Scotland Men's Football Team

Image source, SNS

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 Coke 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."

Scott Mullen
BBC Sport Scotland in Stuttgart

Image source, PA

Chats on the train to Stuttgart was akin to a casting call for a slot on Only Connect.

The mind-bending conundrums on the BBC game show require a certain type of brain power. If only the Tartan Army would enter a team, they'd be a shoo-in.

It seems pretty straightforward - touch wood - that a win against Hungary will be enough for Scotland to qualify somehow. It even makes me nervous typing that.

But there may well be a scenario where two points get Steve Clarke's side through.

It would be the first time it's ever been done in a Euros.

Are we being pessimistic? Are we being realistic? Or are we just wasting time because we know Scotland may win and it doesn't matter?

You decide...

Image source, Getty Images

Scotland assistant John Carver admits he had a "lump in his throat" when he listened to the Tartan Army belt out Flower of Scotland before the 1-1 draw wth Switzerland.

Videos of Scotland's national anthem went viral online after a particularly passionate rendition from the travelling fans and Carver - from Newcastle - says he was touched by it.

"When you listen to O Flower of Scotland - I'm getting emotional here now - I've been involved in some big games, but when that tune came on, it was the loudest I've ever heard," Carver said.

"It brought a lump to my throat. If that can't inspire these guys... We might get beat because the opposition are better than us, but it won't be for want of trying, that's for sure."

The assistant says Scotland could change shape to adapt to the loss of Kieran Tierney, whose tournament has been ended by the hamstring injury he suffered against the Swiss.

Under Steve Clarke, the Scots have traditionally played with five at the back to accommodate Tierney and captain Andy Robertson.

"Steve has always talked about being flexible," added Carver. "For a long spell we went with the three and then we changed it before we played Ukraine.

"We are flexible, we've played two different systems already. I'm not going to give a great deal away to the opposition. It is a possibility."

Scotland superfan and Travis bassist Dougie Payne says the Tartan Army adopting the band's song 'Why Does It Always Rain On Me' is music to his ears.

Listen and subscribe to the Scottish football podcast on BBC Sounds

Scott Mullen
BBC Sport Scotland en route to Stuttgart

Image source, Scott Mullen

This trip is hurtling past at what feels like the same speed as the train that is carrying us to Stuttgart.

We're now on day nine in Germany. Cologne train station was bursting with Tartan Army moving on to leg three, with the train so busy some were urged to decant at Frankfurt to get on another.

The support the national team has received so far has been overwhelming. At the foot of the Kolner Dom for the past four days, it's been a sea of navy blue.

I'm also enjoying the renaissance of a few retro tops which have become a staple of the TA wardrbbe in recent years.

We hear a viewing area is being set up in Stuttgart for 25,000 Scots to watch the game on Sunday. On the basis of the last few days, they'll need another couple of those.

Two more sleeps.

Image source, Getty Images

Scotland assistant John Carver has been speaking to the media before the final Group A match against Hungary on Sunday.

Here are the key points...

• Carver confirmed Kieran Tierney's tournament is over as he was "heading home" to have his injured assessed by Arsenal. if Scotland do progress, he will only be back in Germany to "support" them.

• Changing shape is "a possibility" and Carver insists that under Steve Clarke, Scotland have been "flexible".

• He would have "snapped your hand off" to have a chance of progressing to the last 16 in the final game.

• Highlighted the strength of Hungary and touched on their form - one loss in 15 games - before the tournament started.

• Insisted the players would not be "flat" like they were against Croatia - the final game of Euro 2020 for Scotland - and says the camp have taken measures to ensure that.

• Carver got emotional when reflecting on how 'Flower of Scotland' was sung before kick-off against Switzerland - "the loudest I've ever heard".

With Liverpool superstar Dominik Szoboszlai pulling the strings, it may come as a surprise that Hungary's midfield is their "most vulnerable area".

Hungarian-born football journalist Bence Bocsak has been giving the lowdown on Marco Rossi's side on the BBC's Scottish football podcast.

