Will Scotland reach Russia and did the SFA rip off Tartan Army? It’s the Monday Jury

DO SCOTLAND HAVE A REALISTIC CHANCE OF REACHING RUSSIA?

Gary Ralston

No. Two wins from our first five games, one of them against Malta, does not make our chances any more realistic. Scotland still face an uphill struggle to be considered relevant at this level. Let’s not kid ourselves despite a pleasing win.

Gordon Parks

It’s an exaggeration to say we are right back in the mix but at least we still have something to play for when England arrive at Hampden in June. We would need to win that game and then we’ll have a look at the group table.

Michael Gannon

We have to be realistic and admit it’s still a major long shot. We probably need to win four of the last five to have a chance but at least we live to fight another day. Perform like the first half last night and at least there is some hope.

Euan McLean

Let’s not get carried away – Scotland still have a mountain to climb just to finish second. Even then that might not be enough to secure
a play-off spot as one of the best runners-up. But a morale-boosting win over England in June would raise hopes the impossible
can happen.

WAS STRACHAN RIGHT TO START GRIFFITHS DESPITE LACK OF GAMES?

Gary

Yes. Leigh Griffiths was lively and caused the Slovenian defence problems. But he really should have opened the scoring with that sitter against the bar before his injury misery.

Gordon

Griffiths could have had a double and led the line well. The Celtic striker was the obvious choice and as the most natural finisher at his disposal Strachan can’t be faulted for team selection.

Michael

He was spot-on. Griffiths tortured the Slovenian defence and was unlucky not to get on the scoresheet. Yes he missed a sitter but
he proved he should be the main man for Scotland no matter what.

Euan

Absolutely. Griffiths was a real pest to Slovenia in the first half and he was desperately unlucky not to score, hitting the woodwork
twice. His starting spot was one of numerous good calls by the manager.

HAMPDEN WAS HALF EMPTY – HAVE THE TARTAN ARMY ABANDONED THE TEAM?

Gary

The SFA marketing department have brassed off the Tartan Army hardcore with their bizarre season ticket operation and points system. Results and performances have not helped. Scotland are in danger of losing a couple of generations of fans if they haven’t already been lost.

Gordon

There is real apathy among the support and the attendance told its own story. For far too long the SFA have taken the fans for granted and it will take more than a win over Slovenia to get them back on side.

Michael

There were a lot of factors, such as the kick-off time, the prices and the fact the qualification campaign is in dire straits. It will be a different story when England come calling in June.

Euan

It’s understandable bearing in mind the low confidence levels going into this game. But those who did turn up were an absolute credit to the Tartan Army. Expect the place to be rammed to the gunnels when England visit in the summer.

DID CHRIS MARTIN SILENCE THE CRITICS?

Gary

Not particularly. Hats off to him for a fine opportunist strike and to Stuart Armstrong for picking him out. But his previous two goals came against the mighty Malta and Gibraltar so let’s hold off hailing him the new Denis Law.

Gordon

It was an instinctive finish, one which showed why the striker is rated highly down south and provided evidence he can
do a job at this level. He reacted brilliantly to ignore the boos from the Tartan Army when he came on.

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Scotland v Slovenia – Picture highlights

Michael

Big time. The punters were poor to boo one of their own on to the pitch but he claimed instant hero status with his finish. He could have been forgiven for sticking up two fingers.

Euan

What a perfect answer to his doubters. I actually heard a fan behind me shouting “don’t do it” to Strachan as Martin was preparing to come on. Thankfully that particular punter was left to eat his words – and I’m sure even he would happily start chewing.