Scotland national football team

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Scotland
Shirt badge/Association crest
Association Scottish Football Association
Confederation UEFA (Europe)
Head coach George Burley
Asst coach Terry Butcher
Steven Pressley
Captain Barry Ferguson
Most caps Kenny Dalglish (102)
Top scorer Kenny Dalglish (30)
Denis Law (30)
Home stadium Hampden Park
FIFA code SCO
FIFA ranking 33
Highest FIFA ranking 13[1] (October 2007)
Lowest FIFA ranking 88[2] (March 2005)
Elo ranking 40
Highest Elo ranking 1[3] (1876–92,1904)
Lowest Elo ranking 64[3] (May 2005)
Team colours Team colours Team colours
Team colours
Team colours
Home colours
Team colours Team colours Team colours
Team colours
Team colours
Away colours
Team colours Team colours Team colours
Team colours
Team colours
Third colours
First international
Flag of Scotland Scotland 0–0 England 
(Glasgow, Scotland; 30 November 1872)
Biggest win
Flag of Scotland Scotland 11–0 Ireland 
(Glasgow, Scotland; 23 February 1901)
Biggest defeat
 Uruguay 7–0 Scotland Flag of Scotland
(Basel, Switzerland; 19 June 1954)
World Cup
Appearances 8 (First in 1954)
Best result Round 1, all
European Championship
Appearances 2 (First in 1992)
Best result Round 1, all

The Scotland national football team represents Scotland in international football and is controlled by the Scottish Football Association. Scotland are the joint oldest national football team in the world, alongside England, whom they played in the world's first international football match in 1872. Although a constituent country of the United Kingdom, Scotland maintains its own national side that competes in all major professional tournaments, with the exception of the Olympics as Scotland is not a member of the International Olympic Committee. The majority of Scotland's home matches are held at the national stadium, Hampden Park, with friendlies sometimes hosted at club stadiums.

Scotland have qualified for the FIFA World Cup and the UEFA European Football Championship several times, but have never progressed beyond the first stage of a tournament. The team have achieved some noteworthy results, however, such as beating the 1966 FIFA World Cup winners England 3–2 at Wembley Stadium in 1967. Archie Gemmill scored what has been described as one of the greatest World Cup goals ever[4] in a 3–2 win during the 1978 World Cup against Holland, who reached the final of the tournament. In their qualifying group for UEFA Euro 2008, Scotland defeated 2006 World Cup runners-up France 1–0 in both fixtures.

Scotland's supporters are collectively known as the Tartan Army. Their traditional rivals are England,[5] who they played annually from 1872 until 1989, but there have only been three senior level fixtures since then. The last match between the sides was the second leg of a Euro 2000 qualifying play-off at Wembley in 1999, which Scotland won 1–0.[6]

Contents

[edit] History

Main article: History of the Scotland national football team

[edit] Early history

Scotland are the oldest national football team in the world, alongside England.[7] The two countries contested the first ever international football match, at Hamilton Crescent in Partick, Scotland on 30 November 1872. The match ended in a goalless draw.[8] All eleven players who represented Scotland that day played for Glasgow amateur club Queen's Park.[7] Over the next forty years, Scotland played matches exclusively against the other three Home nations—England, Wales and Ireland. The British Home Championship began in 1883, making these games competitive. The encounters against England were particularly fierce and a rivalry quickly developed.[5]

A noteworthy victory for Scotland before the Second World War was the 5–1 victory over England in 1928, which led to that Scotland side being known as the Wembley Wizards. Scotland won the British Home Championship outright on 24 occasions, and shared the title 17 times with at least one other team.[9][10] In 1929, Scotland played their first match outside the British Isles, beating Norway 7–3 in Bergen.[11] Scotland continued to contest regular friendly matches against European opposition and enjoyed wins against Germany and France before losing to the Austrian Wunderteam and Italy in 1931.[11]

[edit] 1950s

The Home Nations did not enter the three World Cups before the Second World War because they were not members of FIFA. Prior to the 1950 FIFA World Cup, FIFA advised that places would be awarded to the top two teams in the 1950 British Home Championship. George Graham of the SFA announced, however, that Scotland would only attend the finals if Scotland won the competition. When the Scots finished runners-up to England, Graham stuck to his guns despite pleas from the Scotland players, supported by England captain Billy Wright and the England players.[12] Instead Graham sent the Scots on a tour of North America.[13]

The 1954 FIFA World Cup in Switzerland was the first FIFA World Cup at which the Scotland national team first competed. To quote the SFA website, "The preparation was atrocious".[14] The SFA only sent 13 players to the Finals, even though FIFA allowed 22 man squads.[15] Despite this self-imposed hardship in terms of players, the SFA dignitaries traveled in numbers, accompanied with their wives.[15] Scotland lost 1–0 against Austria in their first game in the Finals. This prompted the team manager Andy Beattie to resign hours before the game against Uruguay.[16] Uruguay were reigning champions and had never before lost a game at the World Cup finals. The gulf in class was exposedin horrific fashion[14] as Uruguay won 7–0.[17]

The 1958 FIFA World Cup finals saw Scotland draw their first game against Yugoslavia 1–1, but they then lost to Paraguay and France and went out at the first stage. March 1959 saw the re-appointment of Andy Beattie as manager until October 1960.

