Dour victory a fitting end to international break to forget
Win over Armenia brings curtain down on run of fixtures that were endured and not enjoyed by fans
DON’T be sad that it happened, be happy that it is over. Let’s never speak of it again, consign it to history and hope that the future is brighter.
As international schedules go, it’s fair to say this one hasn’t been a classic. Two run-of-the-mill matches against limited opposition were successful, but the big tests were failed, and Scotland could yet count the cost of one as they lick their wounds from the other.
Defeat to Ukraine got this run of four back-to-back fixtures off to a dispiriting, disastrous start. Overcoming Armenia the first time didn’t make up for it, and doing so again in Yerevan in no way makes amends for the drubbing in Dublin.
It does, at least, give Steve Clarke some breathing space. The search for a plentiful supply of positives will prove futile for the Scotland boss, but after a hectic period that would have been as mentally sapping as it was physically draining, Scotland at least ended on a high note.
This victory was satisfying in the end. Given that it came against the side ranked
92nd in the world and that played the second half with 10 men, there is only so much that the achievement can be talked up.
Those that made the 2500mile trip were rewarded for their backing with a crucial, and ultimately warranted, three points. It was never going to be a night where dreams were realised, but at least it didn’t turn into one where nightmares came true.
Scotland have done what was asked of them against Armenia. If Ukraine and the Republic of Ireland had been taken care of, the mood in the camp and the country would have been very different as the Scottish football season came to an end.
When Vahan Bichakhchyan gave Armenia the lead early doors, the memories of that catastrophic defeat to Kazakhstan under Alex McLeish came flooding back. This time, though, Scotland were able to stem the flow and turn the tide.
Their defending at times in the first half was comical as an Armenian attack that had posed no threat at all at Hampden saw an effort ruled out for offside and were left to ponder just how they only had one goal to their credit. Had Kamo Hovhannisyan not seen red for a crude lunge on Nathan Patterson and headbutt on John McGinn, the second half could have been a nervy affair for Scotland.
In the end, victory was secured comfortably. Two fine finishes from Stuart Armstrong were the highlights of his Man of the Match showing, while McGinn added to his international tally and Che Adams got a much-needed strike to his credit.
The handshakes and pats on the back were merited on the night. Overall, there will be an acknowledgement that Scotland must be far better in all areas if the Nations League campaign is to be a successful one.
These are times when even a Scotland double-header can drag in and suck the life out of some supporters as the flow of the domestic and European campaign is interrupted.
At the end of a long season that encompassed a thrilling Premiership title race and a remarkable run from Rangers all the way to Seville, the prospect of four international fixtures on the spin wasn’t an appealing one.
Even the most die hard, kilt wearing, Do-Re-Mi singing foot soldier will have to admit that the last fortnight or so has been endured rather than enjoyed at times. It is now all over.
Well, until September at least. When the SPFL breaks once again, three more matches lie in wait for Clarke’s side as Ukraine and the Republic of Ireland head to Hampden and Scotland face their World Cup foes away from home.
Clarke will still be the manager leading into that hat-trick. As for coming out the other side of it, that could be a different matter and the 58-year-old will live or die
by the results and Scotland’s fortunes.
Clarke insisted before the trip to Yerevan that he wasn’t interested in the opinions of pundits or former players. He may not read the comment, criticism or questions, but he should be aware of them as he seeks to gauge the mood of the nation.
Come the next gathering later this year, Clarke will have to find a way of rallying supporters. He may retain the backing and belief of his players, but fans deserve better, and are entitled to expect it, than what has been served up during this quartet of matches.
Hampden will no doubt rise to the occasion when Ukraine return in the first of the upcoming hat-trick but the old place can quickly go from an advantage to a burden and if Scotland are as abject as they were a fortnight ago against a side that they should be capable of beating then it will be a chorus of boos rather than the Sound of Music that reverberates around the ground.
The coming months give Clarke a chance to regroup and reassess. For the Tartan Army, there is an opportunity to start to forgive, if not forget, after an Armenian outing that was at times symptomatic of an underwhelming fortnight.
With the final blow of the whistle, it was brought to a close. The season is over, and Scotland have at least ensured that the same cannot be said of their Nations League aspirations.