Source: REUTERS/Lee Smith
[Saba Sports News] It’s disappointing news for Scottish football fans. In the recently concluded European Championship group stage, Scotland suffered a 0-1 defeat against Hungary. Although Hungary emerged victorious in the game, both national teams ultimately faced elimination. This outcome is particularly disheartening for the Scottish national team, as their previous participation in 8 World Cups and 4 European Championships has always ended in the group stage. Scotland has never been considered an underdog in European football. They have made it to the World Cup finals 8 times and the European Cup finals 3 times. Their strength should never be underestimated. However, it’s embarrassing that in the previous 10 World Cup appearances, they consistently fell short at the group stage. Following the game, Scotland coach Steve Clarke expressed regret over his team’s elimination. Additionally, he voiced dissatisfaction with the referee’s penalty decision, believing it had a significant impact on the game’s outcome. Steve Clarke’s playing career was mainly spent at St. Mirren and Chelsea. After retiring, he embarked on a coaching career, serving as an assistant coach for teams such as Newcastle United, Chelsea, West Ham United, and Liverpool. In May 2019, he assumed the role of head coach for the Scotland team.