[edit] 1960s

Under the management of Ian McColl, Scotland enjoyed consecutive British Home Championship successes in 1962 and 1963.[10] Jock Stein, John Prentice and Malcolm MacDonald all had brief spells as manager before Bobby Brown was appointed in 1967.[18] Brown's first match as manager was against the newly crowned world champions England at Wembley Stadium. Despite being underdogs, Scotland won 3–2 thanks to goals from Denis Law, Bobby Lennox and Jim McCalliog.[19] Having defeated the world champions on their own turf, the Scotland fans hailed their team as the unofficial world champions.[20]

[edit] Ormond and MacLeod

After Tommy Docherty's brief spell as manager, Willie Ormond was hired in 1973.[18] Ormond lost his first match in charge 5–0 to England, but recovered to steer Scotland to their first World Cup finals in 16 years in 1974. At the 1974 World Cup finals in West Germany, Scotland were unbeaten but failed to progress beyond the group stages on goal difference. After beating Zaire, they drew with both Brazil and Yugoslavia, and went out because they had beaten Zaire by the smallest margin.[21]

Scotland appointed Ally MacLeod as manager in 1977 with qualification for the 1978 World Cup in Argentina far from assured.[18] The team made a strong start under MacLeod by winning the 1977 British Home Championship, largely thanks to a 2–1 victory over England at Wembley Stadium.[10] The Scotland fans invaded the pitch after the match, ripping up the turf and breaking a crossbar.[22][23] Scotland's good form continued as they secured qualification for the World Cup with victories over Czechoslovakia and Wales.[24]

During the build-up to the 1978 FIFA World Cup, MacLeod fuelled the hopes of the nation by stating that Scotland would come home with a medal.[4] As the squad left for the finals in Argentina, they were given an enthusiastic send off as they were paraded around a packed Hampden Park.[25] Thousands more fans lined the route to Prestwick Airport as the team set off for South America.[4] Scotland's first game was against Peru in Cordoba. Two spectacular goals by Teófilo Cubillas meant that the result was a 3–1 loss. The second game was a very disappointing 1–1 draw against Iran.[4] The disconsolate mood of the nation was reflected by footage of Ally MacLeod in the dugout with his head in his hands.[26]

After taking a single point from their opening two games, Scotland had to defeat Holland by three clear goals to progress.[27] Despite the Dutch taking the lead, Scotland fought back to win 3–2 with a goal from Kenny Dalglish and two from Archie Gemmill, the second of which is one of the most celebrated goals in Scotland's history;[4] Gemmill beat three Dutch defenders before lifting the ball over goalkeeper Jan Jongbloed into the net.[4][28] The victory was not sufficient to secure a place in the second round, however, as Scotland were eliminated on goal difference for the second successive World Cup.[27]

[edit] Stein and Ferguson

Alex Ferguson managed Scotland at the 1986 World Cup.

MacLeod resigned as manager shortly after the 1978 World Cup, with Jock Stein (who had achieved domination of the Scottish league as manager of Glasgow Celtic appointed as his successor.[18] After failing to qualify for the 1980 European Championship,[29] Scotland qualified for the 1982 FIFA World Cup from a tough group including Sweden, Portugal, Israel and Northern Ireland, losing just one match in the process.[30] They beat New Zealand 5–2 in their first game at the World Cup, but lost 4–1 to a Brazil team containing Socrates, Zico, Eder and Falcão.[31] Scotland were eliminated on goal difference after a 2–2 draw with the Soviet Union.

Scotland qualified for their fourth successive World Cup in 1986 in traumatic circumstances. The squad went into their last qualification match against Wales needing a point to reach the tournament in Mexico. With only nine minutes remaining and Wales leading, Scotland were awarded a penalty kick which was calmly scored by Davie Cooper.[32] However, as the players and fans celebrated, national coach Jock Stein suffered a heart attack and died shortly afterwards.[32] Alex Ferguson was handed the role of manager for the World Cup, for which Scotland gained qualification by triumphing over Australia in a two-leg playoff,[18] but Scotland were eliminated from the tournament with just one point from their three matches, a goalless draw with Uruguay.[33]

[edit] Roxburgh and Brown

Scotland qualified for their fifth consecutive World Cup in 1990 by finishing second in their qualifying group, beating out France.[34] Scotland were drawn in a group with Costa Rica, Sweden, and Brazil, but the Scots lost 1–0 to Costa Rica.[35] While they recovered to beat Sweden 2–1 in their second game, they lost to Brazil in their third match 1–0 and were once again eliminated after the first round.[35]

By a narrow margin, Scotland qualified for the UEFA European Football Championship for the first time in 1992.[36] A 1–0 defeat to Romania away from home left qualification dependent upon other results, but a 1–1 draw between Bulgaria and Romania in the final group match saw Scotland squeeze through.[37] Despite playing well in matches against the Netherlands and Germany and a fine win against the CIS, the team was knocked out at the group stage.[37] Scotland failed to qualify, however, for the 1994 FIFA World Cup. The team finished fourth in their qualifying group behind Italy, Switzerland and Portugal. When it became clear that Scotland could not qualify, Andy Roxburgh resigned from his position as team manager.[38]

New manager Craig Brown successfully guided Scotland to the 1996 European Championship tournament.[38] The first game against the Netherlands ended 0–0, raising morale ahead of a much anticipated game against England at Wembley Stadium.[38] Gary McAllister missed a penalty kick and a goal by Paul Gascoigne led to a 2–0 defeat. Scotland recovered to beat Switzerland 1–0. The score in the other match meant Scotland were briefly in a position to qualify, but a late goal for Holland meant that the team were once again knocked out on goal difference.[38]

Brown again guided Scotland to qualification for a major tournament in 1998, and Scotland were drawn against Brazil in the opening game of the 1998 World Cup.[39] John Collins equalised from the penalty spot to level the score at 1–1, but a Tom Boyd own goal led to a 2–1 defeat. Scotland drew their next game 1–1 with Norway in Bordeaux,[40] but the final match against Morocco ended in an embarrassing 3–0 defeat.[38]

During the qualification for the 2000 European Championship, Scotland faced England in a two-legged playoff nicknamed the "Battle of Britain" by the media.[41] Scotland won the second match 1–0, but lost the tie 2–1 on aggregate.[41] Scotland failed to qualify for the finals of the 2002 FIFA World Cup, finishing third in their qualifying group behind Croatia and Belgium.[38] This second successive failure to qualify prompted Brown to resign from his position after the final qualifying match.[38]

