Scotland not overawed in spotlight

PARIS, June 7 (AFP)

Scotland coach Craig Brown had no doubts they will not find the pressure too much against Brazil in front of 80,000 at the Stade de France plus a billion-strong worldwide television audience. The majority dont give Scotland a prayer but Brown believes his squad are used to big crowds and big games and are ready to step up a level in this World Cup opener. "Every week in Glasgow one or other of the big clubs (Celtic or Rangers) play to 50,000 gates," said the Scotland manager on Sunday. "The only club that comes near to that figure in England is Manchester United. We have eight players in our squad from Celtic, who won the championship. We have a lot of players who are used to pressure games. There are a lot of winners in our party. They are not unnerved at the prospect of playing Brazil and aim to seize the chance with both hands. "  Asked if he had nightmares about facing Ronaldo, skipper Colin Hendry quipped: "I dont dream about footballers. I am a married man with three children. I have played against some of the worlds top strikers, like Faustino Asprilla of Colombia only recently. What you have to do is to concentrate on playing to your own strengths. That is the key. "  Rumours are rife that Brazils preparations are in disarray but Brown discounts those stories. He said: "I dont believe what I hear and read about them. There are so many good players in Brazil I take the whispers about them with a pinch of salt. I am convinced Brazil will be the outstanding team in the tournament again." As a player, Alex McLeish epitomised the qualities that Scotland will need against Brazil. An uncompromising defender who thrived under pressure, the flame-haired Hibernian manager fitted the Colin Hendry-billing as a true Scotland braveheart. Although fortunate enough to play a part in three World Cup campaigns, Mcleish returned from all of them cursing his countrys luck in the biggest competition of all. Scotland might have got past the first round stages in 1982, 1986 and 1990, but each time their own propensity to self destruct - combined with the odd slice of ill-fortune - precluded such an outcome. This time, despite finding themselves in the same group as the world champions, McLeish believes Craig Browns collection of second-round wannabes have a realistic goal in mind. And while Brown has been touting his 22 players as the best physically prepared outfit of his time with Scotland, the former Aberdeen stalwart believes it is their mental edge which will make the difference in France. "I feel that the current squad have a mental toughness that perhaps has been missing from our teams in the past," McLeish reasoned. "Colin Hendry is a big player in one of the worlds toughest leagues and has competed favourably with some of Europes top strikers." And in Paul Lambert and John Collins, we have players who possess invaluable experience at the very highest level in Europe. "I believe they are in a tougher group than we were in 1990, but the players have a great spirit and that will be crucial. We perhaps lack the guile to open up opposition defences, but one thing is for sure, Brazil, Norway and Morocco will all find this Scotland team very difficult to beat."

© - AFP - 1998