Scotland's Swedish Adventure

The Story of Scotland's European Championship Debut

John Bleasdale

• Publisher: Pitch Publishing
• eBook ISBN:
  9781801502740
• Year: 2022

Scotland's Swedish Adventure is the definitive story of Scotland's journey into their first ever European Championship finals, in Sweden. Having qualified for five consecutive World Cup finals between 1974 and 1990, it was surprising the Scots hadn't yet reached the Euro finals given the array of talent at their disposal. Andy Roxburgh would soon change that, and after being drawn into the ultimate 'group of death' that included the reigning European and world champions, his side repeatedly put on brave performances against superior opposition to make the nation proud. Scotland's Swedish Adventure explores the story behind their road to qualification, with exclusive insight from some of the men who made this adventure happen, including Roxburgh himself, players, journalists and fans. That Scotland qualified for an eight-team tournament, and finished fifth in the overall standings, is an achievement that doesn't get the recognition and respect it deserves. This 30th anniversary tribute remedies that.

Table of contents

• Cover
• Title Page
• Copyright
• Contents
• Foreword by Craig Brown
• Introduction
• Recovery from apathy
• Familiar and unfamiliar territory
• Swissed off
• History made in Sofia
• A champion draw
• North American getaway
• Baptism of fire
• From the frying pan into the fire
• All we are saying is give us a goal
• Plaudits on the pitch, prizes off it
• Acknowledgements
• References
• Photos