[edit] Decline under Vogts

Berti Vogts, the first foreigner to coach Scotland

The Scottish Football Association appointed former Germany manager Berti Vogts as manager in 2002.[42] Scotland performed badly under Vogts and suffered a series of heavy defeats, including 6–0 to Holland, 5–0 to France, 4–0 to Wales, 4–1 to South Korea and 3–0 to Hungary, which caused the team to drop to a record low in the FIFA World Rankings.[43] Vogts announced his resignation in 2004,[44] blaming the hostile media for his departure.[45]

[edit] Recovery under Smith and McLeish

Former Rangers and Everton manager, Walter Smith was brought in as manager in the wake of Vogts' departure. Smith secured victories against Bulgaria, Norway, the Faroe Islands and most notably against France in a far more productive period,[46] with Scotland rising up the FIFA Rankings. The Scottish players also lifted their first trophy in years after winning the Kirin Cup in Japan.[47] Scotland failed to qualify for the 2006 FIFA World Cup in Germany with a 3–4–3 win–draw–loss record, finishing third in their group behind Italy and Norway.

Smith left the national side in early 2007 to return to club football, with Scotland leading their Euro 2008 qualification group largely thanks to a 1–0 win against France at Hampden.[48] Alex McLeish was named as Smith's successor and Scotland's twentieth manager.[49] McLeish's first match in charge was a 2008 European Championship qualifying match against Georgia which was won 2–1 by Scotland, making McLeish only the third Scotland manager to win his first match in charge.[50] McLeish then guided Scotland to wins against the Faroe Islands, Lithuania, France and Ukraine before defeats to Georgia and Italy ended their chances of qualification.[51] These overall improved results, particularly the wins against France, lifted Scotland into the top 20 in the FIFA rankings for the first time since their conception in the mid 1990s. Scotland's best ranking was 13th in October 2007.

[edit] Burley

After the narrow failure to qualify for Euro 2008, Alex McLeish resigned the managerial position to join Birmingham City a few days after the draw for the 2010 World Cup was made.[52] Scotland's improved results in the last two campaigns meant the team were seeded second for 2010 FIFA World Cup qualifying, and they were drawn with Holland, Norway, Macedonia and Iceland.[53] Southampton manager George Burley was hired as the new manager, but the team failed to win three preparatory friendlies against Croatia, Czech Republic and Northern Ireland. Burley came in for criticism from the media after the team lost their first qualifier against Macedonia,[54] but they recovered to win 2–1 in Iceland.[55] The next match was a goalless draw at home against Norway, during which debutant Chris Iwelumo missed an open goal from three yards.[56]

[edit] World Cup record

Scotland have played at eight World Cup Finals,[40] including five consecutive tournaments from 1974 to 1990. During the preparations for the 1928 Olympic Football Tournament, FIFA ruled that all its member associations must provide "broken-time" payments to cover the expenses of players from their country who participated. In response to what they considered to be unacceptable interference, the football associations of Scotland, England, Ireland and Wales held a meeting at which they agreed to resign from FIFA.[57] As a result, Scotland did not compete in the three interwar World Cup competitions. The Scottish Football Association did not rejoin FIFA as a permanent member until 1946.[58]

[edit] Competition

Scotland have never advanced beyond the first round of the finals competition. They have missed out on progressing to the second round three times on goal difference: in 1974, when Brazil edged them out;[21] in 1978, when the Netherlands progressed;[27] and in 1982, when the USSR went through.[31] Although Scotland have played at eight finals tournaments, they have actually qualified on nine occasions. The Scottish Football Association declined to participate in 1950 as Scotland were not the British champions.[59]

Year Result Matches Wins Draws Losses GF[60] GA[61]
1930–1938 Did not enter
1950 Withdrew[59]
1954 Round 1 2 0 0 2 0 8
1958 Round 1 3 0 1 2 4 6
1962–1970 Did not qualify
1974 Round 1 3 1 2 0 3 1
1978 Round 1 3 1 1 1 5 6
1982 Round 1 3 1 1 1 8 8
1986 Round 1 3 0 1 2 1 3
1990 Round 1 3 1 0 2 2 3
1994 Did not qualify
1998 Round 1 3 0 1 2 2 6
2002–2006 Did not qualify
Totals 23 4 7 12 25 41

[edit] European Championship record

Scotland have qualified for two European Championships but have failed to advance beyond the first round on both occasions, most recently at the 1996 European Championship, where the Netherlands progressed on goals scored.[62]

Year Result Matches Wins Draws Losses GF[60] GA[61]
1960–1964 Did not enter
1968–1988 Did not qualify
1992 Round 1 3 1 0 2 3 3
1996 Round 1 3 1 1 1 1 2
2000–2008 Did not qualify
Totals 6 2 1 3 4 5

[edit] Stadium

See also: Hampden Park and List of host grounds of Scotland home international football matches
Hampden Park, the traditional home of the Scotland national football team. This picture was taken before the friendly match with the United States in 2005.

Hampden Park in Glasgow is the traditional home of the Scotland team and is described by the Scottish Football Association as the National Stadium.[63] The present stadium, which has a 52,000 capacity, is one of several stadiums to have used the name. Hampden and its predecessors have hosted international matches since 1878. The attendance record of 149,415 was set by the Scotland v England match in 1937.[64] Hampden is one of only two Scottish football stadiums to receive a UEFA 5–star rating.[65]

Some friendly matches are played at smaller venues, such as when Scotland played South Africa at Pittodrie Stadium in Aberdeen during August 2007. Easter Road Stadium in Edinburgh has hosted four friendly matches since 1998. Other stadiums were also used while Hampden was being redeveloped during the late 1990s. Celtic Park, Pittodrie, Ibrox Stadium and Rugby Park all hosted matches during the 1998 World Cup qualifying campaign,[66] while Tynecastle Stadium,[67] Pittodrie,[68] Celtic Park and Ibrox were used for Euro 2000 qualifying matches.

