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

[andychar]

Euro 2028

Spain (n)

4th time we have played Spain this save. The last time being that amazing away win which turned around our awful Nations League and helped secure suvival.

We are clearly not favourites here but I am hopeful we can give them a good game. With Slovenia's win its likely we will play them with a guarenteed space in the Knockouts on the line.

No changes to the team that started against Montenegro.

Che Adams puts us in dreamland. There's just something about playing Spain.

There was a VAR check and lucky for us it wasn't a penalty!

Then they scored from the free kick. 

We started brilliantly. The first 10 minutes was all us. Then Spain woke up and took control. The goal was coming. No complaints. Would happily take a point!

At 34 I'm worried he will retire after this Tournament but while we have him I love him. McGregor scores a belter out of nothing. We lead again! Shades of World Cup Quarter Final about this one.

Olmo scores a wonderful goal. Not as late as the World Cup but just as devastating.

92nd minute. Robertson on a yellow does something silly. He will miss the game against Slovenia as we look to see out the last few minutes with 10.

The build up from the resulting free kick ends up the back of the net and right now I'm wishing Robertson had stayed retired. Idiot.

We didn't deserve that at all. So very harsh.

Another narrow defeat for Ireland but Turkey are proven dark horses so far!

Us vs Slovenia. Winner finishes second. Loser faces a nervous wait.

[andychar]

Euro 2028

Day 8 and the hangover hits me hard.

Sweden bounce back from a disappointing start, as do Holland. Switzerland looking good in their defence.

Day 9 saw the end of the 2nd round of Group fixtures.

Denmark are looking strong. While Germany who had to rely on playoffs to even get here are still awaiting their first win.

Day 10 saw Group A come to an end.

Albania amazing qualify from that tough group. Its bad news for everybody else that Portugal with 4 points are on the 3rd place teams. They face a not very nervy wait. They will be through as well.

We are Day 11.

 

[andychar]

Euro 2028

Slovenia (n)

After the late drama against Spain we are left needing a point to guarentee safe passage into the next round. A win would put us in a good position to maybe get a half decent draw in the next round.

The bookies can't really separate us. It could go either way this. I have a feeling a tense 90 are ahead of us.

3 forced changes. Welsh comes in for the suspensed Morrison. Robertson obviously suspended, Tierney goes out wide with Porteous coming in. Heartbreak for Munro. He will likely miss the rest of the Tournament picking up an injury. Adams goes up front and Buchan starts on the wing. This is big.

SI...

Fix this S***

Che Adams fires us into the lead! We've been the better team and deserve that.

The half seemed to go by quickly. Good lead. Would like comfort though!

Billy Gilmour steps up and dispatches a penalty to put us in control.

Lovely goal. Che Adams takes it around the keeper to slot into an empty net and yes I will proceed with the changes thank you.

A free kick from nothing and suddenly its game on again.

A game we never really looked like losing. A good performance and we march into the Knockouts.

Spain won comfortably so they top the Group. It looks how people probably predicted.

Slovenia face a nervy wait. -3 isn't a great GD.

[andychar]

Euro 2028

Day 12 and it was Group C and D's turn to come to a dramatic finish.

More bad news for teams wanting to get through as best 3rd place. Amazingly Turkey top the group on GD after a thrashing of Ireland who turned into the wipping boys. Norway are through. Be a very interesting draw that for somebody who tops the Group.

With 4 Groups completed amazingly Portugal in Group A on 4 points still aren't through. The nerves getting to them now. Slovakia another surprise Group Winner. We are going to get some tasty ties in the Last 16. Not a clue who I can even get!

The Final Group games make up Day 13.

Finally a group that looks normal! World Cup Runners Up Holland bounce back from an opening day draw to top the Group. I can tell you Serbia are out. -3 isn't good enough to see them through. It finally means Portugal claim their place in the knockout.

Germany had to wait until the 93rd minute to book their place in the knockouts. Are they vulnerable? Is this a good time to face them? Ukraine get through thanks to their GD it means Slovenia have been knocked out from our Group.

So the best question is. What does the Last 16 look like?

Well on paper its a brilliant draw. But Albania have shocked everybody so far.

Its the chance to tick another Country off as well.

France v Italy, Norway v England, Spain v Portugal there are some spicy games in the last 16. 

We have a great chance to make our 3rd straight Quarter Final. I don't want to blow it!

[andychar]

Euro 2028

Albania (n)

The knockouts begin! And we will actually be on the opening day of them.

