Tartan Army Soldier

USA 5 – 1 Scotland

Tartan Army Soldier — Sun, 27 May 2012 11:25:12 +0000

To quote a friend and fellow Scot, “Glad I didn’t stay up to watch USA v Scotland.”. As you no doubt know we lost 5-1. 5-1!!!

I missed it too. And am not ashamed to say it. Passed out at approximately 12.30, my body kicked in its harm-avoidence system and made sure I had no chance of suffering for the next 2 hours. The plan had been to find somewhere TV or online to watch the game. Failing that, I was going to Skype Beth, my fiance in the US, and have here turn on here telebox. Luckily that endurance was avoided.

You could argue I can’t judge, but I will. USA have in recent years been the better team. They’ve progressed further in World Cup than we ever have. Also, they have the very capable Jurgen Klinsmann coaching them. So, it’s fair to say the USA team were expected to win. But not 5-1!!!

I despair…

Tonight Scotland invades America

Tartan Army Soldier — Sat, 26 May 2012 16:32:01 +0000

By now the Tartan Army will be in Jacksonville in the USA.

As ever the plan will be to enjoy the benefits of the host city and see Scotland victorious on the football pitch. After savouring a few brews, engaging the locals (with some preference for the ladies) and marching to the stadium the evening will be set for some finest football. A Scottish victory, of course, is on the cards.

It’s going to be a tough match. The heat there is a killer. From those I know who live over there, it’s hitting between 25oC and 35oC, so it’s going to test the team’s fitness. And to be fair to the USA team they aren’t too shabby: frequently outranking us in the FIFA listings. It’ll be far from a pushover.

All said, it’ll be fun. I’m making sure I get back in time to watch it. I have no idea, yet, if it’s on TV or internet or anywhere, but I hope to find something. And if you know please let me, and everyone, know. Failing all, I’ll get Beth, my US girlfriend in America (she’s supporting Scotland, as she should) to keep me up to date.

Come on Scotland!

Scotland, Ireland and Wales consider bidding to host Euro 2020

Tartan Army Soldier — Wed, 16 May 2012 20:38:11 +0000

Scotland, Ireland and Wales have officially declared an interest in hosting Euro 2020. The ‘Celtic trio’ would share this on a three-way basis. It is undecided who would host which games, but there is common desire to hold the event.

Other countries hoping to host Euro 2020 are Georgia and Turkey. Both have expressed interest separately but neither is considered with much seriousness. Turkey FA is suffering a barrage of allegations of corruption and match-fixing. Meanwhile Georgia, who hoped Azerbaijan would join them in their ambitions, have a shortage of suitable stadiums.

Some are saying that the ‘Celtic trio’ could gather significant support. The idea of submitting a tri-national bid will ensure qualification for all three teams. This may be seen as an opportunity for smaller nations for qualify by similar means.

The bid has yet to be officially submitted. But if the three nations agree there is a good chance the Euros will be coming to Scotland in 2020.

More news at:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/18069127

http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/18079443

USA v Scotland – 1,000 tickets for Scotland fans

Tartan Army Soldier — Sat, 10 Mar 2012 21:54:02 +0000

After a respectable draw in Slovenia, the Scotland squad are now heading off to face the USA. This friendly will be help on 26 May in Jacksonville, Florida.

Ticket allocation has been arranged. The result is that Scotland fans have been given 1,000 tickets, costing $40 (roughly £26). Expectation is that all SSC members who want one should be able to successfuly apply for a ticket.

Slovenia v Scotland – February 29

Tartan Army Soldier — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 18:47:14 +0000

Scotland will be heading of to Slovenia at the end of February for a friendly away fixture.

Tickets for the Slovenia v Scotland match are now available to Scotland Supporters Club members from 23:59 tonight. Cost is 30 Euros (about £20) each. There will be only 660 tickets available. So get in quick.

Scotland’s FIFA World Cup 2014 Qualifying Dates Confirmed

Tartan Army Soldier — Sun, 27 Nov 2011 00:01:00 +0000

Scotland’s FIFA World Cup 2014 Qualifying dates have been confirmed.

2012
Saturday 8th September 2012 – Scotland v Serbia
Tuesday 11th September 2012 – Scotland v Macedonia
Friday 12th October 2012 – Wales v Scotland
Tuesday 16th October 2012 – Belgium v Scotland

2013
Friday 22nd March 2013 (subject to police approval)- Scotland v Wales
Tuesday 26th March 2013 – Serbia v Scotland
Friday 7th June 2013 (9pm kickoff tbc) – Croatia v Scotland
Friday 6th September 2013 – Scotland v Belgium
Tuesday 10th September 2013 – Macedonia v Scotland
Tuesday 15th October 2013 – Scotland v Croatia

Scotland 2 – 2 Czech Republic – Scotland robbed as Rezek dives

Tartan Army Soldier — Sat, 03 Sep 2011 16:05:13 +0000

I’m gutted!! Scotland drew 2-2 to the Czech Republic in what can easily described a highly controversial match. Despite being ahead twice in the game, a series of falls by the Czechs and questionable refereeing decisions wrecked the day for every Scotland fan. Pundits are using words like ‘cheats’, ‘sickening’ and ‘disgusting’. And I can’t disagree. To suffer because of such dubious decisions while being the better team is hard to take. It feels like we’ve been raped.

Scotland 2 – 1 Denmark – Scotland defeat Denmark at Hampden

Tartan Army Soldier — Thu, 11 Aug 2011 00:34:16 +0000

The Scotland squad did themselves proud this evening. A 2-1 victory over Denmark, one of Europe’s better teams, provided some entertaining football with Robert Snodgrass scoring the winning goal in what was his international debut.

World Cup Brazil 2014 Qualifying Draw

Tartan Army Soldier — Tue, 02 Aug 2011 23:11:38 +0000

The draw has been made for the World Cup 2014 qualifying stages. Teams were drawn in Rio De Janeiro on June 30. Scotland were selected into Group A and will face Croatia, Serbia, Belgium, Macedonia and Wales.

I reckon that’s a fairly good draw for Scotland. None of these teams are pushovers. I can’t see any teams that will guarantee us 6 points, like San Marino or Iceland, but at the same time we could have ended up a lot worse. We have avoided teams like Holland or Italy who would have posed a significant challenge. None of the teams drawn are beyond a motivated Scotland team.

Away form could be the key. I reckon Scotland are good enough to beat any of those teams at Hampden. And with that 15 points we just need to secure some decent results away from home. Croatia and Wales have a decent history, but have faltered in recent years. And none of the other 3 are sure-fire world-beaters. With a bit of luck and a determined effort it should be beyond the Scotland squad to lead us on a Brazilian journey to the finals in 2014.

And if the SFA could avoid agreeing to Scotland playing matches in Macedonia, Croatia or Serbia in the height of summer, that would be a big help too.

Liechtenstein v Scotland – Ticket allocation decision

Tartan Army Soldier — Fri, 01 Jul 2011 11:24:16 +0000

The SFA have released details of the ticket allocation for the Liechtenstein v Scotland match on 8 October. Scotland fans have been allocated 2000 tickets.

Tickets will be available to SSC members with 6 points or more. Purchases can be made any time after 10.00 am on Friday 8 July until 9.00 pm on Friday 12 August. Tickets will be available from ticketlink.