Since the last redevelopment to Hampden was completed in 1999, Scotland have played all but one of their competitive matches there. The exception to this rule was when Celtic Park hosted the first Euro 2008 qualification match against the Faroe Islands. Celtic Park was used because the fixtures were decided by a random draw and Hampden had already been booked for a Robbie Williams concert on the same date.[69]

[edit] Media coverage

Scotland's home matches are presently covered by the pay-TV broadcaster Sky Sports.[70] Extended highlights of every Scotland home international are shown on terrestrial television by BBC Sport Scotland.[71] Television rights to away games vary, although the rights to all of Scotland's away matches in qualification for the 2010 FIFA World Cup are held by Setanta Sports, another pay-TV broadcaster.[70] This has come in for criticism from the Scottish Government, who have argued that Scotland's competitive games should be included in the list of events which can only be broadcast on free-to-air television.[70][72]

BBC Sport Scotland,[70] STV, Sky Sports[73], and Five[74] are among other networks that have previously shown live away fixtures. All matches are broadcast with full commentary on BBC Radio Scotland and, when schedules allow, BBC Radio 5 Live also.[75]

In Australia, Scotland's national football team home games and selected away games are broadcast by Setanta Sports Australia.[76]

[edit] Colours

Scotland traditionally wear dark blue shirts with white shorts and dark blue socks, the colours of the Queens Park team who represented Scotland in the first international.[7] The shirt is embroidered with a crest based upon the lion rampant of the Royal Standard of Scotland. The current change kit is all white with a pastel blue saltire across the chest. Another style often used by Scotland comprises blue shirts, white shorts and red socks. Change colours vary, but are most commonly white or yellow shirts with blue shorts.[77] From 1994–96 a tartan kit was used.[78] The current version of the crest includes the Scottish flag and a background of thistles, representing the national flower of Scotland, in addition to the lion rampant.

Team colours Team colours Team colours
Team colours
Team colours
Rosebery colours

Scotland have not always played in dark blue; on a number of occasions between 1881 and 1951 they played in the primrose and pink racing colours of Archibald Primrose, 5th Earl of Rosebery. A former Prime Minister, Lord Rosebery was an influential figure in Scottish football, serving as honorary President of the Scottish Football Association and Edinburgh team Hearts. His colours were used most frequently in the first decade of the twentieth century, but were discontinued in 1909. The colours were briefly reprised in 1949, and were last used against France in 1951. In 1900, when Scotland defeated England 4–1. Lord Rosebery remarked, "I have never seen my colours so well sported since Ladas won the Derby".[79]

Since 2005, the SFA have supported the use of Scots Gaelic on the national team's strip in recognition of the language's revival in Scotland.[80]

[edit] Supporters

Main article: Tartan Army
The Tartan Army in Milan, Italy

Scotland fans are collectively known as the Tartan Army. During the 1970s, Scotland fans became notorious for their hooliganism, particularly after they invaded the Wembley pitch and destroyed the goalposts after the England v Scotland match in 1977.[81][82] Since then, the Tartan Army have won awards from UEFA for their combination of vocal support, friendly nature and charity work.[83][84] The Tartan Army have been awarded a Fair Play prize by the Belgian Olympic Committee[85] and were named as the best supporters during the 1992 European Championship.[85] The fans were also presented with a trophy for non-violence in sport and were voted by journalists to be the best supporters for their sense of fair play and sporting spirit at the 1998 World Cup in France.[86]

[edit] Players

See also: List of Scotland international footballers

[edit] Current squad

The following players were selected for the squad to play Argentina on 19 November 2008.[87]

No. Pos. Player DoB (Age) Caps Goals Club
GK David Marshall 5 March 1985 (1985-03-05) (age 23) 2 0 Flag of England Norwich City
GK Allan McGregor 31 January 1982 (1982-01-31) (age 26) 3 0 Flag of Scotland Rangers
DF Graham Alexander 10 October 1971 (1971-10-10) (age 37) 37 0 Flag of England Burnley
DF Darren Barr 17 March 1985 (1985-03-17) (age 23) 1 0 Flag of Scotland Falkirk
DF Christophe Berra 31 January 1985 (1985-01-31) (age 23) 3 0 Flag of Scotland Heart of Midlothian
DF Kirk Broadfoot 8 August 1984 (1984-08-08) (age 24) 3 1 Flag of Scotland Rangers
DF Gary Caldwell 12 April 1982 (1982-04-12) (age 26) 31 2 Flag of Scotland Celtic
DF Alan Hutton 30 November 1984 (1984-11-30) (age 24) 8 0 Flag of England Tottenham Hotspur
DF Jamie McAllister 26 April 1978 (1978-04-26) (age 30) 1 0 Flag of England Bristol City
DF Stephen McManus 10 September 1982 (1982-09-10) (age 26) 17 1 Flag of Scotland Celtic
DF Gary Naysmith 16 November 1978 (1978-11-16) (age 30) 44 1 Flag of England Sheffield United
MF Scott Brown 25 June 1985 (1985-06-25) (age 23) 14 0 Flag of Scotland Celtic
MF Kris Commons 30 August 1983 (1983-08-30) (age 25) 4 0 Flag of England Derby County
MF Barry Ferguson 2 February 1978 (1978-02-02) (age 30) 44 3 Flag of Scotland Rangers
MF Paul Hartley 19 October 1976 (1976-10-19) (age 32) 22 1 Flag of Scotland Celtic
MF Scott Robertson 4 April 1985 (1985-04-04) (age 23) 1 0 Flag of Scotland Dundee United
FW David Clarkson 10 September 1985 (1985-09-10) (age 23) 2 1 Flag of Scotland Motherwell
FW Chris Iwelumo 1 August 1978 (1978-08-01) (age 30) 2 0 Flag of England Wolverhampton Wanderers
FW Shaun Maloney 24 January 1983 (1983-01-24) (age 25) 15 1 Flag of Scotland Celtic
FW Lee Miller 18 May 1983 (1983-05-18) (age 25) 2 0 Flag of Scotland Aberdeen
FW James McFadden 14 April 1983 (1983-04-14) (age 25) 42 13 Flag of England Birmingham City

[edit] Other recent players

The following players are not in the current squad, but have been selected to play for Scotland since 19 November 2007.

