Historic Scotland World Cup win splits Hotline as 'negative rubbish' Steve Clarke takedown met with wave of optimism. Fraser Wilson takes your calls as Scotland's 1-0 win over Haiti has put Clarke's side top of Group C and is met with a mixed response.
The Tartan Army are having no problem draining pints in Boston as they enjoy the taste of a first World Cup victory in 36 years. But back home it was more a question of glass half full or empty as Hotline callers poured over Sunday morning's 1-0 win over Haiti. The result has put Steve Clarke's side top of Group C and who could argue that's not a sight worth toasting? Well quite a few it would appear. With tougher tests against Morocco and Brazil still to come, there's a feeling the opening victory will leave Scotland short when it comes to qualification for the knockout stages.
Positive Reactions
Let's start with the positives though. And Daniel Mooney, Glasgow, said: “Well done Steve Clarke and his players. A win at the World Cup is no easy thing as countless previous Scotland sides have discovered. The result is the be all and end all and gives us a great platform to go on and qualify. I have belief this group of players can get another result and secure that spot in the knockouts. Come on Scotland!”
William Wilson, Dumfries, said: “Overall I thought Scotland played well. I didn't see any particular weakness in the team. The players were all playing to instruction and covered well for each other. Grant Hanley was excellent at the back and is so often under-rated.”
Criticism and Concerns
Not all are convinced though. Scotland's performance that saw the backline retreat deeper and deeper as the game wore on against the low-ranked Caribbeans has some worried. Davy Matson emailed: “Germany 7 Curacao 1! Just think Steve Clarke - this is what can happen when you continue to play attacking football when you go one up and not your negative rubbish.”
And Davy Wilson, Glasgow, added: “Yeah some say three points could be enough to qualify. But if we do finish on three points it means we will have lost the next two games which guarantees a negative goal difference. We really should have gone after Haiti after opening the scoring so early. But it looked like the players were struck by fear. My big fear is the 1-0 win won't be enough.”
Domestic Football: Rangers and Hearts
Back to domestic football and the big talking point remains Derek McInnes' imminent appointment at Rangers. With Danny Rohl on the verge of becoming manager at RB Salzburg, the Ibrox club have moved quickly to get a deal in place for the Hearts boss. But Stephen Johnstone, Ardentinny, said: “The revolving door is in full swing but Derek McInnes previously knocked back the Rangers manager's job and should never have got a second chance. If Hearts were serious challengers they would have kept him. It's another desperation move from the Rangers board and will end in tears. Bring back Barry Ferguson.”
Sticking with Rangers and Alan Flett fired back at fellow Hotline callers when he said: “If you're not interested in anything i say, why do you always rise to the bait? You Celtic fans are priceless! You don't like it when I have a pop at your club, but you keep proving me right. It's you lot who are the village idiots. Keep giving me the ammo and i'll keep firing the grenades.”
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