Nation celebrates Scotland success
CELEBRATIONS took place on streets across Scotland on Thursday night after the men’s national football team won a penalty shoot- out that sealed their place in the Uefa Euro 2020 finals.
The victory means that Scotland have qualified for their first major men’s tournament in 22 years.
The country rejoiced after David Marshall magnificently saved a spotkick from Aleksandar Mitrovic for a 5- 4 penalty shoot- out win.
First Minister Nicola Sturgeon congratulated the national team, tweeting: “Massive congratulations to Steve Clarke and the team.
“After 22 years, @ ScotlandNT men are off to a major tournament. What a lift for the country. Well done!”
In Glasgow, supporters flocked to Hampden Stadium donned in saltires to celebrate the success.
Fan John Plott said: “I’ve been going for Scotland games for years so the win was absolutely massive for us.
“It’s just amazing to see something like this happen after all this time. I was in France in 1998 when we got beat
3- 0 by Morocco. That was 22 years ago so we have waited a long time for this.
“It’s an unbelievable feeling. To wait over
20 years for this is phenomenal – some of the youngsters don’t understand the importance of it and I’m going, this is 10 solid tournaments without us qualifying.
“Even a year ago it still looked as if it was a snowball chance in a furnace. Nine games in a row, boom, boom, boom, Steve Clarke. I’m so passionate about this it’s unreal.
“Everyone is ecstatic, we just hope the fans can go to the next game to show our Scottish support.”
Celtic Football Club tweeted: “Well done to our # tartanarmy bhoys
& all who represented @
ScotlandNT so valiantly tonight. A massive night for Scotland. Enjoy the celebrations.”
Rangers Football Club added: “Congratulations Ryan Jack, Jon McLaughlin and Scotland National Team.”
Meanwhile in Edinburgh, scores of residents on Lothian Road took to roofs to dance to the tune of bagpipes to celebrate the victory.
Scots actor Martin Compston also posted a celebration video on Twitter.
He could be seen popping open a bottle of champagne and singing Flower of Scotland. And Scotland’s National Stadium celebrated the historic victory in Belgrade with a light show to the soundtrack of GBX anthem and national team goal celebration Bits n Pieces.
A new LED interactive floodlight system was switched on to kick- off the celebrations and get the party started, with a video title No Scotland, No Party – the popular chant that has become a lament until Thursday evening’s qualification.