No. Pos. Player DoB (Age) Caps Goals Club
GK Craig GordonNOR 31 December 1982 (1982-12-31) (age 25) 35 0 Flag of England Sunderland
DF Russell AndersonCRO 25 October 1978 (1978-10-25) (age 30) 11 0 Flag of England Sunderland
DF Christian DaillyCZE 23 October 1973 (1973-10-23) (age 35) 67 6 Flag of Scotland Rangers
DF James McEveleyCRO 2 November 1985 (1985-11-02) (age 23) 3 0 Flag of England Derby County
DF Kevin McNaughtonCZE 28 August 1982 (1982-08-28) (age 26) 4 0 Flag of Wales Cardiff City [88]
DF David WeirNOR 10 May 1970 (1970-05-10) (age 38) 63 1 Flag of Scotland Rangers
MF Darren FletcherNOR 1 February 1984 (1984-02-01) (age 24) 40 4 Flag of England Manchester United
MF James MorrisonNOR 25 May 1986 (1986-05-25) (age 22) 3 0 Flag of England West Bromwich Albion
MF Gavin RaeCZE 28 November 1977 (1977-11-28) (age 31) 13 0 Flag of Wales Cardiff City [88]
MF Barry RobsonNOR 7 November 1978 (1978-11-07) (age 30) 6 1 Flag of Scotland Celtic
MF Michael StewartNIR 26 February 1981 (1981-02-26) (age 27) 4 0 Flag of Scotland Heart of Midlothian
MF Gary TealeCRO 21 July 1977 (1977-07-21) (age 31) 11 0 Flag of England Derby County
MF Kevin ThomsonNIR 14 October 1984 (1984-10-14) (age 24) 1 0 Flag of Scotland Rangers
FW Kris BoydMKD[89] 18 August 1983 (1983-08-18) (age 25) 15 7 Flag of Scotland Rangers
FW Steven FletcherNOR 26 March 1987 (1987-03-26) (age 21) 2 0 Flag of Scotland Hibernian
FW Ross McCormackCZE 18 August 1986 (1986-08-18) (age 22) 1 0 Flag of Wales Cardiff City [88]
FW Kenny MillerISL 23 December 1979 (1979-12-23) (age 28) 40 11 Flag of Scotland Rangers
  • NOR Most recent cap v. Norway, 11 October 2008
  • ISL Most recent cap v. Iceland, 10 September 2008
  • MKD Most recent cap v. Macedonia, 6 September 2008
  • NIR Most recent cap v. Northern Ireland, 20 August 2008
  • CZE Most recent cap v. Czech Republic, 30 May 2008
  • CRO Most recent cap v. Croatia, 26 March 2008

[edit] Honoured players

The Scottish Football Association operates a roll of honour for every player who has made more than 50 appearances for Scotland.[90] As of 2008, there are 25 members of this roll, with David Weir the most recent addition to the list.[90] The qualifying mark of 50 appearances means that many notable Scotland players including Jim Baxter, Hughie Gallacher, John Greig, Jimmy Johnstone, Billy McNeill, Bobby Murdoch and Lawrie Reilly are not on the roll of honour.

The Scottish Football Museum operates a hall of fame which is open to players and managers involved in Scottish football, meaning that membership is not restricted to people who have played for Scotland. Willie Bauld, Eric Caldow, Jimmy Cowan, Alan Hansen, Ally McCoist, Rose Reilly, Walter Smith, Gordon Strachan and Eddie Turnbull were inducted in 2007.[91] Sportscotland operates the Scottish Sports Hall of Fame, which has inducted some footballers.

[edit] Managers

From 1872 to 1954 and 1954 to 1958 the Scotland national team was appointed by a selection committee. Andy Beattie was manager for six matches in 1954 when Scotland competed at their first World Cup. After the tournament the selection committee resumed their duties, continuing until the appointment of Matt Busby in 1958.[92]

Statistically the most successful manager was Alex McLeish, who won seven of the ten games he took charge of. Discounting managers who have managed less than ten games, the least successful manager was Berti Vogts, who only won eight out of 31 games. As of September 2008, the current manager is George Burley, who was appointed on 23 January 2008 after leaving English Championship club Southampton.[93]

