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Nerves on edge as big game nears Fans see Scotland lose key game
(2 days later)
Tension is mounting among Scotland fans as the build up to the vital Euro 2008 qualifier at Hampden nears an end. Football fans across Scotland saw their team lose 2-1 to Italy during a tension-filled key Euro 2008 qualifier match at Hampden stadium in Glasgow.
Scotland will take on world champions Italy at 1700 GMT in Glasgow, with only a win guaranteeing qualification. Scotland took on world champions Italy, and needed a win to guarantee qualification.
Pubs, clubs, supermarkets and bookmakers are expected to reap a multi-million pound bonanza, whichever way the result goes. Pubs, clubs, supermarkets and bookmakers reaped a multi-million pound bonanza, even though the result went against the home side.
Manager Alex McLeish said he was sure Scotland could handle the pressure of the occasion. First Minister Alex Salmond and Prime Minister Gordon Brown were at the game.
He said: "There is massive belief among the squad. About 51,000 Scottish fans had crammed into Hampden to roar on their team.
"We may not win the game but I tell you the players won't bottle it, that's for sure." A win would have secured entry into next year's championships in Austria and Switzerland.
Scotland have not been at a major championship since they reached the 1998 World Cup. A Barry Ferguson equaliser just after half-time gave the crowd a boost and the noise around the Glasgow stadium was deafening.
The whole nation is coming together to support Alex and the lads Alex SalmondFirst minister But, in the closing stages an Italian header ended Alex McLeish's Euro dream.
But they have beaten the French twice and won all of their home matches during the qualifying campaign. Tens of thousands people had earlier enjoying the build-up and the game at mass screenings across Glasgow, and in pubs, bars and clubs around the country.
As the squad was preparing, First Minister Alex Salmond revealed he had sent a letter to manager McLeish wishing the team well. I am convinced the magnificent Tartan Army won't have to wait long before they are supporting the players at a major tournament again Alex SalmondFirst Minister class="" href="/1/hi/scotland/7100204.stm">Fans 'glorious' in defeat class="" href="/1/hi/in_pictures/7100207.stm">In Pictures: Scotland v Italy
Mr Salmond said: "This team is quite exceptional, and has already done Scotland proud. About 6,700 people had bought tickets to a huge Tartan Party on the Green in Glasgow.
"The whole nation is coming together to support Alex and the lads, and cheer them on to a famous Hampden victory." Before the 1700 GMT kick-off, manager McLeish said he was sure Scotland could handle the pressure of the occasion.
Good wishes have also been sent by Labour leader Wendy Alexander who said: "Whatever happens, the team have done the entire country proud." The national side have not been at a major championship since they reached the 1998 World Cup.
Liberal Democrat leader Nicol Stephen praised a "truly astonishing" campaign while Tory leader Annabel Goldie said the team were "heroes". After the match, the prime minister said: "Alex McLeish and his team have done something remarkable in this campaign.
Opening hours have been extended by one hour for bars across the city on Saturday and it could be a late night for the Tartan Army. "They have restored Scotland's pride in the national team. Even today they were magnificent and brave in the way they came back from losing an early goal.
If Scotland lose, they are out. If they draw, then their hopes rest on other results in Group B, including the game between Ukraine and France. "Today may be disappointing, but I'm so proud of what Scotland have achieved playing in the hardest qualifying group we have ever had.
"Thanks to what Alex and the team have done, every Scotland fan must have optimism in their hearts as we look forward to the World Cup campaign.
Alex Salmond and Gordon Brown watched the game
"Scotland may be disappointed now, but we are also immensely proud."
Scotland's first minister said that despite the disappointing result, the team had restored national pride and had won international respect.
Mr Salmond added: "So much credit has to go to Walter Smith, who began the renaissance in 2005, and Alex McLeish, who took it even further.
"Scotland's future looks assured - with such a young team, many of the players could still be playing in a decade's time.
"They have proved they can live with the best, and finishing third in a group with the World Cup winners, finalists and quarter-finalists is a terrific achievement.
"I am convinced the magnificent Tartan Army won't have to wait long before they are supporting the players at a major tournament again."
Nicol Stephen, Leader of the Liberal Democrats in Scotland, said the squad had made the whole of the country proud.
He said: "With head held high, and spirits higher, they played with determination and skill."