Scotland v Netherlands, World Cup qualifier
Venue: Hampden Park, Glasgow Date: Wednesday, 9 September KO: 1930 BST
Coverage: Live on BBC Radio Scotland, with highlights on BBC One Scotland from 2245 BST. Live text commentary on BBC Sport website

By John Barnes

Joe Jordan believes Hampden's intimidating atmosphere on a big international night could help Scotland to victory over the Netherlands.

The former striker is backing George Burley's side to record the win they need to reach the World Cup play-offs by finishing second in their group.

"I don't see why they won't get the result they require," said Jordan.

"I think Hampden Park on a night like Wednesday is one of the hardest places to come and try and get points."

Tottenham assistant manager Jordan scored the winner against Czechoslovakia when the Scots qualified for the 1974 World Cup finals.

"If the game was in Holland, I'd be a bit doubtful because Scotland on their travels sometimes haven't done as well as they do at home," he said.

There's no higher accolade than playing for your country in a World Cup Former Scotland striker Joe Jordan

"If you look at all the qualification campaigns in which Scotland have been successful, they've done it by getting the results right at home.

"It's up to the players initially to get the crowd going, but I don't think they need to stir up the crowd - it'll be an intimidating place and that's what we want it to be."

It will be 12 years next summer since Scotland last played at a major tournament and some have predicted failure to qualify could lead to a succession of nightmare draws for future campaigns.

And Jordan, who played in three World Cups, believes Burley's players will not forgive themselves if they come of the pitch at Hampden having not given their all to get the country into November's qualifying play-offs.

"You might be in your early twenties, you might be in your late thirties, but I don't think it's a game you can look back on when the night is over and have any regrets," said Jordan.

"You've got to go in and be positive and give up what you have as a player and as a team so you can come away from the stadium and say, 'I've no regrets - I did what I had to do'.

MY SPORT: DEBATE Can Scotland clinch one of the eight play-off places?

"If you do that then you've given your all and hopefully it'll be enough."

The 57-year-old starred for Leeds, Manchester United and AC Milan during his playing career, but it was his seven World Cup matches that gave him most satisfaction.

"It's the highlight of a career," said Jordan, who won 52 caps and scored 11 international goals.

"You forge your way through your academy, your school football; you become a professional football player; you become part of a team that wins major honours.

"But there's no higher accolade than playing for your country in a World Cup."

E-mail this to a friend

Printable version