Name Scotland career Played Won Drawn Lost Win % Points per game[94]
Flag of Scotland Selection committee 1872–1954
1954–1958		 254 148 48 58 58.27 1.94
Flag of Scotland Beattie, AndyAndy Beattie 1954 6 2 1 3 33.33 1.17
Flag of Scotland Walker, DawsonDawson Walker[95] 1958 6 1 2 3 16.66 0.83
Flag of Scotland Busby, MattMatt Busby 1958 2 1 1 0 50.00 2.00
Flag of Scotland Beattie, AndyAndy Beattie 1959–1960 11 4 3 4 36.36 1.36
Flag of Scotland McColl, IanIan McColl 1960–1965 28 17 3 8 60.71 1.93
Flag of Scotland Stein, JockJock Stein 1965–1966 7 3 1 3 42.86 1.43
Flag of Scotland Prentice, JohnJohn Prentice 1966 4 0 1 3 0.00 0.25
Flag of Scotland MacDonald, MalcolmMalcolm MacDonald 1966–1967 2 1 1 0 50.00 2.00
Flag of Scotland Brown, BobbyBobby Brown 1967–1971 28 9 8 11 32.14 1.25
Flag of Scotland Docherty, TommyTommy Docherty 1971–1972 12 7 2 3 58.33 1.92
Flag of Scotland Ormond, WillieWillie Ormond 1973–1977 38 18 8 12 47.37 1.63
Flag of Scotland MacLeod, AllyAlly MacLeod 1977–1978 17 7 5 5 41.18 1.53
Flag of Scotland Stein, JockJock Stein 1978–1985 61 26 12 23 42.62 1.48
Flag of Scotland Ferguson, AlexAlex Ferguson 1985–1986 10 3 4 3 30.00 1.30
Flag of Scotland Roxburgh, AndyAndy Roxburgh 1986–1993 62 23 19 20 37.10 1.42
Flag of Scotland Brown, CraigCraig Brown 1993–2002 70 32 18 20 45.71 1.63
Flag of Germany Vogts, BertiBerti Vogts 2002–2004 31 8 7 16 23.33 0.93
Flag of Scotland Burns, TommyTommy Burns[96] 2004 1 0 0 1 0.00 0.00
Flag of Scotland Smith, WalterWalter Smith 2004–2007 16 7 5 4 43.75 1.63
Flag of Scotland McLeish, AlexAlex McLeish 2007 10 7 0 3 70.00 2.10
Flag of Scotland Burley, GeorgeGeorge Burley 2008–present 7 1 3 3 14.29 0.86
Totals 683 325 152 206 47.58 1.65

Last updated: Scotland 0–1 Argentina, 19 November 2008. Statistics include official FIFA-recognised matches only.

[edit] Records

Main article: Scotland national football team records

Kenny Dalglish holds the record for Scotland appearances, having played 102 times between 1971 and 1986. He is the only Scotland player to have reached 100 caps. Jim Leighton is second, having played 91 times, a record for appearances by a goalkeeper. Former Scotland manager Alex McLeish played for Scotland 77 times and is the third most capped player.[97]

The title of Scotland's highest goalscorer is shared by two players. Denis Law scored 30 goals between 1958 and 1974, during which time he played for Scotland on 55 occasions. Kenny Dalglish scored an equal number from 102 appearances. Hughie Gallacher as well as being the third highest scorer is also the most prolific with his 23 goals coming from only 20 games (averaging 1.15 goals per game). Other notable strikers include, Lawrie Reilly, Ally McCoist, Mo Johnston and Joe Jordan.

The largest margin of victory achieved by a Scotland side is 11–0 against Ireland in the 1901 British Home Championship.[98] The record defeat occurred during the 1954 FIFA World Cup, a 7–0 deficit against reigning world champions Uruguay.[99]

Scotland's 1937 British Home Championship match against England set a new world record for a football attendance. The Hampden Park crowd was officially recorded as 149,415, though the true figure is unknown as a large number of additional fans gained unauthorised entry. This attendance was surpassed 13 years later by the 1950 World Cup final, but remains a European record.[100][101]

[edit] United Kingdom team

Main article: United Kingdom national football team

Scotland has always participated by itself in most of the major tournaments, such as the FIFA World Cup and the UEFA European Championship. At the Olympic Games, however, the rules only permit a United Kingdom team to compete.[102] London's successful bid for the 2012 Summer Olympics, prompted suggestions that a combined UK team be created for the tournament. However, the Scottish Football Association has stated that it will not participate in such a team as doing so would threaten the independent status of the Scottish side.[103] FIFA President Sepp Blatter has stated that a UK team would not threaten the continued existence of the Scotland team,[104] but the SFA has expressed concern that a future President could take a different view.

Despite the opposition of the Scottish FA, the Welsh FA[105] and the Northern Irish FA, the formation of a squad comprising players only from England remains a possibility. Indeed, Blatter has encouraged this possibility. In response, groups representing the supporters of all four national teams have stated their opposition to a UK team and have issued a joint statement in an attempt to prevent the amalgamation of their teams.[106]

