Angels of Vilnius could help Scots soar to the finals
IF you see a white angel sitting in the Scotland dugout at kick-off tonight, rejoice.
The Tartan Army are used to witnessing some bizarre sights on their travels across the globe watching their team. Seeing them mingling among sculpted angels has to be as unusual as it gets.
In 2004 Vilnius council decided to carry out an experiment.
They asked sculptor Valdas Ramoska to create an object that would help relieve anger, rage and stress among those having a hard time in the area.
You know what city life can be like. Irritating, annoying. So the city’s rulers thought it would be better to provide something for irked locals to take their frustration out on as opposed to someone else.
A few years earlier they placed a light blue statue of a goat in the middle of the town centre. The idea was to scream and yell at this hideous piece to wipe away your anger.
Unsurprisingly, that silly plan was ditched when some youths around Vilnius decided to twist it apart.
Ramoska was asked to do something different. He was tasked to provide a pleasant, delightful and innocent image that brought positivity to anyone who passed by. That’s how the Angels of Vilnius were born.
Apparently, they have made locals and residents feel happier than ever. They are all over the place. Most of them though are in the Old Town.
The delightful cobbled streets where the Tartan Army footsoldiers are currently roaming ahead of tonight’s game enjoying a pint and a pizza.
You can be quite sure one or two of them were accosted for a winch from lads last night on their way home from the juicer.
Ramoska has made sure they are not fastened down. They don’t weigh much either because he wants them to be taken and placed wherever they are most needed and can be most helpful.
It’s hard not to think we could do with one sat next to Gordon Strachan tonight or in the dressing room with the boys.
Make no mistake, this is an hour of need for the nation where we do not need anger, rage and stress. Strachan OUR TOP WRITERS GIVE THEIR FEARLESS VERDICTS EVERY DAY IN RECORD SPORT and his troops go into the clash knowing, just as they have done regularly in this qualifying campaign since a sorry start, there is no margin for error.
The home win over Slovenia and the point taken against England at Hampden have offered hope where previously there was none.
From being out of contention Scotland now have a chance to make that play-off. A chance to keep alive their dreams of reaching a major finals once again and proving the country does still actually exist in international footballing terms.
The angels and the beautiful town of Vilnius have given a warm welcome to the supporters but it’s not going to be as hospitable for the team when they return to the LFF Stadium.
Strachan’s men got a feel for the artificial pitch last night at training.
What they have said about having to play a World Cup tie on the rock-hard midden and what they actually think are two completely separate things but none of it matters. It can’t matter.
Regardless of the environment and the opposition the circumstances dictate Scotland and Strachan simply cannot afford to fail.
Don’t win tonight and don’t go to Russia. It’s quite plain and simple.
The last two performances have shown Strachan’s men are capable and they have to impress again.
Vilnius have their white angels. Fingers crossed our peely-wally heroes are Scotland’s angels tonight.
Regardless of the environment Scotland and Strachan simply can’t afford to fail