Alex Ferguson admits he cried tears of pleasure when Scotland beat Serbia to qualify for this yr’s delayed Euro 2020 championships. The former Manchester United supervisor mentioned he burst into tears when Ryan Christie, who had given the Scots a 1-0 lead earlier than the Serbians levelled, began crying in a post-match interview. The Scots sealed their place of their first main finals for the reason that 1998 World Cup successful 5-4 on penalties when David Marshall saved Aleksandar Mitrovic’s spot-kick. Ferguson, who was parachuted in to teach Scotland on the 1986 World Cup finals following the loss of life of Jock Stein, mentioned he feared the worst when Serbia levelled within the final minute of regular time.
“When Serbia scored within the final minute I believed ‘oh Christ Almighty, extra-time, no chance’,” he told Glasgow’s Euro 2020 team to mark 50 days to the start of the tournament.
“But they saw it through and dug their heels in.
“And then the Ryan Christie interview.
“Christ, I was crying when I saw him crying. It was fantastic. You talk about a boost to the country — it was fantastic.”
Ferguson mentioned Christie’s tears mirrored that of a nation proud of its soccer heritage.
“Ryan Christie was crying for Scotland, for each Scottish fan,” he said.
“So it resonates because of the love Scotland has for football. It was amazing, really amazing.”
Scotland host Czech Republic and Croatia at Hampden Park, both aspect of a Wembley conflict with England — a re-match of the Euro ’96 group recreation when England beat the Scots 2-0.
Although it’s a tough-looking group Ferguson says the Scots are in good fingers with supervisor Steve Clarke.
“The factor that impresses me about Steve is that he’s unflappable,” said Ferguson.
“It doesn’t matter whether the team is doing well or doing badly, his demeanour does not change.
“He is composed, he is calm, and I think that transmits to the team. There is no panic.”
‘GOOD CHARACTER’
Ferguson says there’s a lot to love in regards to the workforce however provides an previous failing could be their drawback on the finals.
“I feel it’s the previous story, the scoring of targets,” said the 79-year-old.
“Their performance level has been very good, I have been impressed.
“I look at the midfield players and I think they are as good as anyone, players playing in England.
“(Kieran) Tierney has been fantastic at Arsenal, absolutely fantastic, (Andy) Robertson the last two years at Liverpool has been unbelievable.”
However, it’s one participant’s progress particularly which makes Ferguson proud as punch.
“(Scott) McTominay is now rising as one of Man United’s huge gamers,” he said.
“When you watch Man United pick a team for a big game, McTominay is in it.
“Good character, great trainer, I know a little bit about the boy.
“I signed him when he was seven or eight.
“He was actually a centre-forward as a kid. He has sprouted, a little bit like Darren (Fletcher) when he first came.
“It’s really rewarding for me to see a Scott coming through.”
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