[edit] See also

Scotland portal

[edit] References

  1. ^ "Scots close in on England ranking". BBC Sport (2007-10-24). Retrieved on 2007-10-25.
  2. ^ "Wales fall in Fifa world rankings". BBC Sport (2005-03-24). Retrieved on 2007-05-13.
  3. ^ a b "World Football Elo Ratings: Scotland". World Football Elo Ratings. Retrieved on 2007-05-13.
  4. ^ a b c d e f "1978 World Cup". BBC Scotland. Retrieved on 2007-05-15.
  5. ^ a b "A history of fierce football rivalry". BBC Sport (1999-10-13). Retrieved on 2007-10-25.
  6. ^ "England 0–1 Scotland", BBC Sport (1999-11-18). Retrieved on 25 October 2007. 
  7. ^ a b c Mitchell, Paul. "The first international football match". BBC Scotland. Retrieved on 2007-05-15.
  8. ^ Mitchell, Paul. "The first international football match". bbc.co.uk. Retrieved on 2007-10-25.
  9. ^ The competition did not use goal difference or goal average to separate teams level on points, so the title was shared instead.
  10. ^ a b c "British Home Championship Overview". Rec Sport Soccer Statistics Foundation. Retrieved on 2007-05-14.
  11. ^ a b "Scotland - International Matches 1921–1930". Rec Sport Soccer Statistics Foundation. Retrieved on 2007-05-15.
  12. ^ http://www.bbc.co.uk/scotland/sportscotland/asportingnation/article/0001/print.shtml
  13. ^ "The Queens" by Iain McCartney on Creedon Publications, 2004
  14. ^ a b http://www.scottishfa.co.uk/scottish_football.cfm?curpageid=399&colour=home
  15. ^ a b Murphy, Alex. Docherty: spirit is Scotland’s secret weapon, The Times, 4 June 2007.
  16. ^ Andrew Ward, "Scotland: The Team" (The Breedon Book Publishing Company Limited, Derby, 1987), page 60.
  17. ^ "World Cup 1954 finals". Rec Sport Soccer Statistics Foundation. Retrieved on 2008-09-17.
  18. ^ a b c d e "Scotland Manager Records". Scotland the Complete. Retrieved on 2007-05-15.
  19. ^ "Wembley Wizards 1967". BBC Scotland. Retrieved on 2007-05-15.
  20. ^ Paul Brown (2006). The Unofficial Football World Championships. Tonto Sport. ISBN 0955218314. 
  21. ^ a b "World Cup 1974 finals". Rec Sport Soccer Statistics Foundation. Retrieved on 2008-09-14.
  22. ^ Cole, Ian (2007-11-13). "Wait till the Tartan Army sees the new Wembley!". Daily Mail. Retrieved on 2008-09-17.
  23. ^ "Scots stash souvenirs under Wembley". The Scotsman (2007-04-01). Retrieved on 2008-09-21.
  24. ^ "Scotland - International Matches 1976–1980". Rec Sport Soccer Statistics Foundation. Retrieved on 2007-05-15.
  25. ^ Aitken, Mike (2004-02-02). "Ally MacLeod, a tragic hero". The Scotsman. Retrieved on 2008-01-08.
  26. ^ Chick Young (2004-02-07). "Ally McLeod — a national treasure". BBC Scotland. Retrieved on 2007-05-15.
  27. ^ a b c "World Cup 1978 finals". Rec Sport Soccer Statistics Foundation. Retrieved on 2008-09-14.
  28. ^ "The lion roars — too late". The Scotsman (2002-11-19). Retrieved on 2008-01-08.
  29. ^ "Scotland — International Matches 1976–1980". Rec Sport Soccer Statistics Foundation. Retrieved on 2007-05-15.
  30. ^ "Scotland — International Matches 1981–1985". Rec Sport Soccer Statistics Foundation. Retrieved on 2007-05-15.
  31. ^ a b "World Cup 1982 finals". Rec Sport Soccer Statistics Foundation. Retrieved on 2008-09-14.
  32. ^ a b Brown, Craig (2005-09-11). "Stein, a national treasure". The Scotsman. Retrieved on 2008-01-08.
  33. ^ "World Cup 1986". Rec Sport Soccer Statistics Foundation. Retrieved on 2008-09-14.
  34. ^ "World Cup 1990 Qualifying". Rec Sport Soccer Statistics Foundation. Retrieved on 2008-08-31.
  35. ^ a b "World Cup 1990 (Italy, 8 June – 8 July)". Rec Sport Soccer Statistics Foundation. Retrieved on 2008-08-31.
  36. ^ "1992 — Small but perfectly formed". UEFA (2003-10-05). Retrieved on 2007-05-15.
  37. ^ a b "European Championship 1992". Rec Sport Soccer Statistics Foundation. Retrieved on 2007-05-15.
  38. ^ a b c d e f g "Craig Brown's highs and lows". BBC Sport (2001-10-07). Retrieved on 2008-08-31.
  39. ^ "Scotland Open the World Cup 1998". BBC Scotland. Retrieved on 2007-05-16.
  40. ^ a b "Burley move pays off for Scotland". CNN (1998-09-28). Retrieved on 2007-04-12.
  41. ^ a b "Battle of Britain". BBC Sport (1999-11-17). Retrieved on 2007-04-11.
  42. ^ "Vogts unveiled by Scotland". BBC Sport (2002-02-15). Retrieved on 2007-04-12.
  43. ^ "Scotland hit new low in rankings". BBC Sport (2004-11-10). Retrieved on 2007-04-12.
  44. ^ "Vogts resigns from Scotland job". BBC Sport (2004-11-01). Retrieved on 2007-04-12.
  45. ^ "Berti Vogts personal statement". BBC Sport (2004-11-01). Retrieved on 2007-04-12.
  46. ^ "Scotland 1-0 France". BBC Sport (2006-10-07). Retrieved on 2006-10-07.
  47. ^ "Japan 0-0 Scotland". BBC Sport (2006-05-13). Retrieved on 2007-04-11.
  48. ^ "Smith appointed boss of Rangers". BBC Sport (2007-01-10). Retrieved on 2007-04-12.
  49. ^ "McLeish unveiled as Scotland boss". BBC Sport (2007-01-29). Retrieved on 2007-04-12.
  50. ^ "Hampden roars approval after win". BBC Sport (2007-03-25). Retrieved on 2007-04-12.
  51. ^ "Rise and fall of McLeish's Scotland", BBC Sport (2007-11-27). Retrieved on 2 February 2008. 
  52. ^ "McLeish leaves Scotland for Blues". BBC Sport (2007-11-27). Retrieved on 2008-09-27.
  53. ^ "2010 World Cup qualifying draw". BBC Sport. Retrieved on 2008-09-27.
