euro 24

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   I am a football fan, but not jumping up and down about watching euro 24, although will undoubtedly catch a few games.
Today however ,I was interested to see how the Scots got on, after a a good qualifying campaign.
Its a long time since Scotland qualified for a major competition, so the comparison was there with Wales in 2016.
This was a time we remember well. Wife and I were on the way back from Lake Garda when we played Russia, but caught the game in the hotel in France that evening , on a night England lost to Iceland (and went out of the tournament), much to the delight of the French and Welsh contingent !
After we got back, it was that game against Belgium, a night when I spend the latter stages of the game hiding in the garage and hoping  !

The difference between Wales and Scotland was that we went in to that tournament with an open mind and no expectations. No pressure .
The Scots however, true to form, had built themselves up prior to tonight's game, only to be let down. 
It was embarrassing display, a shambles really.
The tartern army, both home and abroad, left crestfallen

This however is not unique , and supreme confidence is, or appears to be a natural characteristic of the
Scottish psyche and DNA.
How many times have we seen the Scottish rugby team built up to be all conquering, only failing to deliver...Culloden, all over again !
Devolution (and we won't talk politics in this thread), underlined a stark contrast between the Welsh and Scottish self confidence. The Scots voted overwhelmingly for devolution, while Wales only just managed it thanks to Carmarthenshire.
Whether we set up an element of self governance or not, here in Wales, we frequently seem to doubt ourselves, in contrast to the Scots who have a clear vision of themselves ,in the greater scheme of things.

Do'nt get me wrong, I love the Scots, love visiting Scotland, a beautiful country(best in the world according to them ), and love sharing a dram or two, or three with our Celtic cousins.
It would make it easier sometimes however , certainly in sporting parlance that Scottish euphoria, is tinged with realism. Common sense ( difficult when not sober) as opposed to hype , would be a good idea. Like Wales they are a small country with limited resources
The Scots however, will still get drunk after the game, whatever happens, but when they sober up, the disappointment is not so earth shattering ( and this comes from someone who is generall optimistic and positive)