San Marino v Scotland: Alex McLeish expects 'twists and turns' in Euro qualification

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San Marino players line up for a team photo
San Marino are bottom of the Fifa world rankings at 211th
Euro 2020 qualifying: San Marino v Scotland
Venue: San Marino Stadium, San Marino Date: Sunday, 24 March Kick-off: 17:00 GMT
Coverage: Listen on BBC Radio Scotland 810MW/DAB/online; live text commentary on the BBC Sport website; highlights on BBC One Scotland

Scotland boss Alex McLeish has reassured fans there will be "twists and turns" in their Euro 2020 qualification group as he attempts to kick-start the campaign.

After the chastening 3-0 opening loss to Kazakhstan, the Scots face San Marino, who are bottom of the world rankings at 211, on Sunday (17:00 GMT).

Group I also contains Belgium, Russia and Cyprus.

"We think there will be blips along the way," said McLeish.

"We have to believe the group stage is going to have twists and turns."

McLeish has been heavily criticised faced calls for his sacking in the wake of the loss to the Kazakhs, who raced into a 2-0 lead after just 10 minutes on Thursday.

The defeat by the side ranked 117th is among the worst results in Scotland's history.

"The only apology we can give the fans is to go out and win the next game," McLeish said.

"We're all hurting, we're fans as well. I followed the team as a young man and was always proud to wear the jersey, and these guys are as well."

Scotland welcome back captain Andy Robertson from dental surgery for the game in San Marino. Two other Premier League players, Callum Paterson and Ryan Fraser, also return after opting out of playing on the Kazakhs' artificial pitch.

San Marino opened with a 5-0 loss in Cyprus on Thursday and have failed to score in their past nine matches, conceding 34 goals in that time.

McLeish told Sky Sports on Saturday: "I'm not going to say, 'guys, we have to win this 10-0 or I'll be looking for new players.'

"We'll try to win the game and we're confident about doing that.

"We've got young players coming into the team and learning the harsh facts of international football."

My Scotland XI to face San Marino

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373 comments

  • Comment posted by Jon, at 09:12 24 Mar 2019

    So, next up is the lowest rated team in European history. How will they get on against San Marino?

  • Comment posted by U17593583, at 08:13 24 Mar 2019

    Alex McLeish expects 'twists and turns' in Euro qualification !

    --------

    Don't let that door hit yer ar$e on the way out Alex.

  • Comment posted by Lasagne295, at 07:49 24 Mar 2019

    Sorry Alex, there should be no twists n turns......it should be a straight fight between Scotland and Russia for second place , with Belgium winning the group! But alas it’s Scotland and sadly not as straight cut as that!

  • Comment posted by i-player, at 07:39 24 Mar 2019

    Last time, McLeish unravelled the good work done by Walter Smith. Victories against a French squad that was in terminal decline masked his inadequacies before they were revealed in our eventual failure to qualify for Euro 2008. He shouldn't have been appointed for a second time and he definitely needs to be sent packing right now. Utterly depressing.

  • Comment posted by Paul, at 07:50 24 Mar 2019

    Twists and turns? Scotland have no chance of qualifying. That game had to be won as the top sides will thrash them. I don’t think we’ll even beat Cyprus.
    Why did they sack Strachan? No one can do any better with the resources to hand, especially Mc Leish

  • Comment posted by Watson, at 08:23 24 Mar 2019

    Mcleish has to go next week and the blazers that appointed him as well.

  • Comment posted by The Wizard of Bog, at 09:25 24 Mar 2019

    It's being reported that San Marino will be resting players.

  • Comment posted by U15780539, at 07:33 24 Mar 2019

    As a Scot, I’m constantly cringing at how bad our national team is. It’s horrible how bad we are.

  • Comment posted by jack brown, at 07:42 24 Mar 2019

    If we lose this one there will be plenty twisting and turning being done

  • Comment posted by Killingholme_Clay , at 08:58 24 Mar 2019

    The SFA restructured the Scottish leagues causing the national team to fall into steep decline The blame lies solely and squarely with them. We keep talking grass roots football but currently there is no structure to bring younger talented Scottish players through. It's simpler to buy cheaper older players from elsewhere
    Restructure into 3 leagues and subsidise clubs to nurture local young talent

  • Comment posted by Golfpunk, at 08:37 24 Mar 2019

    Dental surgery? Really? And Paterson and Fraser ''opting' out because it's AstroTurf? This is the problem.
    These boys should never play again for Scotland.

  • Comment posted by GorbleGorble, at 08:55 24 Mar 2019

    If I were a Scotland fan, I don't know what would worry me more... a year or two with this clown in charge, or him getting sacked and replaced by Moyes.

  • Comment posted by Killingholme_Clay , at 08:44 24 Mar 2019

    Let's not forget. San Marino have home advantage which makes it a tough ask.
    However, if Scotland can keep the score down it will be something to build on.

  • Comment posted by Toolsy, at 07:32 24 Mar 2019

    Any sort of twist or turn would be more than any of the players did in the last game!!!!!

  • Comment posted by BoingBoingRich, at 07:44 24 Mar 2019

    Phew, that's lucky, because without twists and turns Scotland are out. All must be okay then, no worries! Do they think fans are that stupid they believe anything? Saying the words doesn't make it real, no matter how much you wish!

  • Comment posted by fitbamorbo, at 11:16 24 Mar 2019

    Since when did a big donkey like Patterson pick and choose what games he's happy to play in. It sums everything up when a completely average big lump decides when he wants to play for Scotland

  • Comment posted by funat54, at 09:18 24 Mar 2019

    "We think there will be blips along the way," said McLeish.

    With that insight you know why he's Scotland's manager.

  • Comment posted by bobby, at 08:26 24 Mar 2019

    McLeish is an idiot with no clue about the modern game.
    An absolute disgrace he was appointed.
    Unfortunately, we got exactly what we deserved on Thursday and I fear today will be no picnic.

  • Comment posted by Jaffabhoy , at 08:05 24 Mar 2019

    Clear the SFA out.
    Scotland going nowhere
    This is the same mob that will insist that the Cyprus game be held at hampdump even though it'll be half empty.
    Cover ups and old blazers.
    Not fit for purpose.
    Come on Scotland. We are better than this.

  • Comment posted by Stu_Han, at 08:32 24 Mar 2019

    @26 TheKnowledge should really be TheObsessed Loves to post on all things Scottish including Andy Murray. In denial or just a sad little person!?

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