Scotland’s Remarkable Resurgence: From Euro 2020 to New European Hopes

It’s a story that begins with David Marshall hurling himself low on a soggy Serbian pitch, a moment that seemed to last a lifetime. The ensuing elation, the riotous celebrations, and the empty stadium that bore witness to this historic moment. Conga lines, birthday cakes, and Kieran Tierney taking on the role of a superstar DJ, playing one tune on repeat. For generations, it was a different tune for Scotland, one laden with heartache and misfortune. It was a ballad where even Lewis Capaldi might struggle to find the notes.

From Uri Gellar and his Wembley helicopter plot to Tom Boyd’s infamous moment in Paris, from the heartbreak of Georgia away after beating the world champions twice to the agony of Harry Kane’s equalizer, the Scottish national team had endured it all. It was a tale of perennial near-misses and the cruel hand of fate. Finding out that your two best emerging players both play left-back just added to the woes.

However, the Scots danced off the pitch under a clear Belgrade sky nearly three years ago, and it marked a turning point. The burden that had weighed down this proud nation’s football team for decades seemed to evaporate into the crisp night air. Scotland was back at a major tournament, Euro 2020. And not just that, they had dodged the multiple pitfalls that had awaited them during the Nations League campaign. It was as if the football gods had smiled upon them, ushering in a new era of optimism.

Fast forward 1,065 days, and the atmosphere surrounding the Scottish national team is completely different from that of the underdog squad that barely managed to scrape past Israel on penalties before achieving their Belgrade miracle.

As of now, Steve Clarke’s Scotland finds itself on the verge of another remarkable achievement: a place in the European Championships. It’s a prospect that borders on the surreal for a nation that had endured so much not so long ago. This is a side that has already bested Spain during this extraordinary campaign and doesn’t even need to win the next game to advance. All they require is a slip-up from Norway in their encounter with Cyprus.

But amid all the excitement and jubilation, there’s a voice of reason. Midfielder John McGinn, the man who has been at the heart of Scotland’s resurgence, offers a sobering reminder, “Only our wee country could mess it up from here, so we need to stay calm.”

Indeed, Scotland currently sits at the top of Group A, ahead of the hosts for the upcoming game. Spain is six points behind with a game in hand, and Norway trails by eight points, needing a miraculous sequence of results to surpass Scotland. A single point gained by Scotland or dropped by Norway will seal their fate.

Despite the odds being in their favor, McGinn’s words resonate with the Scottish fans. After all, last month’s 3-1 friendly defeat to England was a stark reality check. Scotland’s performance paled in comparison to the likes of Jude Bellingham-inspired England. Furthermore, Spain, who had initially struggled, have found their footing and recently delivered a resounding 6-0 victory over Cyprus.

The absence of the influential Kieran Tierney, who is nursing an injury, poses an additional challenge. Tierney’s rampaging run was instrumental in defeating Spain earlier in the campaign, making his absence keenly felt in significant games.

Nonetheless, the optimism is palpable, and the Tartan Army’s march through the picturesque streets of Seville is underway. Unlike the tension-filled encounter in Belgrade three years ago, this time there’s no need to hide behind sofas; it’s not a make-or-break situation. Scotland approaches the game against Spain with confidence, knowing that they have already earned credit in the bank.

This game is an opportunity to further solidify Scotland’s resurgence in international football. The fate of Clarke’s team might not be sealed on Thursday, but it represents another step on their remarkable journey. Regardless of the outcome, Scotland has come a long way from the heartache of the past, and there is a sense of newfound hope and excitement in the air. The Scots will face Spain with confidence, little to lose, and the world to gain.

There’s no need to fear the outcome; it’s a celebration of what this Scottish team has achieved. And as the march of the Tartan Army continues, one can’t help but wonder if they’ll be looking for a stand-in DJ to ensure the night ends on a high note.