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2-0 victories over Moldova and Denmark secured a home World Cup play-off semi-final in another joyous international break for the Tartan Army.
Steve Clarke’s side are truly restoring a smile to the faces of the Scottish support after years of consistent disappointment.
The national team has a strength in depth not seen for a generation with many players able to compete at an international level.
No more glorious failure
There’s been too many so near but yet so far moments in the past. However, a change in philosophy under Clarke means Scotland can never be counted out.
In the past, Moldova may have caused an upset, leaving everything on a fixture against an all-conquering Danish side, which Scotland would’ve invariably lost bravely.
It felt like the same script was being repeated. Courageous defeat after courageous defeat and never quite good enough to join the party.
A dour man for North Ayrshire has removed the fear of losing from a nation and qualification for EURO 2020 helped the healing process, but Scotland genuinely do not fear anyone anymore.
Clarke’s lockdown brainstorming resulted in a slightly negative formation change with five in defence but the Tartan Army are now hard to beat and results have dramatically improved.
The rejuvenation of Craig Gordon
Reinstated as Scotland’s number one, the Heart of Midlothian stopper is in the form of his life at the ripe age of 38.
Gordon’s spectacular save from Artur Ionita when the scores were level in Moldova saw Scotland avoid needing to come from behind in a crucial game.
The veteran also denied Vadim Rata from the penalty spot preventing a nervous end to the game with his side 2-0 up.
He continued his heroics against the Danes, claiming a second straight clean sheet and a place at the 2022 World Cup may rest heavily on Gordon making some pivotal saves.
A perfectly balanced midfield three
Callum McGregor, Billy Gilmour and John McGinn form the engine behind Scotland’s recent success.
All talented players in their way, their dominance in midfield allows the team to get on the front foot and cause problems for the opposition.
McGregor sometimes goes unnoticed for his work off the ball, but the Celtic captain brings tireless energy to the Scotland side and is always neat in possession.
Every team needs a player to dictate the tempo of the team, but not many have the ability that Gilmour does despite his young age.
An excellent passer, the Norwich City loanee has had a frustrating season domestically but is forever blossoming in a Scotland shirt.
McGinn is a bulldozer yet incredibly skilful on the ball with an almost unplayable physique and he provides an attacking force that brings an extra dimension to the Scotland attack.
Two goals in two games for Che Adams
The Southampton striker’s influence on the national team has been huge but the lack of goals, despite wonderful link-up play, has always been a criticism.
A far post volley against Moldova had pundit Ally McCoist overjoyed and a clinical side-footed effort past Kasper Schmeichel brought a roar from the former Scotland marksman, who knows what it’s like to lead the line for his country.
Adams was very impressive against three high-quality central defenders with very little support and Scotland will need his goals and inventiveness to progress in the play-offs.
The Scottish public is quickly falling in love with their national side again after years of self-loathing. Progression through the play-offs is a tough ask, but with the might of the Hampden roar in the semi-final, Scotland can cause problems for any travelling team at the moment.
This may be the best Scotland team in a generation.
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