Scotland realistic about ’slim‘ Euro 2020 qualification hopes, says David Marshall
David Marshall admits the Odds of Scotland qualifying for the 2020 European Union are“slim“ after the 2-1 defeat by Russia at Hampden Park on Friday.
Steve Clarke’s side took the lead after only 10 minutes after midfielder John McGinn scored his first global goal but Russia scored both sides of half-time to shoot all 3 points.
While Russia are second with 12 points, three behind leaders Belgium who see Hampden about Monday night, live on Sky Sports 43,, after two wins at five fixtures, Scotland have been in fourth place in Group I with six points.
The Nations League semi-final play-off next March offers Scotland a different way to Euro 2020 but if asked about the chances of getting there by the traditional path, the 34-year-old Wigan goalkeeper stated:“It is obviously slim.
„We know that, we’re sensible about it. There is of the campaign gone and we must go and win Monday night, we understand that.
„It is a massive ask at this point however you are feeling much better in a few days after you get a couple of days training in and we’ll go again on Monday.
„There is a lot of football to be played. We need to get our minds . There’s five games.
„We understand how slender it is we will need to go and win a big game.
„We obviously understand Belgium really nicely. We will have a game plan which may change since it has become a match win and we have to go now. I am sure we’ll be ready.
„Football changes very quickly. We came off it and were in the ascendancy. So we will go and give it a go on Monday.
„We all are aware of what the audience is like here [at Hampden] when we begin and when we could find a start on Monday just like we did from Russia ideally we can preserve it. But we are under no regrets.“
Much like the majority of the Scotland gamers, Marshall was at a loss regarding how the home side didn’t build in target and their ancient play.
The former Celtic, Cardiff and Hull goalkeeper stated:“It was a huge game and we had the points. They’re a team that is good but I don’t think we played that well.
„It was a disappointing outcome. Our game plan was to get after it and them worked extremely well.
„It was a perfect beginning for us but the game just seemed to alter. They got a lot of possession and the goal before half-time was significant for them.“
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