Sir Rod Stewart has urged the Tartan Army to get behind Steve Clarke's side as Scotland face a must-win Euro 2024 match against Switzerland tonight. The national team is reeling from a 5-1 defeat to Germany in their opening game, but Stewart remains optimistic.
“My tip for the game is we will teach Switzerland a footballing lesson,” said Stewart, a long-time Scotland supporter. He added that the team holds a big place in his heart, despite his family's English roots, due to his father's strong connection to Scottish football.
Legendary commentator Archie McPherson also believes Scotland can still qualify for the next round. “I hope the Tartan Army realises that even defeat in the first game is not the end of the story,” he said, pointing to upcoming matches against Switzerland and Hungary as winnable.
McPherson, approaching 90, reflected on past disappointments, including the 1978 World Cup in Argentina, where Archie Gemmell's iconic goal was followed by Johnny Rep's equaliser. He questioned whether the media, including himself, had been too optimistic in the past, but stressed the importance of the Tartan Army's support.
“If they can understand and appreciate and just simply enjoy the fact that they are there... and remain cheery and optimistic, I think it’ll do us good,” McPherson said.
