Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

Scotland do it again...

Nick Harris
Tuesday 23 June 1998 23:02 BST
Comments

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

SCOTLAND'S World Cup dream came to an end last night when they were beaten 3-0 by Morocco in St Etienne and were eliminated from the tournament.

It was the eighth time in eight attempts that the Scots have failed to progress beyond the first round and once again the "home before the postcards" adage is ringing true.

The result will be hardest felt by the thousands of travelling fans in the Tartan army. The Scotland coach, Craig Brown, said he was particularly upset for the fans, who have been held up as an example of how to enjoy the world's largest sporting event to the full without spoiling it.

He was unhappy with the way his team had lost. "You can't give goals away at this level as we did and hope to survive."

Even had Scotland won, they would have been eliminated. In Marseilles, Brazil - who had already qualified for the second stage - were beaten 2-1 by Norway, who secured the second slot into the next round. In stark contrast to the scenes in Paris and Bordeaux, the Tartan army were outnumbered by rival supporters as they watched the match live at the big screen in St Etienne's main square.

Most of the 15,000 Scotland fans managed to get black market tickets for the match after hearing the whole game was not going to be broadcast. But with an hour until kick-off, a Swiss marketing firm ISL, after negotiations with the French authorities, decide to beam the match to supporters.

More than 3,000 heartbroken fans trooped away from Glasgow Green last night still defiant after chanting and singing in unison with the Tartan army in the St Etienne. One of them, Ronnie, 43, said: "It was yet another glorious defeat."

TV ratings war, page 10

Match report, page 32

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in