Scotland realistic about ’slim‘ Euro 2020 qualification hopes, says David Marshall
David Marshall admits the chances of Scotland qualifying for Its 2020 European Championships are“slim“ after the 2-1 defeat by Russia in Hampden Park on Friday.
Steve Clarke’s side took the lead after just 10 minutes after midfielder John McGinn scored his first international goal but Russia scored both sides of half-time to shoot all 3 points.
Russia are next with 12 points after two wins at five fixtures, Scotland have been at fourth place in Group I with six points.
Even the Nations League semi-final play-off next March offers Scotland a different way in to Euro 2020 but when asked about the odds of getting there by the conventional course, the 34-year-old Wigan goalkeeper stated:“It is obviously slim.
„We know that, we’re sensible about it. Win and we have to go on Monday night now and there is the campaign we understand that.
„It is a massive ask at this stage but you feel much better in a couple of days after you receive a couple of days training in and we will go back on Monday.
„There’s a whole good deal of football to be played. We need to get our heads right. There is five games to go from the group.
„We know how slim it is but we will need to go and win a big game.
„We clearly understand Belgium really nicely. We will have a game plan which may change since it has turned into a game win and we will have to go today. I am certain that we will be prepared.
„Football affects very quickly. We came off it and were in the ascendancy. So we give it a go on Monday and will go.
„We are aware of what the audience is similar to here [at Hampden] if we begin and if we could get a start on Monday such as we did from Russia ideally we could maintain it. But we’re under no illusions.“
Like the majority of the Scotland players, Marshall was at a loss as to how the home side failed to build in their great play and aim.
The former Celtic, Cardiff and Hull goalkeeper said:“It was a huge game and we needed the points. They’re a group that is good but I do not think we played well.
„It was only a disappointing result. Our game plan was to get after them and it worked really well.
„It was a perfect beginning for us however, the game just seemed to change. They got a great deal of ownership and the target before half-time was important for them.“
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