I am very happy. 2 chances to tick teams off the list just in the Group Stage.

[andychar]

Obviously welcoming African and Asian teams is the way to prepare for a European Championship.

[andychar]

Nations League Draw

Its coming up. I can see it on the calendar. I hope we are 3rd seed. If we are then I fancy my chances of staying up again.

Not a lot of information! No seeds it seems. Lets just see what happens!

Alrighty well. I don't think we will be heading into the knockouts but we have to believe we can beat Ukraine to stay in the Division. 

What's more is its 3 teams I've yet to tick off so more chances to do just that. Can't grumble.

Poor Wales. They are the only team out the 16 I'd look at and think "yep, you're screwed".

 

 

[andychar]

Euro 2028 Squad

This is the moment I get to call a bigger squad and then have to cut them without a single ball being kicked, Fun times.

Its good that I've got Liam Kelly for another 8 years!

Steven McGurk could be the defender we have been waiting for! Certainly wanted a look at him and he will probably get his first cap in a Friendly. 

Brannan O'Hare will probbaly miss the cut and not get his first cap. Other than that, no surprises really.

So it turns out that game against a non FIFA Nation did count towards caps cos look at Nairn's bloated goals to cap ratio! Munro will beat Adams and probably get 100 goals and more for Scotland. He's been a find and a half, shame for the others really as they won't get much of a look in in the bigger games.

I will need to cut some names before we play Oman. We have a chance to tick off at least 5 Nations during the Euros. That would be lovely.

Doig, King, Campbell and O'Hare were easy calls. Gauld and Laidlaw lost out to Nairn while Erhahon was in until the last second when I realised I needed a 3rd striker more if I planned to use Che Adams on the wing. Which is why Nairn was picked.

[andychar]

Friendly

Oman

The first of 3 friendlies before the start of Euro 2028.

Historically we haven't been at our best in these warm up Friendlies. We have a chance to tick off 3 Countries here. I don't want to miss it.

Its not the strongest team at our disposal but its one that should get the job done.

Nairn fires 2 in quick succession to give us control of the game.

Buchan makes it 3 and we are cruise control.

Me thinks it might be job done already.

Nairn completes his hattrick. His goal to cap ratio getting even more ridiculous.

Gilmour adds a 5th from the spot.

Lowry comes off the bench to make it 6. His record has been great recently. 

Munro also off the bench couldn't help himself.

Job done. I don't know why but I wasn't expecting it to be so high. Happy as Larry there.

[andychar]

Friendly 

Togo

We welcome a few African Nations to Scotland next. Starting with Togo. A World Cup in their past but have fallen off the radar. This should be a win.

A few changes. Welsh and Robertson come in. McTominay starts at CM. Munro and Lowry start. Nairn keeps his place. I think his scoring record is going to be ridiculous after these Friendlies!

Lowry from the spot.

McGurk! The CB. Scores on only his 2nd apperances for Scotland.

Nairn gets on the scoresheet.

Dylan Munro, even on the wing, knows where the goal is.

Started slow but soon fired up!

A penalty gives the visitors a tiny lifeline.

Well we weren't at our dominating best but its a win.

[andychar]

Friendly

Madagascar

The last friendly before the serious business can commence. Again, this should be a straight forward win really.

Tierney starts with Porteous coming back in. Turnbull and McGinn partner in midfield Che Adams starts with Christie also coming in. Nairn, not likely to play much in the Euros gets his possibly final start.

Hunter with a rare goal for him.

Nairn continues his fine goalscoring run.

After a very fast start things have died down a little bit. Not a great game. Hopefully we can bag a few more goals. A Madagascar goal and things will get edgy...if they manage a shot anyway.

Che Adams puts the game beyond doubt.

Nairn has had 2 goals chalked off. Well he adds his second finally to add some gloss.

We probably should have scored more! But can't grumble. Job done. A solid 3 for 3.

Now the serious stuff can begin.

[andychar]

Euro 2028

Montenegro (n)

We start our campaign with a game against Montenegro. 

We are clear favourites on paper and this is obviously the easy game of the Group. No pressure to win it then!

The Hosts Italy open the Tournament with a game against Greece the day before we play...

It went pretty much as expected.

We are Day 2. Lets get off to the best possible start and more importantly, kick another Country off the list. Update follows the end of the Tournament.

We have our strongest XI avaliable to us. No excuses here.

Good work from Christie, he plays Munro through who finishes calmly. Great start.

Billy Gilmour scores a screamer! We've only had 2 shots on goals so far.

A blow just before half time. Loss of concentration gives Montenegro a way back into the game.

We've been on top without really dominating. Hopefully we can kick on in the second half or at least hold on for the win.

Our expectation is Second Round. I imagine if I do manage that it will be save over.

Great work again by Christie but this time he finishes it himself. Cushion restored!

Munro finishes to complete a stunning counter attack. 

Might not be enough today but a 3 GD is better than a 2 GD further down the line!

That's better! Munro completes his Hat Trick. Great start to the Tournament for him.

Job well done and even that should be enough for the knockouts surely!?

Albania produced a very good comeback to secure a point against Portugal. Spain, no worries.

Does mean we cheekily top Group B after 1. Spain next.

Edited November 8, 2022 by andychar

[andychar]

Euro 2028

Day 3 of the Tournament saw some interesting games.

Ireland only denied by a late Haaland winner. France also ran close. Maybe not as cut and dry as we think that group. 

Day 4 saw 3 more games. 

Slovakia with maybe a surprise? World Cup finalists Holland couldn't hold off 10 man Poland.

Day 5 was the end of the first round of games.

England dispatching of an old enemy and Ukraine showing us maybe we should be a little scared of them come the Nations League later in the year.

Day 6 was the start of the second round of games and Countries would start to qualify while others would have to wait nervously for the final round.

It took a late goal for Slovenia to beat Montenegro. While Albania put up yet another point. It would be typical if they lost to Greece now. No team from Group A officially through but Portugal and Italy are fairly certain of a spot.

We are Day 7.