ALWAYS LOOKS AT THE BRIGHT SIDE OF LIFE
Euro 2008 - So close, but so far away!
by Craig T
 As the dust settles on Scotland’s remarkable but ultimately unsuccessful campaign to reach Austria/Switzerland, and as I am on a long plane journey, today there is time to reflect on some of the incredible memories from the 11 games I attended (part-timer, missed Bari).
Yes, we failed to make it, but on the gloomy morning of that fateful draw, with ‘revenge’ encounters scheduled against France, Lithuania and Faroe Islands - not to mention the World Cup winners and quarter finalists - who could have believed that we would achieve the following in the campaign?
• 8 wins from 12
• A win over France at Hampden
• A win over France in Paris
• A revenge win in Kaunas
• A revenge win in Toftir
• 21 goals including 3 Faddy peaches from outside the box
• So many disallowed valid penalty claims I have lost count
• The emergence of McManus, Hutton and Brown
• Boyd’s first competitive goals
• A rise from 4th seed to 2nd seed for the really big one - the World Cup
• A surprise bonus: three England defeats and them dropping into the second pot
As the domino punters say in Shropshire, it is a pretty hand! My campaign highlights:
Best home game
France takes some beating but I have to say Ukraine. All the pressure was on and we were expected to beat a ‘better’ team. To go 2-0 up within 10 minutes, and then a Faddy goal to settle second half nerves was great stuff.
Best away game
France 0, Scotland 1. Sensational! Ecstasy! First time I have ever taken my shirt off at a game.
Best goal
There are so many to choose from, but Faddy’s goal against Lithuania for 3-1 is my pick. What a shot!
Best individual performance
Even in defeat, I would say Alan Hutton against Italy. He was the best player on the park.
Best team performance
This has to be France away. We didn’t even look as troubled as at the home game.We were so comfortable I said to Simon at 80 mins, ‘We’re going to win this’.
Best player over campaign
Faddy is the man with crucial goals against the Faroe Islands, Ukraine, Lithuania, France and he should have won a penalty against Georgia.
Most improved player
Hutton has come from nowhere. I would also say McManus who has become an automatic pick, not to mention a priceless goal against Lithuania
Most disappointing game
Without a doubt the non-event in Tbilisi was the worst. We never got started and were beaten by teenagers. Need I mention that we lost out to France by two points….
Best opposing player
Luca Toni, for 3 obvious reasons. Our defence couldn’t handle him.
Most hated opposing player
Take a bow Mikolaunas, you filthy, cheating, baby-faced, wee jobby. For once, I applaud Uefa for the two-match ban imposed after the pen at Hampden. And the cheat even appealed. What a ****!
Happiest moment
Celebrating with shirts off at full time in Parc des Princes. An historic moment. Also, the walk down the hill from the stadium in Kaunas. No gloating this time! Finally, Dailly acknowledging our song in Toftir, and starting the ‘million miles’ song which the whole support sang at that game, right before Maloney scored. |