I've clocked a message about who we would face in the Quarter Final if we get there. Its either Turkey or Ukraine. This is a huge opportunity to reach a Major Semi Final.

We can't get ahead of ourselves though. Albania came through a very tricky Group and can't be underestimated.

Before we kicked off the hosts played France...

And were dumped out. Painful early exit for them. Unlucky as well as they actually topped their Group.

Of the starting line up the following 3 are on a yellow and would miss a potential Quarter Final; Patterson (shocker!), Tierney and Turnbull. 

We welcome back Morrison and Robertson meaning Tierney can go back to CB. Other than that no real changes. There are a few on the bench only 1 yellow away from missing but we will cross that bridge when we get to it. Che Adams pciks up his 75th Cap for his Country. Lets hope he marks it with a goal or 2!

Ryan Chrisite! He's been an ever present for me and honestly I don't know what we would do without him sometimes. Big goal!

Buchan wasn't suppose to be a starter. He comes in to replace an injured player but he's making the most of it! Great finish and we take control of the tie!

Good first half but we can't let it get to our heads. Big 2nd half to come.

Was just about to take McGregor off after a subpar performance. Well...he shut me up. He stays on!

Oh it wasn't even McGregor. He had a long ranged shot and it hit Adams on the way in. He gets the goal. McGregor assist!

Surely too little too late but a lifeline for the Albanians.

Erm....nerves! A huge lifeline for the Albanians!

I don't believe what I've just seen. This has come out of absolutely nothing. We were coasting. This is gut wrenching.

We need to somehow pick ourselves up and dust ourselves off because that was just unreal.

They missed the best chance. One on one he hit the post. We are reeling. I think we are holding on for penalties. We were 3-0 up with 6 minutes to go!

CHE ADAMS! IS THAT THE WINNER?

Somebody please check on me. I am not ok.

All that matters here is we are through. That was one of the hardest games to get through! Our first Extra Time win and another Country ticked off.

I mean no offence to the teams we have beaten but they aren't exactly Football Royalty! 

After a penalty shootout and a stunning 4-3 AET game Spain and Portugal was left to round up the day.

And all it took was a 83rd minute own goal. 

A day of drama!

[andychar]

Euro 2028 

Last 16

Spolier Alert

Lets face it. If you had offered me 40th in the World in the Quarters of the Euros with a chance to tick another Country off the list, I would have bit both hands and a nose off.

Its also good that its Turkey cos we play Ukraine in the Nations League so plenty of time to get them ticked off as well.

Sweden pull off what I think is a little bit of a shock. Denmark were looking good and have been spanked. England are looking the most in form team I think and will be tricky to stop.

I asked the question if Germany were vulnerable and the answer is very much yes. Slovakia went 2-0 up before a good come back. A late red left them hanging and an early goal in ET sunk them. The holders and the hosts both out in the Last 16 while the Dutch march on.

I feel there are 2 sides to this Tournament. There's the side that features, France, Spain, England and Holland and then there's the other side that features Us, Turkey, Sweden and Slovakia. Anything can happen here.

Spain v France the stand out game there. 2 games that, on paper, should be straight forward. Then these's us and Turkey fighting to be the surprise package.

[andychar]

Euro 2028

Turkey (n)

I don't know if I've recovered from the Albania game yet. Sweden v England get the Quarter Finals underway.

And it provided no shocks. England looking pretty unbeatable at the moment.

This surprises me. We aren't classed as favourites. Its going to be a tight game. Could go either way. I've also clocked the winner of this game plays the Winner of the game between Holland and Slovakia. England v Scotland Final? Surely not!

The tie of the Round plays before we do...

Another great game that went all the way. 

France play England in the other Semi Final. 

Will we be in the other?

The following starters are on a yellow and would miss a Semi if we got there; 

Tierney, Porteous, Robertson (again!). Christie and Turnbull. 

The following on the bench would miss the Semi with a booking;

Welsh and McGinn

Pretty much given away my starting line up there!

Patterson suspended so Aaron Hickey makes his first start of the Tournament. Welsh and Morrison felt the effects of the last game so its Porteous who comes in. Other than that its the same XI.

We are going to struggle to find an easier passage into the Semi Final. Lets take full advantage.

Neither side has created anything of note. Lots of pop shots and long range efforts. Its tight, its cagey and its nervy. Big 2nd half incoming.

Worth noting which is good. No bookings.

