Skip to content

Scotland confident of European Championships spot despite conceding to Gibraltar

GLASGOW, SCOTLAND - NOVEMBER 18:  Russell Martin of Scotland is closed down by Daniel Welbeck of England during the International Friendly between Scotland
Image: Russell Martin: Bounced back after conceding a Gibraltar goal

Scotland defender Russell Martin says Gibraltar's first competitive goal was little more than a hiccup in their European Qualifying campaign.

The Norwich defender was the lone centre-back in Gordon Strachan's ambitious attacking formation at Hampden and he only had two attacking full-backs, Alan Hutton and Andrew Robertson, for protection.

The three-man defence appeared vulnerable in the early stages and the unthinkable happened in the 19th minute when Martin found himself out of position and Gibraltar exploited the space to give Lee Casciaro the chance to strike a historic equaliser.

It was a short-lived celebration, however, as Gordon Greer joined Martin in central defence and Scotland cruised to a 6-1 victory.

The result leaves Scotland on 10 points with Germany, one behind Group D leaders Poland ahead of their next qualifier against the Republic of Ireland on June 13.

Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player

Sunderland and Scotland striker Steven Fletcher said he will cherish his hat-trick after his side won 6-1 against Gibraltar in European qualifying.

“It was more of a frustration than anything. But fair play to them, they set up well. A team is always going to get a chance against you when you set up like that,” Martin said.

"Germany played the same way and they had a couple of chances against them and they are the world champions. So it shows you what can happen.

"But obviously we were disappointed to concede, especially so quickly after scoring. As a defender you want clean sheets and it didn't happen, but the way the lads bounced back and the goals we scored, it was great. 

“We won the game. Job done.

"We were disappointed with the way we started the game but we got to grips with it after that. Everyone is happy to get three points and move on to the next one."

Scotland sit behind Germany at the halfway stage of the group but they are the best third-placed team in the European Qualifiers, a mantle that provides automatic qualification at the finish.

"It's been a good one - 10 out of 15 and some really good performances. I think we are unfortunate not to have a few more points, the way we played in Germany and Poland as well,” Martin said.

"If we can carry that on for the second half of the campaign, I think we will do it."

Around Sky