Scotland realistic about ‘slim’ Euro 2020 qualification hopes, says David Marshall

David Marshall admits the Odds of Scotland qualifying for Its 2020 European Union are”Slender” after the 2-1 defeat by Russia in Hampden Park on Friday.

Steve Clarke’s side took the lead after just 10 minutes after midfielder John McGinn scored his first global goal but Russia scored either side of half-time to carry all 3 points.
After two wins at five fixtures, Scotland have been in fourth place in Group I with six points while Russia are second with 12 points, three behind leaders Belgium who visit Hampden on Monday night, live on Sky Sports Football.
Even the Nations League semi-final play-off next March provides Scotland another way into Euro 2020 however when asked about the odds of getting there from the standard route, the 34-year-old Wigan goalkeeper stated:”It’s obviously slim.
“We all know that, we are realistic about it. There is the effort now and win and we have to go on Monday night , we know that.
“It’s a massive ask at this stage but you are feeling much better in a few days after you receive a couple of days practice in and we will go back on Monday.
“There’s a whole good deal of football to be performed . We will need to get our heads . There’s five games.
“We know how slim it is but we have to go and acquire a huge game.
“We clearly understand Belgium really well. We’ll have a game program that might change since it has become a game we need to win and go . I am sure we’ll be ready.
“Football changes speedily. We had been in the ascendancy and arrived it away. So we give it a go on Monday and will go.
“We all are aware of what the crowd is similar to here [at Hampden] when we begin and when we can find a start on Monday such as we did from Russia ideally we could preserve it. But we’re under no illusions.”
Much like most of the Scotland gamers, Marshall was at a loss as to how the home side didn’t build in their early play and goal.
The former Celtic, Cardiff and Hull goalkeeper stated:”It was a huge game and we had the points. They are a fantastic team but I do not think we played that well.
“It was a disappointing result. Our game plan was to get after them and it worked well.
“This was a perfect start for us however, the game just seemed to alter. They got a great deal of ownership and the aim before half-time was significant to them”