Scotland showing the world a brand of football they could never know

When the full-time whistle tooted at Hampden Park at 11.20pm British Summer Time on Tuesday night, the 2-0 victory over Georgia left Scotland top of their Euro 2024 qualifying group with four wins in as many matches, eight points clear of their closest rivals. Surely nothing can stop the Tartan Army’s march towards world domination, not even acts of God?

The summery element to the clock was misleading because all the south side of Glasgow had been hit by torrential rain, leaving a waterlogged pitch. Not that Scotland minded. They showed the world a brand of football they could never know: thrashing the ball through puddles. Callum McGregor gave them an early lead in the sixth minute before referee István Vad tooted and took the teams off to dry themselves in the changing rooms while sturdy men – and the ball boys – came on to play their role of 12th man with various instruments to push surface water off the pitch with gusto for 90 minutes.

While the hard work was being done outside, Georgia were, allegedly, telling officials they did not fancy playing in a bit of drizzle. “We’re stuck, we’re stuck, we’re stuck,” they cried from the Hampden foyer while pointing at the rain. Eventually they were pushed out on to the pitch by Uefa suits to continue their drubbing by the conditions and a force of nature (a second goal from Scott McTominay). Even Serie A’s leading light Khvicha Kvaratskhelia had no answer for the Scots, whacking a late penalty over to ensure Georgia could not even muster a consolation. Scotland have now beaten Spain, Erling Haaland’s Norway and Cyprus on their way to heading the group. Stevey’s Tartan Army are on the march.

Skipper Andy Robertson is very much in favour of the STOP FOOTBALL campaign, mind,