Thursday, September 07, 2006

We're on the march with Walter's army

Two games played and Scotland sit proudly atop their Euro 2008 qualifying group. And, for those of you who haven't noticed, this is a group containing world champions Italy, World Cup runners-up France and quarter-finalist Ukraine.

Admittedly, opening the campaign with a home match against the Faroe Islands and an away encounter with Lithuania wasn't the hardest way to ease Walter Smith's side into competitive competition.

But those victories will have given the side a massive confidence boost ahead of the tougher ties against the big boys.

What is most enjoyable about Scotland's recent performances is their sheer contrast with the miserable efforts of the squad under Berti Vogts. Where once the side's collective heads would have dropped as they endured extended pressure, now we have a team bristling with confidence, eager to impress and desperate to win.

Last night's win over Lithuania, on a 'pitch' more akin to asphalt than to grass, saw determined performances from Paul Hartley, Kenny Miller and Christian Dailly drive the side forward for a deserved and hard-fought three points.

The squad may not be the most technically proficient in our wee country's history, but Walter has cobbled together a squad brimming with enthusiasm and passion, where the players are proud to pull on the jerseys once again.

Our humiliating days as whipping boys of almost every group in which we played are behind us, and I would imagine that France and Italy, if not exactly quaking in their boots, will be extremely wary of facing a fired-up Scotland.

Though there is little hope of us escaping alive from the group of death, at least we can enter fixtures in an optimistic frame of mind, rather than expecting defeat.

And if we do miraculously qualify for the finals, I'll be heading the queue of people clamouring to have Walter Smith knighted.

No comments: