By David Clegg

FOOTBALL FANS packed pubs across Scotland on Saturday, only to watch the Italian team crush the nation’s dream of qualifying for Euro 2008.

From Luca Toni’s opening goal after 75 seconds until Christian Panucci’s injury-time winner fans experienced the high and lows of an exciting but ultimately heartbreaking game.

Despite the bitter disappointment of Scotland not making it to the finals in Austria and Switzerland, fans in Dundee’s Old Bank Bar were united in praising the Scots’ heroic efforts.

Douglas man Robert Campbell said Alex McLeish’s men had “done themselves proud” at Hampden.

“I am obviously bitterly disappointed but I don’t blame the lads,” he said. “They played really well and have put in a great campaign and have nothing to be ashamed of. We did well to get this far and could have won the game. They should definitely have had a penalty at one stage.

“But it is typical Scotland—we build our hopes up just for them to come crashing down again. All we can do is wish them luck for the next tournament.”

Meanwhile, couple Steve and Bridget Conway were equally proud of the players. “I thought Scotland were absolutely brilliant,” said Steve. “I am proud of the way they played. The result is very disappointing but they gave it everything.

“The referee was against us from the start. That last goal should never have been allowed—I don’t know what the ref was thinking.”

Bridget said, “This was my first international game and now I am totally hooked,” she said. “I am completely gutted by the result, but so proud of the team. It was my first experience of international football but it won’t be my last.”

Dundee man Ian Kydd said the team’s remarkable qualification run this year would long be remembered.

“The team can be very proud to get as far as they did. To get the results they managed against the French and Italians—world champions and runners-up—is just remarkable.

“I thought Scotland played fantastic tonight. They kept fighting and fighting until the very end. It is just a pity they gave away the early goal.”

Fan Greg Butter added, “They played extremely well and could have gone all the way. I’m disappointed but extremely proud. They had a fantastic run in an incredibly difficult group.”