Scotland v Israel: Three things we learned


It was a rollercoaster of emotions at Hampden Park on Saturday evening. Steve Clarke’s side secured a monumental three points courtesy of a stoppage time Scott McTominay goal. The match itself had everything; goals; a penalty; VAR havoc; and most importantly, fan euphoria. Let’s look at three things we learned from the game. 

Steve Clarke’s Scotland aren’t the defensive unit his Kilmarnock side were (at least tonight)

When Steve Clarke was in charge of Kilmarnock, his side was renowned for their defensive stability. Tonight, Scotland looked vulnerable when Israel went forward. The visitors had three shots on target and two of them hit the back of the net however I think this detriment will be the last thing on everyone’s minds tonight. 


Billy Gilmour is the future of Scotland’s midfield 

The young Chelsea midfielder had another noticeably mature performance for his age. Gilmour controlled the midfield from deep and played forward passes at any opportunity; the midfielder completed the most amount of passes in the match with sixty-six. He didn’t look out of place either along side two of the best in the business, at least for Scotland, in John McGinn and Callum McGregor. Unfortunately, the twenty year old pulled up injured during the ecstatic celebrations, the extent of this is unknown as yet. Billy Gilmour remains one of the brightest Scottish prospects and being at a place like Norwich City, where he will get persistent game time, is one of the greatest he can be for his development. 


Scott McTominay is a midfielder

I may be being slightly harsh on Scott McTominay as he was the hero this evening however I think defensively, at least in the first half, he looked out of his depth. The twenty-four year old does play out of position for the national team but in the past, has been dependable. Maybe I’m looking too far into this although McTominay is undoubtedly best utilised in midfield, like he is for Manchester United. 


I think I speak for all Scotland fans when saying tonight was one of the greatest since Belgrade. It was great to see Hampden full and rapturous at full time. 


Thank you for reading this article. If you have any thoughts or opinions, leave a comment below. Also you can contact me on Twitter @Josh_Footblog where re-tweets, likes and follows are all greatly appreciated. 

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