Scotland Football Team's Rise to Glory: Can They Finally Win a Major Tournament?

I remember sitting in a pub back in 1998 watching Scotland crash out of the World Cup against Morocco, that familiar sinking feeling returning yet again. We've always been the nearly-men of international football - passionate supporters, moments of brilliance, but never quite crossing that final threshold. Yet something feels different about this current Scottish squad. As I analyze their recent performances, I can't help but wonder if we're witnessing the dawn of a new era where Scotland might finally lift a major trophy.

The transformation began subtly around 2017 when Andy Robertson took over captaincy and Steve Clarke implemented his tactical system. We've seen a remarkable consistency in their qualifying campaigns - reaching back-to-back European Championships and showing genuine promise in the Nations League. The statistics speak volumes: Scotland have lost only 3 of their last 15 competitive matches against European opponents, including impressive victories against Spain and Norway. Their FIFA ranking has jumped from 44th to 30th in just 18 months, their highest position in decades. What strikes me most isn't just the results but the manner of their performances - there's a resilience we haven't seen since the days of Dalglish and Souness.

Looking at their squad depth now compared to five years ago reveals staggering progress. Where we once relied heavily on one or two standout players, we now have genuine quality throughout the team. Robertson and Kieran Tierney have solved that perennial left-side problem in the most luxurious way possible, while Scott McTominay's transformation into a goal-scoring midfielder has been nothing short of revolutionary. Billy Gilmour continues to develop into that deep-lying playmaker we've desperately needed since Barry Ferguson's prime. Up front, Che Adams provides the physical presence we've often lacked, while Lyndon Dykes offers something completely different with his aerial dominance and hold-up play.

The mental aspect cannot be overstated either. I've noticed how this team no longer seems intimidated when going behind in matches. That comeback against Norway in Oslo last year sticks in my mind - trailing 1-0 with 15 minutes remaining, they showed composure and belief that previous Scottish teams would have lacked. They've developed what I like to call "tournament mentality" - the ability to grind out results even when not playing their best football. This psychological resilience might prove more valuable than any technical improvement when it comes to knockout football.

Of course, the road to glory remains incredibly challenging. The quality of international football has never been higher, with nations like France, England, and Spain boasting squads worth hundreds of millions. Scotland's total squad value sits around £250 million according to Transfermarkt - respectable, but still significantly behind the traditional powerhouses. The margins at major tournaments are razor-thin - one moment of individual brilliance or one defensive lapse can end your campaign instantly. We saw this painfully in Euro 2020, where despite a heroic performance against Croatia, that single moment of quality from Modrić ended our knockout stage dreams.

What gives me genuine hope, though, is the development pathway that's been established. The Scottish FA's performance schools are starting to bear fruit, while more young players are gaining experience in England's Premier League and elsewhere across Europe. The success of clubs like Rangers and Celtic in European competitions has raised the standard domestically too. I'm particularly excited about some of the emerging talents - 18-year-old Ben Doak at Liverpool looks like he could be something special, while Josh Doig continues to impress in Serie A.

The comparison with other sports' success stories often crosses my mind when thinking about Scotland's potential breakthrough. Just last February, I was watching the ONE Championship event in Doha where Pacio and Brooks completed their trilogy fight at Lusail Sports Arena. What struck me about that matchup was how years of development and previous encounters culminated in that moment - the fighters had evolved, adapted, and ultimately reached their peak performance when it mattered most. Scotland's journey feels similar - this isn't an overnight success but rather the culmination of systematic development and learning from past failures. Like those martial artists who spend years honing their craft, this Scottish team has been building toward their moment of glory through incremental improvements and hard-earned experience.

Personally, I believe the key will be maintaining this progression while adding that final piece of tournament know-how. We need to start winning those tight knockout games, something that has eluded Scottish teams for generations. The upcoming Nations League presents a perfect opportunity to practice this mentality against quality opposition. If they can navigate that successfully, I'm genuinely optimistic about their chances in the 2026 World Cup - which, with its expanded format, gives nations like Scotland a better shot at making deep runs.

The passion of the Tartan Army will undoubtedly play its part too. Having followed the team across Europe for twenty years, I've never seen the connection between players and supporters as strong as it is now. That symbiotic relationship creates an environment where players feel empowered rather than pressured - a subtle but crucial distinction that could make all the difference in high-stakes moments.

So can they finally win a major tournament? My heart says yes, though my head reminds me of the immense challenges ahead. What's undeniable is that this represents our best opportunity since the 1970s. The foundation has been laid, the talent is emerging, and the mentality is shifting. It may not happen in the next tournament, or even the one after that, but I firmly believe we're witnessing the building blocks of something special. For the first time in my adult life, I genuinely believe Scotland lifting an international trophy isn't just a romantic dream but a distinct possibility within the next decade. And when that day comes, I'll be right there in the stands, probably crying like a baby and singing "Flower of Scotland" until I lose my voice.