And there it is. The breakthrough. Its not gone our way and honestly I was starting to think neither side wanted to score. Its a long way back from here. Even at 1-0.

We are peppering the goal and their keeper has decided to turn into Gordon Banks for the day.

Well if it wasn't uphill before it is now. Billy Gilmour picks up his 2nd yellow and gets himself sent off. Its looking like one of those days. 13 minutes to go. We need a miracle.

I took a gamble and bought a recovering Munro on and stuck Che Adams on the wing. It was his great work and great cross which lead to 

CHRISTIE'S EQUALISER.

We needed a miracle. We got one. What's the plan now? Hold on? Or go for an unlikely winner?

Do you ever get the feeling this game that no matter what you do or would have done it just wouldn't have gone your way regardless? Penalty to Turkey. Converted. Just seems a cheap shot way of dumping me out here.

No late drama. Barely even a highlight. Honestly I'm bitter. Hope they get spanked.

Holland were taken all the way and despite picking up a red survive.

A 92nd minute penalty is enough to send England to their 3rd Final in a row. Italy beat them on penalties in 2020, Switzerland beat then on penalties in 2024, 3rd time the charm?

My bitterness is somewhat quenched. Holland reach their 2nd major Final in a row. Can they grab the gold this time?

Oh Holland.

Well ever cloud. We break into the Top 15. 2 places behind the highest we have ever been. 

Can't grumble at another Quarter Final but this one reeks of what could have been.

Onto the Nations League we go.

 

[andychar]

The current...

And the future. What if with Munro!

[andychar]

Update

Its been 2 years since the last update so where do we currently stand?

Asia, for some reason, seems to be a Nation I am avoiding. Its not purposefully done I can tell you that.

3/46 completed

Plenty of Africa ticked off now. 

11/54

Don't think I touch any of this part of the World over the past 2 years.

4/35

Obviously this was always going to be the most Yellow. 

I've counted 7 Countries we have played and not beaten so far. 5 of them are there. 

18 down here, honestly looks like more! 

18/54

Finally started on OFC. 

1/11

I'm leaving South America alone because I think we could come across any of them during a World Cup.

2/10

In the others 1 crossed off these past 2 years.

3/16

So overall out of 226 Countries we have beaten....42.

184 to go. 

Its taken me 6 years to cross off 42 which means an average 7 a year. 

Which mean we are roughly 26 years away from completion. That doesn't sound so bad!

[andychar]

We need to dust ourselves off after that disappointment the Nations League starts in 45 days and we play *checks notes* Portugal away. For Fuc......

[andychar]

Please. Argentina. Stop. You are just embarrasing yourself at this point.

[andychar]

So the Nations League comes with 3 Countries to tick off. 2 longshots and 1 realistic.

As you can see we get off to an easy start!

Still nobody to even warm the bench differently.

No changes from the Euro's with McGurk doing enough to keep his place.

The future is looking bright in midfield. No new blood for a few years though.

Gauld picked with midfield more in mind. 

[andychar]

Nations League

Portugal (a)

Zero expectations here. Its us v Ukraine to stay in this Division next season. Anything else is a bonus.

And that's exactly how the bookies see it.

Morrison beats out Welsh for the start next to Tierney. Erhahon gets the nod ahead of McGinn and Hunter. The rest of it, not surprises.

As I've said before no expectations here. Just please don't get mullered.

The start of a mullering!

Bitter blow just before the half and this game is as good as dead.

We haven't been bad really. They have just been dangerous going forward and we really haven't.

Well we went 2-0 down last time we played and came back to 2-2....

We are been awful.

When Tierney and Robertson, the so called best players are sitting on a 6.1 you know something isn't right.

Something to cheer about. I called up a player called Toland from U21s because of an injury and he's popped up with a goal on his debut.

Give me strength.

Morale in this save is at an all time low. And to make matters worse Ukraine beat France. I'm getting serious DeJa Vu here.

[andychar]

Nations League

France (h)

I don't think I'm mentally ready for this fixture!

I feel like I've either hit it or very close to rock bottom at the moment and last time we were here we beat Spain away so you never know. That beign said I'm expecting another thrashing.

2 changes due to fitness levels. McGregor is 35 now and can't handle 2 high intensity matches in the space of a few days. McGinn comes in (the Spring Chicken that he is). Hunter replaces Turnbull. Pray for me.

Only just noticed Jose Mourinho! Turn up for the books!

