Scottish journalists were cautious before the game against Ukraine. Many understood that it would be almost impossible to beat Ukraine again devastatingly. And the most difficult game against Ireland showed that the result of the match will depend on many factors, including luck. In general, even before the start of the match, local media believed that Scotland, albeit a little, was stronger than all rivals in the group. Therefore, it is Clark's team that should take first place and advance to Division A.
Nevertheless, Scottish journalists admit that Ukraine played better in this match and should have won, but this does not mean that Scotland did not deserve to get into Division A. They write that according to the results of 6 rounds, it was Clark's team that was the most stable in this group.
A journalist from the Scottish Daily Express website told interesting details about who supported Scotland in the away match with Ukraine. It turns out that most of those who travel to other countries to support the national team are Rangers fans. Next up are the Aberdeen fans. But Celtic fans are only in third place.
“The match with Ukraine was key for Scotland in terms of fighting for first place in the group. The opportunity to play in Division A made everyone live in anticipation of the match. But it was a pleasant expectation, because it was enough for Scotland not to lose to the Ukrainians in order to remain in the first position in the group. The task is not so difficult in light of the fact that Scotland won 3-0 in the first meeting between these teams, which took place quite recently.
An important factor for the Scottish team has always been the support of the fans. And not only at home, but also in away matches. In this regard, interesting statistics have recently been published. It turns out that among those who support Scotland away, the Rangers fans are the most. Despite the fact that they hold the views that Scotland should be part of the UK and are strongly opposed to Scottish nationalists who are desperately trying to separate from England.
Aberdeen fans are in second place. Then Celtic fans, who don't follow the team's progress much, then Hearts, Hiberniana, and so on... In general, interest in the national team continues to fall, especially among young people. And this is despite the fact that in recent years Scotland has been pleased with its results, the team has a perspective and it outperforms strong rivals. But, in any case, as long as there are enough people who love their country, Scotland will always have support in the stadium.”
“A draw against Ukraine helped advance to Division A and ensured Scotland a place in the play-offs in qualifying for Euro 2024,” was the title of the report on the match against Ukraine on The Scottish Sun website. The journalist talks about the fact that Scotland's game was not particularly successful, but the main thing is that they managed not to lose and keep the first place, which will allow them to feel confident during the Euro 2024 draw.
“It was an all or nothing match for Scotland. In the event of a defeat, Clark's team would not just drop to second place and not be able to get into the A division. Everything is much more complicated. Firstly, Scotland did not secure the playoffs. Secondly, it would worsen your chances of getting to the Euro. Thirdly, it would simply have to wait a long time again before such an opportunity would again fall into the elite division of the League of Nations and play there with the best teams.
The game was not impressive from Scotland, but this is due to serious personnel problems. Clarke couldn't take risks in a match with such a strong opponent. He even focused on defense, Scotland could have conceded 3-4 goals. It was a tense match, everything could not end the way Clarke and his team would like, but... That evening, luck was on the side of the Scots. The Ukrainians did not convert their chances and remained in second place. And this means that all the bonuses from the first place went to Scotland. This is a big day for the country."
The journalist of the BBC website, as usual, prepared not only a report on the Ukraine-Scotland match, but also interesting statistics. He also urges not to make a hasty conclusion about the level of the team after the end of this season of the League of Nations. Despite the fact that they managed to draw with Ukraine, Scotland could well have lost, and then everyone would have rushed to criticize the coach for such a cautious game.
An exhausted Scotland have earned promotion to the top league of the League of Nations - and additional bonuses for the upcoming Euro 2024 qualification - after the disciplined and courageous play of the Scots in defense helped them not to lose in the match against Ukraine. Criticism of Steve Clarke for such a cautious play would be a strange phenomenon, because Scotland has lost many important players. Take risks and play to win? It was dangerous. Yes, Ukraine played better, created many chances, but Gordon's excessive extravagance and reliable play helped implement Clarke's plan and draw.
It also helped everyone, if not forget, then at least forgive Scotland for their disappointing defeat in the World Cup play-offs this summer. Thanks to promotion to Division A of the Nations League, Scotland were able to get into the second pot of the qualification draw for Euro 2024. This increases Scotland's chances of participating in another major tournament, which is a great reward for an impressive performance in the Nations League, in which Clark's team played to the limit."
Anton Prokopov