Where did it all go wrong for Steve Clarke and Scotland?

What a shocking performance that was against Germany. No-one saw that coming. Who is to blame?

The players for not performing? The manager for his selection and tactics? All of the above, in my opinion.

The team really let down the wonderful fans. Steve Clarke said Scotland are a better team than their performance against Germany would suggest. Time will tell, but if you can’t get up for the big one, then there is something far wrong in your mentality.

It looked as if the occasion was too much for them. Steve Clarke, before the game, said all the players were fit and flying: well, they need to show that in the next two games.

The players need to accept the criticism, keep the heads down, and go perform in the next two games. Germany were a level above us but we just let them play. No pressing of the ball, no aggression; a really strange performance.

As I wrote last week, Germany would have more of the ball, and we would need to defend. We didn't do too well at that. 

There was talk about Scotland making history. Well, they might just make history by being the worst squad to represent Scotland at a major tournament. They need to get their act together.

I hope Steve Clarke is reading the riot act to them. Steve said he knows what went wrong and knows how to fix it. Let’s hope so.

****

Albania's goal after 23 seconds against Italy got me thinking about the earliest goal ever at Barrfields. I have no idea what the record is, but I watched Gerry Malone taking a pass from kick-off and running straight through to score, beating about four or five opposing players on the way. I don’t think it was from the starting kick-off, though, so it may not have been the quickest goal ever seen at Barrfields, but it was certainly one of the fastest.

What a player and character Gerry was. What about Spain’s 16-year-old Lamine Yamal, though? He's proof that if you're good enough, you're old enough.

It’s being reported he actually brought his school homework with him to the Euro’s. Would Scotland ever have a 16-year-old in their team?

***

Pat Rall Pat Rall (Image: Newsquest)

I see that Largs Thistle have announced a Pat Rall Memorial Tournament. This was something myself and Peter Connor were going to organise, but well done for the club stepping in.

Pat was a great supporter and servant to Thistle.

Be at Barrfields for Pat's memorial tournament on Saturday, June 29 and Sunday, June 30, featuring Greenock Juniors, Port Glasgow,  Largs and another team still to be confirmed.

Entry will be by donation, to a charity partner yet to be confirmed. Matches will be played at 11am and 2.30pm and the cup draw is coming soon.

Finally, this week Largs Thistle's over-35s are at home to league leaders Whitletts.