Hampden erupts. We deserved that. If we beat France I can't see Jose lasting long. Munro with the goal. Nice to see him starting to score against the biggest teams.

We were the better team with France coming alive after the goal.

We haven't done anything this second half and the class of Mbappe was finally too much for us.

Its a solid point but I get the feelings its one that got away.

It took a last minute equaliser for Portugal against Ukraine. Maybe 2 wins over them won't be enough!

[andychar]

We face our biggest game of this Campaign. Ukraine at home. Anything less than a win and I think we can kiss staying up goodbye.

Also decided to go with a new skin. If you look it you can download it here 

 

 

It reminds me of one I used when I did my London Calling save in 2020. Enjoyed that save, enjoyed that skin.

Poor Aaron Hickey, he cannot catch a break.

I'm sick of seeing the same 3 faces!

Robbie Deas has played well this season, he deserves a call up.

McGinn, Christie and McGregor all hit the Century mark the last Window. Congrats to them. Worries me that half this line up is over 30!

Wonder how long it will take Munro to break the scoring record.

 

 

[andychar]

Just a side note. I don't know how good it is how many of the bigger teams are starting to buy Scottish Youth. Will it help or hinder their progress. Out of the 23 in this squad 6 play for major teams in England. While only 3 play for the Old Firm. Just something to be weary of I guess.

[andychar]

Nations League

Ukraine (h)

Its surprises me we are favourites. I think we aren't. Ukraine have looked impressive so far in the Nations League and we...well we haven't. 

Last time we started with 1 point from 3 and still survived. Chance here to get 4 from 9 possible. Wouldn't be horrible at all really.

The press have reminded me that the average age of the Squad is 28. Ideal age that! I'd be surprised if we kept McGregor after the World. Maybe a few others might go as well. Cross it when we come to it.

There is absolutely zero surprise in this line up. Its the strongest I have. Gilmour comes back after Suspension. The entire outlook of the rest of the Nations League rests on this result here.

We have been the better side and finally make it stand up! Che Adams with the goal.

As I mentioned we deserve the lead and really should be more than 1 up but right now I will take anything I can get.

This game is honestly f****** b****** sometimes.

We destroyed them. From start to finish. This game was never close and then suddenly out of nothing they have one attack and score an equaliser. 

Losing patience.

[andychar]

Nations League 

Portugal (h)

Our last home game of this years Nations League and there is a constant sinking feeling. Any other game we would have absolutely spanked the Ukrainians there. But this game is just cruel and its testing every single bit of my limit at the moment.

You are kidding right?

We also lose Munro for this game through injury. Laidlaw has been called up in replacement.

Might be better for my mental health if we just went down!

No surprises here. 

If we play how we did against Ukraine then we will give them a good game!

5th time lucky ticking them all the list? It would be brilliant for morale!

Forced into 2 changes. Made 3. Munro injuried so Adams leads the line with Buchan coming in on the wing. Tierney goes out wide to replace the suspended Patterson while Morrison and Porteous start in CB. Turnbull starts despite not being fully fit. Expectation is at an all time low.

It's been coming. Can't even begin to pretend it hasn't.

That's how you respond. Che Adams doing everything he can to hold onto his record for as long as possible.

We've been up against it which is hardly a surprise. But we are still level. I'd take it obviously.

What a finish! Lowry and Adams with a one two and its Lowry who fires home. Another Hampden eruption.

Christie gives us daylight! Great work by Buchan who puts it on a plate for the winger.

Hold on. Please hold on.

Here we go.

It seems to be when our backs are against the wall we come up with a brilliant result out of nothing. Huge win for this save and the Nations League. We tick off another big player!

We really are at DeJa Vu. We play Ukraine away next and if we win we would go into the Final Round of games top of this Group. If we lose we could be bottom. I both love it and hate it.

[andychar]

The one thing I really like about the Nations League is the quick turnaround between games. 2 games every month.

I won't hear a bad word said about McGregor!

We also lose Billy Gilmour through injury.

The youngest player in the National Pool at the moment is 23. Its not looking good.

Tierney should hit 100 caps this window. Brannan O'Hare deserves a call up as does Deas. 

Youth mixed with experience. Those 20 caps for Hunter and Lowry have gone quickly!

I can see the 3 here being as repetitive as the GK 3.

[deltablue]

It's interesting actually following the major tournaments.