  54. ^ Hunter, Andy (2008-09-09). "Fletcher backs Burley as McCulloch deepens woe", The Guardian. Retrieved on 27 September 2008. 
  55. ^ Moffat, Colin (2008-09-10). "Iceland 1–2 Scotland". BBC Sport. Retrieved on 2008-09-27.
  56. ^ Lindsay, Clive (2008-10-11). "Scotland 0–0 Norway". BBC Sport. Retrieved on 2008-10-14.
  57. ^ "British Society of Sports History". FIFA (1999-08-19). Archived from the original on 2005-09-04. Retrieved on 2007-05-31.
  58. ^ "Between the Wars". Scottish Football Association. Retrieved on 2007-05-30.
  59. ^ a b Scotland qualified for the tournament as they finished in the top two positions in the 1950 British Home Championship, but the SFA withdrew Scotland's entry because they were not British champions.
  60. ^ a b Goals for / scored
  61. ^ a b Goals against / conceded
  62. ^ "Prognosis positive for Scotland". UEFA (2006-01-08). Retrieved on 2008-09-17. (archive.org mirror)
  63. ^ "Hampden Park". Scottish Tourist Board. Retrieved on 2008-09-15.
  64. ^ "Hampden Park". UEFA (2007-03-14). Retrieved on 2007-05-16.
  65. ^ "Hampden History". Hampden Scotland's National Stadium. Retrieved on 2008-09-17.
  66. ^ "Scotland - International Matches 1996-2001". Rec Sport Soccer Statistics Foundation. Retrieved on 2008-09-15.
  67. ^ "Scotland National Team Match Details". Scottish Football Association. Retrieved on 2007-05-16.
  68. ^ "Scotland National Team Match Details". Scottish Football Association. Retrieved on 2007-05-16.
  69. ^ "Gig Robs SFA of Hampden clash". The Scotsman (2006-03-10). Retrieved on 2008-01-08.
  70. ^ a b c d "Salmond hits out over TV football". BBC News (2008-02-27). Retrieved on 2008-10-04.
  71. ^ "SFA agree £60m Rights Deal". SportBusiness International (2008-08-06). Retrieved on 2008-10-07.
  72. ^ "Scotland games 'should be free'". BBC News (2008-09-27). Retrieved on 2008-10-04.
  73. ^ "Scotland v France Coverage". Yahoo! (2008-09-27). Retrieved on 2008-10-07.
  74. ^ "Channel 5 Ad Campaign Promoting Scotland v Croatia Coverage". Guardian Unlimited (2000-10-10). Retrieved on 2008-10-09.
  75. ^ "BBC Radio 5 Live Coverage". BBC (2008-10-09). Retrieved on 2008-10-09.
  76. ^ "Live 2010 World Cup Qualifying on Setanta Sports Australia". Setanta Sports (2008-10-02). Retrieved on 2008-10-02.
  77. ^ Devlin, John (2006). True Colours 2. A & C Black. ISBN 978-0713679281. 
  78. ^ "Scotland". Kit Classics. Retrieved on 2007-09-05.
  79. ^ "1900 Rosebery Shirt". Scottish Football Association. Retrieved on 2007-05-31.
  80. ^ "Gaelic added to Scotland strips", BBC Scotland (2006-08-24). Retrieved on 31 August 2008. 
  81. ^ Cole, Ian (2007-11-13). "Wait till the Tartan Army sees the new Wembley!", Daily Mail. Retrieved on 31 August 2008. 
  82. ^ Smith, Adrian; & Porter, Dilwyn (eds.) (2004). Sport and National Identity in the Post-War World. Routledge. ISBN 0415283000.  p77
  83. ^ "The Tartan Army". Scottish Football Association. Retrieved on 2007-04-11.
  84. ^ "Tartan Army Sunshine Appeal". Tartan Army Sunshine Appeal. Retrieved on 2007-05-16.
  85. ^ a b "Tartan Army wins fair play award". BBC Sport (2001-11-29). Retrieved on 2007-05-16.
  86. ^ "World Cup - France 1998". t-army.com. Retrieved on 2007-06-12.
  87. ^ "Ferguson back in Scotland squad". BBC Sport (2008-11-01). Retrieved on 2008-11-11.
  88. ^ a b c Cardiff City is a Welsh club that plays in the English Football League.
  89. ^ Kris Boyd has stated that he does not want to play for Scotland again while George Burley is the team manager.
  90. ^ a b "Scotland National Teams – International Roll of Honour". Scottish Football Association. Retrieved on 2008-08-31.
  91. ^ "Hall of Fame Dinner 2007". Scottish Football Museum. Retrieved on 2008-08-31.
  92. ^ "Burley appointed Scotland manager". BBC Sport (2008-01-24). Retrieved on 2008-02-03.
  93. ^ David Ross. "Scottish League SFAQS", Scottishleague.net. Retrieved on 14 September 2008. 
  94. ^ Calculated by multiplying wins by 3, plus draws, divided by games.
  95. ^ Dawson Walker was left in charge of the players due to the Munich air disaster, in which official manager Matt Busby was seriously injured.
  96. ^ Tommy Burns was manager on a caretaker basis only.
  97. ^ "International Roll of Honour". Scottish Football Association (2008). Retrieved on 2007-05-31.
  98. ^ "Scotland - International Matches 1901-1910". Rec Sport Soccer Statistics Foundation (2008-06-06). Retrieved on 2007-09-01.
  99. ^ Campbell, Alan (2007-01-14). "Reaping What They've Sown". The Sunday Herald. findarticles.com. Retrieved on 2007-09-01.
  100. ^ Coates, Jonathan (2007-04-14). "The day Hampden Park sat on top of the world". The Scotsman. Retrieved on 2008-09-17.
  101. ^ "McLeish: We can be heroes". FIFA.com (2007-11-16). Retrieved on 2008-09-17.
  102. ^ "About Britain - Sport, Leisure, Food and Drink". British Embassy Berlin. Retrieved on 2007-09-05.
  103. ^ "No Scots for GB Olympic football". BBC Sport (2005-11-11). Retrieved on 2007-04-11.
  104. ^ "Smith 'excited' by Olympic team", BBC Sport (2005-09-02). Retrieved on 8 January 2008. 
  105. ^ "Wales oppose GB Olympic football". BBC Sport (2005-11-11). Retrieved on 2007-04-11.
  106. ^ Association of Tartan Army clubs (2006-10-01). "Fans groups oppose GB Olympic team". Press release. Retrieved on 14 May 2007.

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