Scotland manager Steve Clarke has issued a passionate rallying cry to the Tartan Army, urging them to create a wall of noise and inspire the national team to a crucial victory against Denmark at Hampden Park.
A Rollercoaster Road to Hampden
The Scottish squad experienced a massive sense of relief on Saturday night, despite a chaotic 3-2 defeat away to Greece. Their fortunes were salvaged as Belarus managed to snatch a point in Copenhagen, a result that worked in Scotland's favour.
However, the memory of the team's last appearance at their home stadium is still fresh. Last month, the players were met with boos from their own supporters after a laboured and unimpressive 2-1 win over Belarus.
Clarke's Anticipation Over Fear Philosophy
Ahead of this high-stakes shootout, Clarke is looking to harness the formidable power of a packed Hampden on what could be an historic evening for Scottish football. The manager is explicitly asking the fans to adopt the same mindset he demands of his players.
"We are going to need backing from the first minute at Hampden, we need positive backing," stated the Scotland boss. "One of my favourite sayings for the players is play with the anticipation of success and not the fear of failure. I'm going to ask the Hampden crowd to do that on Tuesday night."
He acknowledged that the fans endured a difficult watch in Greece, not knowing whether to laugh or cry, but emphasised that their continued, unwavering support will be absolutely vital against a top-tier opponent.
A Mutual Inspiration for a Historic Night
Clarke believes that a symbiotic relationship between the team and the supporters can be the key to unlocking a special performance. He is confident that the players can give the crowd reasons to cheer, which in turn will fuel the team on the pitch.
"We will need them from the first minute to be with us and in the difficult moments in the game to be especially with us because that's what this group of players deserve," Clarke elaborated. "If we get that I'm pretty sure we can do something special. I think we can inspire each other. The team can inspire the fans and the fans can inspire the team."
While focusing on his own squad and supporters, Clarke also recognised the quality of the opposition. "It is obviously a very good Denmark side," he conceded. "They didn't manage to win their game on Saturday night, so they'll be up for it. It should be another good spectacle for everybody, and hopefully the right result this time."
All eyes will now be on Glasgow as Scotland prepares for a pivotal match that could define their campaign, with the manager's plea for a thunderous Hampden roar ringing in the ears of the Tartan Army.