[andychar]

Nations League

Ukraine (a)

The equation is simple. If we beat Ukraine we will be safe. No matter what happens in the other game we will be safe. I'm 99% sure. If we lose then we will have to go to France and get something. Lets do it now eh.

We battered them at home and lost points to a late undeserved equaliser. If we repeat the performance here I'm confident we will win and tick another Country off!

Its going to be a close game. Could really go either way.

Deas a surprise starter. McGinn beats out Hunter. Other than that there's not real surprises. Huge game this.

We had 1 good chance at the start which the keeper saved. Since then its been dull. Big 45 coming up.

A cool finish from Munro gives us a huge lead.

Job done! We are safe! We actually have a chance of qualifying for the Knockout Round which would be unreal. Only issue is we need to beat France in France in order to even have a chance. 

[andychar]

6 minutes ago, deltablue said:

It's interesting actually following the major tournaments.

Its the strange decline of Germany that has surprised me.

[andychar]

Nations League

France (a)

Annoyingly I lost all the screenshots and progress on this post at half time. This is where we are currently at...

We took the lead through Munro after a brilliant Lowry assist. They equalised 5 minutes later with their first meaningful attack. Then things got crazy. First Hunter fired us back into the lead with an abolute thunderbolt. Then Lowry turned scorer to give us a cushion before Munro got his 2nd and sent us into absolute dreamland. 

Portugal are winning at the moment so we aren't likely to finish top but what a result this would be if we could hold on.

A Tierney mistake gives them a lifeline.

Oh no.

What is happening!? Che Adams gets in on the act and restores our cushion.

15 minutes to hold on.

Unreal. What a game of football. I need a lie down.

Its another big Nation ticked off the list. Keep them coming!

Could Ukraine pull off the comeback?

No is the short answer. The long answer is nooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo.

What a fantastic Nations League it turned out to be in the end with 3 wins in a row to close it. France shockingly relegated.

[BML]

1 hour ago, andychar said:

Just a side note. I don't know how good it is how many of the bigger teams are starting to buy Scottish Youth. Will it help or hinder their progress. Out of the 23 in this squad 6 play for major teams in England. While only 3 play for the Old Firm. Just something to be weary of I guess.

They should benefit from the better training facilities and staff, you'd need to watch out for lack of gametime.

Maybe time to activate those countries/leagues to help their development? A wider pool of active teams could also help with potential loans for them etc.

[andychar]

2 minutes ago, BML said:

They should benefit from the better training facilities and staff, you'd need to watch out for lack of gametime.

Maybe time to activate those countries/leagues to help their development? A wider pool of active teams could also help with potential loans for them etc.

I think you might be right. Premier League at least anyway.

[andychar]

Taking into account the advice from @BML I have added the above Nations. I will keep an eye on which club each player is currently playing for and load when needed. 

[andychar]

Not really surprised by this!

The next thing will be World Cup 2030 Qualifying. We should be 1st Seeds which will be a massive boost as only the Top Team is Guarenteed. Spain are the hosts.

[andychar]

Nations League Round Up

Whose up and whose down?

I mentioned I was worried for Wales and it proved to be correct! Technically we were the 5th best team in this years competition. Norway and France the surprise relegations in my eyes. Turkey continue to impress. There are some teams here I wouldn't mind facing next time!

Not a surprise that Belgium managed to bounce back straight away, same with Croatia although they were took all the way. Some tricky 2nd seeds there that I'd like to avoid if at all possible. No surprise in any of those relegations either.

Cyprus perhaps the biggest surprise in going up to the 2nd tier. Don't fancy Malta or Moldova's chances in staying up.

The 2 teams that went down last time are back up. No real surprises.

[andychar]

So there's over 120 days until our next Window which currently consists of 2 very easy Friendlies. Lets see what happens once the World Cup Qualifying Groups are drawn.

[andychar]

Come on now Scots. Play the game. We have already beaten Georgia and Slovakia. We need Wales!

A chance for revenge! Oh how sweet it is!

Overall very happy with that draw. We can tick off every single one of them so its good for the save. We should finish top. Failing that, we should be one of the better runner ups.

What we thinking then?

Group A - Croatia with Wales an easy Runner Up
Group B - Germany should be winning it with interesting ties between Austria, Czech Republic and Kosovo
Group C - Holland then nobody qualifies as Runner Up
Group D - Belgium and Sweden an easy Runner Up
Group E - Portugal then a toss up between Denmark and Ireland
Group F - England with no other qualifier
Group G - France and Switzerland easy runner up
Group H - Easily the trickiest to guess. Norway and then nobody else cos they all take points off each other
Group I - Scotland then Turkey getting through
Group J - Italy by a Country mile!

