Scottish fans and media blast team after horror show in Kazakhstan
Alex McLeish’s future is questioned but the Scotland boss will battle on
![The pressure is on Scotland manager Alex McLeish after the dismal defeat against Kazakhstan](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/tJmndh8TWcJfvD96nTa5k9-415-80.jpg)
Kazakhstan 3 Scotland 0 Euro 2020 qualifying group I
“Embarrassing”, “utter humiliation”, “horror show” - this is how the Scottish press described the national team’s performance in their opening match of Euro 2020 qualifying in Kazakhstan.
Alex McLeish’s men were humbled 3-0 on Thursday by a side ranked 117 in the world.
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.
![https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/flexiimages/jacafc5zvs1692883516.jpg](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/flexiimages/jacafc5zvs1692883516-320-80.jpg)
Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
Scotland found themselves two goals down after just ten minutes and they never recovered. Kazakhstan then sealed the victory with a third early in the second half.
McLeish was only re-appointed as Scotland boss in February 2018 but already his future is in doubt after such a dreadful start to Euro 2020 qualifying.
The Daily Record’s Keith Jackson said that Scotland’s flops have let McLeish down but it’s still time for the boss to go. Jackson wrote: “Yes, the end will be painful. It always is. But Scotland’s suffering simply has to stop.”
According to a poll published by the Daily Record 90% of fans voted for McLeish to be sacked. However, despite calls for his firing, the Scottish Sun reports that McLeish has dismissed questions about his future and will battle on.
McLeish said: “I will just continue to do my job. Suffice to say I’m not going to get drawn into that question.”
After such a poor show in their group I opener, Scotland and McLeish will hope to get their qualifying campaign back on track.
On Sunday they travel to San Marino, who are officially rated the worst international team on the Fifa world rankings. Even they might fancy their chances against Scotland said Celtic goalkeeper Craig Gordon.
Here we look at what the Scottish football writers, pundits and fans had to say about the 3-0 defeat.
Press reactions to Scotland’s loss in Kazakhstan
Brian McLauchlin, BBC Scotland: “Hapless Scotland suffered one of the most abject defeats in their history. The Kazakhs had only won one of their past 20 qualifiers, but the feeble Scots were unable to trouble them.”
Alan Pattullo, The Scotsman: “This was Alex McLeish’s worst nightmare. A hellish echo created by the closed roof at the Astana Arena only increased his discomfort. So too would the knowledge he had sent out Scotland’s youngest side since the 1970s only to see them picked apart inside ten minutes.”
Liam Bryce, Daily Record: “They closed the roof for us. They even cranked up the thermostat to keep out the chill. And still it wasn’t enough to stop hapless Scotland being caught absolutely freezing cold in Kazakhstan.”
Keith Jackson, Daily Record: “McLeish’s side was not just beaten by Kazakhstan on Thursday, which would have been embarrassing enough. No, it was thrashed into a state of utter humiliation as these players slumped to the most toe-curling defeat in the history of our national team.”
Michael Stewart, former Scotland midfielder, speaking on BBC Radio Scotland: “It was extremely dispiriting. The players didn’t know where to look. There will be a lot of pressure on the manager after this. The players looked completely lost. It didn’t look as if there was a clear idea of what they were trying to do. We were out-fought in the middle of the park, over-run in the final third, and up top we looked toothless.”
Willie Miller, former Scotland defender, speaking on BBC Radio Scotland: “Kazakhstan have no history of winning games and it’s an embarrassing performance by Scotland. The players looked leggy and disinterested in the second half. The three goals we lost, you can’t give them away against any team. Alex McLeish will know that and can’t defend that performance.”
How fans reacted on Twitter
Create an account with the same email registered to your subscription to unlock access.
Sign up for Today's Best Articles in your inbox
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
-
The week's best photos
In Pictures A large explosion, a protesting dog, and more
By Anahi Valenzuela, The Week US Published
-
The Count of Monte Cristo review: 'indecently spectacular' adaptation
The Week Recommends Dumas's classic 19th-century novel is once again given new life in this 'fast-moving' film
By The Week UK Published
-
How 'corn sweat' has made summer in the Midwest worse
Under The Radar Lend an ear to this kernel of agricultural science.
By Rafi Schwartz, The Week US Published
-
The 'Swiss model' shaking up the Champions League
In The Spotlight Uefa says the new format offers 'greater excitement' but critics say boredom is guaranteed
By Chas Newkey-Burden, The Week UK Published
-
The European Super League: a 90th-minute reprieve?
Why everyone's talking about A European court ruling has potentially breathed new life into the breakaway football league
By Richard Windsor, The Week UK Published
-
Wembley Euro 2020 final disorder ‘seals the deal’ for 2030 World Cup bid hopes
feature England handed one-match stadium ban and an £84,560 fine by Uefa
By The Week Staff Published
-
Euro 2020 final: ‘why would football want to come home to this anyway?’
feature England’s defeat to Italy is marred by racial abuse of players and disgraceful behaviour of fans
By Mike Starling Published
-
Bank holidays and boycotts: are MPs trying to jinx England?
Speed Read Declaring a bank holiday would be ‘tempting fate’, says Boris Johnson
By The Week Staff Published
-
Italy vs. England: ‘warriors’ Chiellini and Bonucci prepare for battle
Why Everyone’s Talking About Veteran defensive duo embody the spirit and passion of the Azzurri
By Mike Starling Published
-
Euro 2020 final: Italy vs. England preview, predictions and team news
feature Is football coming home or will it be going to Rome?
By The Week Staff Published
-
Drinking for England: 9.7m pints could be sold on Euro 2020 semi-final day
feature Pubs predicted to pour 50,000 pints a minute during the match and hangover cure sales are also expected to soar
By Mike Starling Published