No I didn't get a ticket, I didn't even try. I haven't been to a Scotland game since we jammily beat Bosnia to qualify for the Euro 2000 playoffs. Craig Brown's style of play was boring, and I became disillusioned. However, after a shaky start, Berti Vogts has turned around Scotland's national side, and put the passion back in. So, as with the Iceland game in March, I found myself seeking out a pub in Edinburgh showing the game. Step forward The Park Bar in Craiglockhart.
Two big TV screens and one of those big projection screens, all showing the footy.Maybe it's just me, but I reckon placing some screens behind the bar isn't a great idea if you want folk to get to the bar and order rounds easily. I arrived at about 2.40, and it was already standing room only. After getting my Pepsi (aye alright, I'm a student and don't drink, go ahead and laugh), I found myself a place where I reckoned my view was least likely to be obscured by people's heads.
It's amazing the reaction Flower of Scotland can bring out in folk. Although there weren't many folk singing it, there was a definite hush as our national anthem started. Anyone who wants this changed, or says we should be singing God Save The Queen, deserves a good slap around the head.
What surprised me was that Kenny Miller wasn't starting. As kind of a Wolves fan I was a bit disappointed that he was on the bench, and that Paul Dickov was in his place. However, Dickov fully justified his selection with a good first half performance. The Dutch had gone for Ruud van Nistelrooy and Patrick Kluivert up front. Oh dear.
Scotland took the game to the Dutch for the first fifteen minutes or so, with both James McFadden and Darren Fletcher proving superb. Indeed, it was some brilliant work by Fletcher which lead to Dickov passing across the face of goal, and the Dutch scrambled clear for a corner.
McFadden took it, but it was headed straight back to him. Not to worry though, as Faddy played a superb 1-2 with Fletch and cracked a fantastic shot into the net. Whilst Archie Gemmill's goal was one of sheer individual brilliance, this was two of Scotland's brightest young players combining brilliantly.
Guinness, Duechars and Pepsi went flying all over the place (it was only after the game someone told me that this was a yuppy bar!) as people went absolutely crazy. Pubs must love it when Scotland score, as for the next five minutes folk will be buying pints to replace spilt ones!
It was only afterwards when the replay was shown I realised that the shot had taken a major deflection, but who cares. Scotland were beating Holland, and even if we got thrashed 5-1, no one could take away the fact we were beaten one of the best sides in the world. Holland are 5th in the world, yet are in the playoffs for Euro 2004 and failed to make the playoffs for the last world cup. Surely if this is what is needed to be number 5 in the world the Scots should be much, much higher than the 58th we currently hold.
The problem with watching on TV instead of being at the game is that you see a replay. When Jackie McNamara tackled one of the Dutch players inside the box, most people were calling for the Dutch guy to be booked for diving. When the replays came on, however, the shouts changed to sighs of relief as it appeared we'd been lucky not to concede a penalty.
Scotland were definitely on the back foot for the remainder of the first half, with only some frantic defending and good goalkeeping stopping the Dutch from scoring. As half time approached some free pies were passed around. That's The Park Bar in Craiglockhart, Edinburgh, folks. Definitely worth a visit when the next Scotland game is on.
The second half was very much like the end of the first, with Holland just pushing and pushing but being kept at bay. When Miller was introduced for Dickov, there were some amusing boos due to his time at Hibs a few years ago. Scotland seemed to have a few more chances when he came on, but were either wasted or mopped up.
Once again the replay proved a scary moment for everyone, when Clarence Seedorf's shot was greeted with some donkey cheers. Step forward the replay, and some minor heart attacks, and the sighs were back when it appeared Seedorf's shot was only just wide.
The last ten minutes were nail biting (why do we do that? I don't remember thinking "I know I'll bite my nails"!), and then the fourth official decided there were 4 minutes of stoppage time. Cheers mate! Thankfully we held out and now have a real chance of making Euro 2004. To cap a good day, Wales drew 0-0 in Russia and could find themselves going to Portugal next summer too.
There is still a lot of work to do, but no one can take yesterday's result away from us. Four years ago we beat England 1-0 at Wembley but still went out, and despite the win it was a terrible feeling. This time the win has come first, and the feeling is wonderful. Berti Vogts has come in for a lot of stick from everyone, including myself, but he will be a hero if we lose 2-1 on Wednesday and go through.
Scotland have to believe they can do the job on Wednesday. Holland have great players, but don't work as a team. Scotland don't have any outstanding players, but football is a team sport and the Scots combined to form a great team yesterday.
We're just 90 minutes away from Euro 2004 and Portugal next summer. For god sake lads don't let us down. A one goal defeat on Wednesday where Scotland score is all we need. Do it lads, and you'll be remembered as heroes.