[andychar]

We will start our World Cup Qualifying Campaign with the hardest game on paper. Turkey away. A chance at revenge from the Euros. I won't be taking this game lightly. I can be accused of assuming we would beat them and get to the Semis a year ago.

I hate Hibs for what they have done to Murray Johnson.

I would be surprised to see Robertson retire once again after this World Cup. I'll try and pursuade him not to of course. While he is still one of the best Scottish players around it seems silly to let him go! O'Hare might just get the nod against Bulgaria.

Should I be worried about the lack of new blood coming through? 

Certainly not worried here. Munro's more than 1 goal per cap is still impressive considering he's started against some big teams. Nairn's is starting to look more realistic.

[andychar]

World Cup 2030 Qualifying

Turkey (a)

I am that desperate for revenge here its scary. But we need to remember a negative result here doesn't really mean much in the long run.

Not surprised by this based on the last game and the fact they are at home.

Patterson suspended (when is he ever not!). So Hickey starts. Other than that no shocks. Hunter beats out Gilmour for a spot.

Kelly helpless as a deflection takes it away from him. Bad start.

We weren't behind for long. Munro doing what he does best. Evading defenders and slotting home.

Turnbull with a powerful finish. First time he's scored in a while. Good time to do it.

Good comeback now we need to kick on and finish the job.

Similar to the goal Munro scored but with a lovely chip at the end.

A counter attack goal finished off by Munro gives us the lead with 10 to play. Big goal this early in qualifying.

Munro puts the game to bed with a chip of his own. Hat trick complete. Revenge complete.

Great performance and a job well done. Tick.

[andychar]

It wasn't a goal but its something I have been eyeing. Very happy. We are officially the best we have ever been! Now can we break into the Top 10? More importantly, can we now arrange a friendly with Mozambique!

Edited November 9, 2022 by andychar

[andychar]

World Cup 2030 Qualifying

Bulgaria (h)

Its 1st v 2nd as the two teams who won their openers meet. 

We are favourites. Odds on as well.

Patterson comes in for Hickey. Gilmour replaces McGregor and Lowry replaces Turnbull.

Not exactly gone to plan so far. A bit of a drab first half. Not quite panic stations just yet. Plenty of time.

It looked like we were going to need a moment of magic and Hunter has given it us. Stunning strike to give us the lead.

Munro off Nairn on and he smashes home our 2nd. Comfort.

I'm starting to think Patterson doesn't like playing for Scotland the amount of suspensions he has. Job done in Glasgow.

Leaves us sitting pretty at the top.

[andychar]

Bit of a gap between International Fixtures. World Cup Qualifying year drags on more than any of them it seems.

Stop questioning my methods!

Bad injury for Robertson means he misses out.

Right, some fresh meat...

Long technically not fresh meat but hey ho. 3 Scottish keepers. 1 plays in England, 1 in Wales the other USA. Go figure.

For the first time this save (rather stupidly its taken me this long) I looked at the NxGen Top 50 and look who appeared on there. 20 year old Bobby Leishman. I mean its a shame he isn't a CB!

Worth a look no?

No fresh meat here but at the moment its not needed. Apart from maybe the 3 34 and over there. Gulp.

Chris Wilkie another in the Top 50 and Its not fair I have all this youth in one position when I only play one up front!

I have high hopes for this lad. 

[andychar]

World Cup 2030 Qualifying

Malta (a)

On paper this should be a thrashing. Football isn't played on paper but still...I expect a thrashing.

Not going to lie I expected to be better odds than this.

Probably the most bizarre lineup I've gone with for a while. 2 debutants. Nairn up front. Deas in the heart of the defence and John McGinn gets a start. Absolute wild.

Well this wasn't part of the script. I can't even say we have been dominating because we haven't. Just a poor performance so far. Disjointed with too many changes purhaps?

Recused by a penalty. Gilmour always cool and calm from the spot.

Munro comes on for the disappointing Nairn and bags a goal. Finally a bit of comfort.

Don't think we deserve it but I'll take it. Another sub Turnbull.

We are being flattered now. Munro gives me a reason never to drop him again.

He got booked in the first minute of his debut and then with seconds to go he bags a goal! Leishman with a dream debut in the end.

Dominant second half and a nice win, albeit slightly more nervy than it could have been!

