Just How Toothless Are Scotland’s Chances of Qualifying For The World Cup

One step forward, two steps back. That’s how it feels to support the Scottish National football team. Just a few days ago, Scotland capitulated under the searing heat in Macedonia to a woeful 1-0 defeat. Now, they face a rather awkward away trip to Iceland in their second game of their World Cup qualifying group. How is it possible to take a team of players that were so close to reaching Euro 2008 in a group that consisted of France, Italy and the Ukraine and make them play worse against weaker opposition?

The SFA’s appointment of George Burley, as manager of Scotland after Big Eck scattered off to Birmingham wasn’t exactly met with joyful glee. But, Burley, is his own man and has demonstrated in friendlies that he prefers a more attacking mindset for his teams. Under Burley, Scotland has opted to go the 4-4-2 route. Under Burley, Scotland has yet to win a game.

Now, with Lee McCulloch, quitting the international scene and rumours flying around he did not want to play while Burley was still manager, it is hardly ideal preparation for the game against Iceland. While the nightmares still haunt Scotland of the Bertie Vogts era it is no surprise to say that Scotland must at least take a draw from Iceland. Defeat, means it all comes down to the Norway match at home in what could very well be Burley’s last game in charge if victory is not secured. Even World Cup betting fans understand that’s how tight the margins are after what was a toothless effort in Macedonia.