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 Scotland played Malta in their first qualifying game for the 2018 World Cup 12 months ago and secured a 5-1 away win. The sides meet again in the return fixture at Hampden tomorrow night and the home fans would be willing to enjoy a sneaky one nil win just so long as all three points are secured. While the campaign started on the 5-1 win high, things have not gone so well since. However, hope springs eternal in all Scotland fans' hearts and the 3-0 away win against Lithuania on Friday will have done nothing to dampen their enthusiasm.
Professionals involved in the game have to be more realistic and know Scotland have to do more than just turn up on the night to win. Malta are stubborn and will do their best to frustrate Scotland. They have their pride to play for knowing full well that qualification is out with their reach. Scotland's manager and captain have been careful in their predictions during the group games so far and knew Scotland have shot themselves in the foot before after a good performance.
Looking ahead to tomorrow night's game Gordon Strachan said: “We have dragged ourselves out a bad place. We could only have done that if we believed in each other and enjoyed working with each other. I have a great pride in what I do and I enjoy working with these guys. It's good to see them going away feeling positive after a game. Like most club sides, you get a bad spell and I think we've dealt with it like a club side; we've got over it and recovered as a group. I think we already know how difficult it is going to be to break Malta down. They are well coached and they take great pride in playing for their country. Even when they go a goal down they have pride in what they do and they make it very hard for you. If we went with the same side I don't think anyone would complain. If we do change, we must keep the same intensity, the same ability to run with the ball and without the ball. “
From the players perspective Scott Brown said: "We know what we've done in the past, we've beat the good teams and when everyone expects us to win a game at home as favourites, we've kind of struggled. We have a very good squad, you look at the bench and there are players who can come on and change games, score goals, create chances and hold the ball up for us as well. We've gone to Lithuania, dominated possession, chances, and scored three great goals. We were fantastic with the ball, we managed to keep possession and create chances. Patience is huge for us, the way we play, keeping the ball and tiring the opponent out. Leigh Griffiths up front just now is fantastic, he's holding the ball in, creating chances for others, running unselfishly off the ball. We've got Stuart Armstrong and James (McArthur) running in behind as well. It's about patience and creating chances. Here's hoping the fans get behind us."
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