[andychar]

World Cup 2030 Qualifying

Northern Ireland (h)

The last of the Group we have yet to beat. It will be a good year if we can tick these 4 off and 2 Friendlies later on in the year. It will keep us on course certainly with World Cup year next year and a chance to tick off more.

Expect a boat load of changes here.

We are favourites and should be winning.

Patterson, Tierney, McGregor, Christie, Munro all come in to start. Big calls. Buchan starts ahead of Adams. I dream of a time Munro plays on the wing with Wilkie or Nairn up front. But it doesn't make sense to do that just yet when Christie is still firing on all cyclinders. Deas impressed me against Malta, he keeps his place.

Ball falls kindly to Munro who fires it home. Great start.

Well the ref hsa certainly been busy. Is this game going to finish 11v10? Would like a 2nd just to ease the nerves.

Ryan Christie is the gift that keeps on giving. Comfort.

Just enough time for Lowry to put some icing on the cake.

An easy game made easier with the red card. Still, a good performance.

We have played 1 more than everybody but that gap is huge. A few more wins and its in the bag.

[andychar]

I found somebody who had seemingly fell through the cracks!

Hardwick!

Not a clue how he managed to get through the cracks. Not a single call up.

McTominay hasn't really featured much. Its time to move on from him I think.

Kelly still uncontested.

I have called O'Hare up a lot and he's still awaiting his first cap. We play Bangladesh in this break. Will be finally get his dream debut?

Its literally just cottoned on why he slipped through the cracks. He's only a AML and I have never searched by them. I wonder how many more I've missed. From the looks he would have been capped at like 16!

Usual threesome here.

Hardwick. Man.

[Deisler26]

I find after every major tournament, I go for the highest priced players of the specific country.

Easy to see where things go wrong then, IMO

[andychar]

World Cup 2030 Qualifying

Turkey (h)

We play Turkey in our only competitive fixture this time around. A win and its pretty much World Cup in the bag.

Bad news here.

We are favourites. We should win.

Hardly a surprise Hardwick straight into the side. So many wasted years not calling him up. I feel so stupid! Other than that there's no surprises really.

Munro wastes no time firing us into the lead.

Christie. The evergreen Christie. We are in control.

If it wasn't revenge last time it is this time. Munro again.

McGregor is still such a big cog in this team and he fires home a 4th.

I mean on paper its been even but we have been at our clinical best. Brilliant 45 minutes of football.

We've let some leads slip in the past. Can you imagine?

Munro completes his hattrick. Brilliant game.

I couldn't get the screenshot before the full time whistle. Brilliant icing on the cake. Welsh scores a rare goal.

The stats tell a different story than the full time result and not a care is had.

[andychar]

11 minutes ago, Deisler26 said:

I find after every major tournament, I go for the highest priced players of the specific country.

Easy to see where things go wrong then, IMO

I had been doing (what I think) was a good job of keeping up with players. But because he is only a AML I never found him. Still a bonehead move.

[andychar]

Friendly

Bangladesh (h)

This should be a thrashing and a nice new Country ticked off the list.

O'Hare finally gets his first cap. As does Ramsay who was only called up because Tierney's injury. Nairn has a chance to bump his stats up once again.

Alex Lowry from the spot.

Lowry with his second. A lovely solo goal.

Hardwick with the goal. So many wasted years.

We are where we need to be at HT.

So many wasted years.

Lowry completes his hattrick.

Hickey with a great long ranged effort.

A penalty. No clean sheet.

Ryan Christie with a lovely goal.

A lovely team goal.

7 goals and Nairn gets none in 90 minutes. Lovely stuff.

[andychar]

We missed a game but this is what the Group looks like. Nice 5 point lead over our nearest challenges but we play them away yet so need to keep it professional.

[andychar]

Two players over the age of 30 have the chance to make their debut. One of them being 33. I know it makes no sense. But I'm just trying some things out.

I'm back in the same position I was before Robertson, Tierney and Patterson. No room for Hickey.

No words needed.

At the moment George Johnston is better than most CB's. This is an aging Defence already with youngest being 27. Worrying times.

Not pictured here but certainly in the squad is Hardwick. Again Liam Henderson is looking good. I hate to say it but...I should have loaded other leagues a lot sooner!

Munro clearly the best striker now. He will overtake Adams very soon.

[andychar]

World Cup 2030 Qualifying

Bulgaria (a)

Suddenly this game is quite big. If we lose then we will be looking over our shoulder for the end of qualifying.

