A Toast to Scotland

I'm writing this belated response to the end of Scotland's Euro 2008 dream, because I feel it would be unjust to acknowledge only my country's successes.

Scotland lost a humdinger of a match at Hampden Park on Saturday night. The 2-1 loss to Italy ended Scotland's dream of reaching Euro 2008.

I could use an old cliche, and say that the atmosphere inside Hampden was 'electric'—but in all honesty, it was much better than that!

The fans sang and chanted louder than I've heard anywhere before. Not only that, but the Tartan Army stayed inside the ground and sang even after the cruel ending to the Scottish campaign!

As for the game itself, Scotland looked world-class for most part, but switched off twice,and were punished by the world champions.

The decision to award Italy the free kick that led to the winning goal, can be described by no other word but "disgrace!" It broke my heart watching that header go in, and I hope that level of pain never leaves the Spanish referee.

I cannot argue about the result, as Scotland had their fair share of luck through the qualifiers, but it could so easily have been their day.

The fans' staying on after the game was a special gesture towards the players, who responded by taking a lap of honour to thank their special fans.

To watch this young team grow—to see players like James McFadden prove themselves on a world stage, has been incredibly exciting.

However, I reserve the highest praise for man of the match: Alan Hutton.

Not much more than a year ago Hutton was on Paul Le Guen's scrapheap at Rangers, fighting his way back from a broken leg.

What a difference a year makes!

After Walter Smith took over at Rangers, the young fullback thrived at this new opportunity and has not looked back since.

And last night, in the biggest match of his career, he was—in the words of Sir Alex Ferguson—"exceptional."

With the World Cup qualifying draw to be held soon, Scottish fans can only hope for a favourable outcome which avoids the group of death.

This way, we'll get to see this fantastic group of players live in South Africa, starring on the world's biggest stage!