Scotland Men's Football Team - BBC Sport (2024)

Scotland 2-2 USSR, 1982 World Cup

After beating New Zealand 5-2 but losing 4-1 to Brazil, Scotland knew only a win would see them progress.

A dramatic game saw the Scots go ahead through Joe Jordan in the 15th minute, but the USSR hit back in the second half to take the lead.

Graeme Souness equalised four minutes from time, however the game ended 2-2 and Jock Stein's men were out, with the USSR going through in second place.

Scotland 0-0 Uruguay, 1986 World Cup

Scotland suffered losses against Denmark and West Germany, but they still had a chance of making the knockout stages if they could beat Uruguay in their final group game.

Alex Ferguson's men had a man advantage when Uruguay's Jose Batista was sent off inside the first minute, but they could not find a winner and the game ended goalless, seeing the Scots bow out.

Scotland 1-0 Switzerland, Euro 1996

With just one point from two games against the Netherlands and England, Scotland needed a win and a big swing in goal difference against Switzerland to progress to the knockout stages at the expense of the Dutch.

Ally McCoist's 36th-minute goal decided the Villa Park contest and they looked to be going through when England led the Netherlands 4-0.

But Patrick Kluivert's late consolation goal broke Scottish hearts as the Netherlands edged through on goals scored, eliminating Craig Brown's men.

Scotland 0-3 Morocco, 1998 World Cup

As with the Euros two years previously, Scotland went into the final group game on just one point after losing to Brazil 2-1 and drawing 1-1 with Norway.

They needed a win over Morocco and for Brazil to beat the Norwegians, but neither occurred.

Norway pulled off a surprise 2-1 win in their game against Brazil and Scotland were taken to pieces by a strong Morocco side, who beat them 3-0 in St Etienne.

Scotland 1-3 Croatia, Euro 2020

Yet again, Scotland headed into the final group game with just one point, while opponents Croatia also needed a win to progress to the knockout stages.

The visitors took an early lead at Hampden through Nikola Vlasic before Callum McGregor equalised.

However, Luka Modric and Ivan Perisic struck in the second half to give Croatia a 3-1 win, ending Scotland's hopes of progressing through to the knockout stages of a major tournament for the first time.

We've been sending your questions to our chief sportswriter Tom English and he's given them a good go answering them.

Let's see what he said...

Jake: Do you think Lawrence Shankland should start up front against Hungary?

Tom: "I go backwards and forwards on this one, Jake. I'd probably stick with Che Adams and I think that's what Steve Clarke will do.

"The signs are all there, in that he took so long to bring Shankland on in Cologne. He trusts Adams more. I'd stick with him but I'd be quicker to bring Shankland on from the hour mark."

Chris Mc: Do you think our wingers will get any game-time against Hungary to boost our impact in the forward areas?

"Hi Chris, I think that will depend on how the Hungary game is progressing. I can't see any changes beyond the enforced one with Kieran Tierney.

"If Scotland are drawing or, heaven forbid, losing in the second half then all bets are off. I could definitely see James Forrest coming on at that point. I'd be surprised if we saw Lewis Morgan."

Ben: Would you agree that we go four at the back for the Hungary game? This would be more comfortable for Anthony Ralston as he was targeted by Switzerland on Wednesday.

"It's a really interesting one, Ben. Clarke went four at the back in the 2-2 draw with Georgia and again in the 3-3 draw with Norway and it didn't look all that steady, albeit Andy Robertson didn't play in either of those games.

"I could see Ralston-Hendry-Hanley/McKenna-Robertson but I could also see Hendry-Hanley-McKenna as a three. A flat four would be more comfortable for Ralston, I'm sure.

"I think that's the biggest dilemma Clarke faces now after the awful loss of Kieran Tierney. On the 'We-Can't-Lose-Him' scale, Tierney has always been at number one, for me. I wish him well."

Kris: How does the press conference scran at the Euros compare to the standard domestic offerings?

"Hey Kris, you'll be thrilled to hear that we're well looked after in Scotland Media HQ. Salmon today. Nice range of cakes. Marvellous.

"The situation on match days is very different. Get the violin out. Food is average and expensive in the media room. Scandalous. The Tartan Army must be spending a fortune. My colleague, Scott Mullen, spent €18 on two cups of co*ke at the stadium on Wednesday.

Martin: Tom, is there a scenario where Kenny McLean replaces Kieran Tierney for the Hungary game? He can play a deep-lying midfielder, a box-to-box midfielder and I believe dropped into defence for Norwich City last season. He gives in game options.

"Hadn't thought of that, Martin. It would be a surprise if he did, but John Carver said in his press conference that Clarke will be flexible in his selection. I can't see McLean starting, though. Might be a flat four at the back and everything else the same. That would be my guess."