We go into the game as slight underdogs as well. This will be an interesting game. We assumed Turkey would be our rivals. We were wrong.

Welsh gets the start at CB. Lowry ahead of a fatigued Turnbull but no other surprises really.

Bottom line is, if we win we are there.

Hardwick to Lowry. Great start.

I'm not going to lie, our goal was against the run of play. The deserve the goal.

Penalty was descirbed as harsh but it doesn't matter. Not good!

Not a kind team talk coming up.

Hardwick to Munro. Repeat performance. We have been dominant.

Just what the hell is Robertson doing!? Instead of letting the ball go out for a corner he heads the ball back into the box straight to a Bulgarian. Sorry SI but no footballer would ever do this, never mind one of the best defenders in the World.

We didn't deserve to lose and the fact its a crappy piece of ridiculous animation makes it 10x worse.

[andychar]

World Cup 2030 Qualifying

Northern Ireland (a)

This has turned into a tense International break. A defeat here and suddenly we aren't in control of our own destiny anymore. Worrying times ahead potentially. If we win then it will be a home game against Malta to seal qualification. Bulgaria don't play this time so we can't seal qualification today.

We are favourites but I wouldn't exactly call it solid.

We are forced into 2 changes. Welsh and Tierney both suspended. Johnston comes in for his debut and Porteous joins him. Other than that same 11. We weren't horrible against Bulgaria and I'm confident another performance like that and we will be fine.

Great work by Christie down the wing and he finds Hardwick in the box who fires home. A few nerves have been relieved for now.

We have been in complete control but lets face it...we have been here before.

Showing 1-0 still because Callum McGregor misses a glourious chance to put this game to bed from the spot. Nerves jangling.

It wasn't pretty at times but we deserved the win and its a big one. Pretty much takes us there unless Malta pull off an upset to end all upsets.

We play in the next set of games so we can wrap it up before Bulgaria play their game in hand.

[andychar]

Really? Now you questioning Andrew Robertson?!

God I hope Liam Kelly doesn't retire from International Football after the World Cup.

No Hickey again but that's down to injury rather than being left out. Nothing new this time.

I believe that yellows move to the next Competitive game which would be the first game of the World Cup. This will heavily influence my lineup against Malta.

Wilkie beat out Nairn. Decided to go for fresh blood.

[andychar]

World Cup 2030 Qualifying

Malta (h)

If we don't win this and don't top our group because of it then I think this save just needs to end.

Chris Wilkie would have started but he's picked up a little injury ruling him out the game.

As previously mentioned the starting line up will consist of the lowest amount of players on a suspension as possible.

It should be a spanking.

Robbie Deas, Ryan Christie and Korbyn Hardwick are the only 3 starting on a booking. If they can avoid we should be golden.

1 point is enough to secure our place in Spain 2030.

We had to remain patient but its Ryan Christie who fires us into the lead.

So far so good on the booking front. The stats suggest we should be more than 1 goal to the good. Lets put this to bed.

50 minutes on the clock and Malta are down to 10.

Unbelievable.

68th minute and Che Adams has a goal ruled out. I can't believe it but I don't think we are going to win this.

Its taken a moment of magic by David Turnbull to get us back into the lead.

75th minute and Che Adams has another goal ruled out. It should be more comfy than this.

O'Hare finally puts the game to bed.

Job done but my God!

We can now look forward to the draw. Be interesting to see which Pot we find ourselves in.

[andychar]

Friendly

Montserrat (h)

As far as games go, this should be an easy one to finish the year and another Country ticked off the list. 

Other than O'Hare playing instead of Patterson and Porteous in for Tierney this is a strong side. I want 10.

Munro with a good low shot into the corner gets us underway.

McGregor bags a goal while probably thinking "At my age what I am doing here playing this friendly?"

Gilmour makes no mistake from the spot.

Munro gets his 2nd of the game.

Not quite on course for 10 but lets have a big 2nd.

Munro completes his hat trick. On the tail of Adams now.

Che Adams doesn't want to lose that goalscoring record.

But Munro wants it.

Munro bagged his 5th at the death to add gloss to the score. Not 10 but good enough for me.

Bit of a break now before next Window where we play 2 very easy Friendlies. Might be the World Cup draw between them.

[andychar]

Dylan Munro is now 5 behind Che Adams and has scored 53 goals in 46 Scotland Apperances. Unreal record.