"The game will be won in midfield," he said. "Hungary's midfield is probably their most vulnerable area. Scotland do have some very talented midfielders and I think that's where Scotland have the edge over Hungary.

"Strangely, I think the game will be won by the team that has less of the ball because if we're looking at both teams, they're both sort of very reactionary teams, good in transitions."

Bocsak also picked out one particular Hungary player to watch out for - and it' not Szoboszlai. Instead, it's Barnsley midfielder Callum Styles.

"There's someone who's not played in this tournament that I'm expecting to come in - Callum Styles," added Bocsak.

"He qualifies through his grandmother and he's a very important player for Hungary.

"When he's started for Hungary, they've been unbeaten in 14 games. He's suffered a small injury at the start of the tournament that ruled him out for the first two games.

"It's expected he'll come back for this one. He's a midfielder and he'll be the one who Hungary hope can meet the physical challenges that Scotland impose."

BBC Scotland football pundits Leanne Crichton, Steven Thompson and some Scotland fans take on the headers challenge during Euro 2024 in Germany.

Image source, PA Media

Scotland proved they can "bounce back from adversity" in Wednesday's well-earned Euro 2024 draw with Switzerland, says defender Jack Hendry.

Steve Clarke's side went into their second group game having come off the back of a 5-1 mauling by hosts Germany in the tournament opener.

But a hard-fought point in Cologne against the Swiss sends the Scots into Sunday's encounter with Hungary knowing a win would likely send them through to the knockouts of a major finals the first time.

"Hopefully we can continue this momentum now," Al-Ettifaq centre-back Hendry said. "It felt like we did ourselves justice last night. It shows how much we can bounce back from adversity.

"It was a very emotional evening. The fans were incredible. From the national anthem to the lap of honour at the end, they really pushed us on.

"We would've taken [this position]. We are more than determined to make history."

Hendry is wary of "top nation" Hungary, who are at the Euros "on merit".

Clarke confirmed he will be without Kieran Tierney for that must-win game after the Arsenal defender was stretchered off on Wednesday.

And while Hendry says his team-mate "will be a miss" in Stuttgart, he feels Scott McKenna's cameo highlights the squad's strength.

"There are ready-made replacements there if Kieran can't make the game," he said.

"One of our strengths is our squad. Scott [McKenna] came in and did extremely well."

Jack Hendry made his Scotland debut in a 1-0 win over Hungary and hopes to help his national team repeat the result at Euro 2024.

Nick McPheat
BBC Sport Scotland

Image source, Reuters/PA Media

The big negative in a fairly positive evening for Scotland was the injury to Kieran Tierney in the 1-1 draw with Switzerland.

After being rolled by striker Dan Ndoye, the Arsenal defender, who spent last season loan at Real Sociedad, was stretchered off after suffering what looked like a serious muscle issue.

Despite the 27-year-old, who has been plagued by injury across the past year, then being able to walk down the tunnel, head coach Steve Clarke said "it looks pretty bad" and confirmed he would miss the must-win game with Hungary on Sunday.

A nation like Scotland losing a player of Tierney's calibre is always likely to have a significant impact, but his influence in Clarke's side is striking when you dissect their results with and without him.

Since Clarke's appointment in 2019, Tierney has played 35 games for his country, with 16 victories coming from those caps - a win percentage of 46%.

In the 22 games he has not featured in, that win rate drops to 41%.

Nine losses have come in the 35 caps he has earned under Clarke. The same number of defeats have come in the 22 matches he has missed.

Scotland also ship more goals when Tierney isn't in the team - a concession rate of 1.1 per game with him in the side jumps up to 1.7 without him.

Remarkably, in the 35 fixtures Tierney has played under Clarke, the defence have conceded just two more goals than the 37 they have lost in the 22 matches he has been absent for.

Scott McKenna replaced the former Celtic defender in Cologne on Wednesday and performed well during his half-hour cameo.

A similar impact will be required on Sunday if he is the man to fill the void left by an integral part of the Scotland side.

Scotland midfielder Callum McGregor says the team head into Sunday's all-or-nothing Euro 2024 game against Hungary with renewed belief after the battling 1-1 draw with Switzerland.