European Championships 2008 - Another Glorious Failure : Scotland 1 Italy 2

In what was an enthralling match, Scotland fought back and had World Champions Italy on the ropes for much of the second half, but ultimately lost to a sucker punch in the very last minute of the game, no thanks again to very dodgy refereeing.

Alex McLeish must be seething, seeing how his team more than matched their classy opponents. But all their hard work was undone by a controversial decision into injury time.

Italian player Chiellini shoved a Scottish defender off the ball near the right byeline, but was awarded a free kick. Perhaps FIFA should now consider using robots as referees or linesmen - seeing how most of the officials they hire, while being professionals, seem to suffer from old age and failing sight.

From the ensuing free kick, Panucci powered a header past Scotland keeper Craig Brown, sending their fans and the Italian bench into raptures, while Scottish fans were left rueing another glorious failure on the international stage.

So close, yet so far. Always the refrain for the poor Tartan Army.

Now, the big task on the Scottish FA would be to retain McLeish, else it might be another 2 steps back for Scottish football as a whole.