Ryan Christie targets World Cup history to avenge Scotland’s Euro 2024 pain
Scotland midfielder Ryan Christie says the national squad are using the lingering agony of their Euro 2024 exit as motivation to make history at the upcoming World Cup.
The Bournemouth playmaker was the last player to touch the ball during a heartbreaking campaign in Germany two years ago.
A 100th-minute defeat to Hungary sealed an early departure, leaving players and the travelling Tartan Army devastated.
Now, as the nation prepares for its first appearance on the grandest global stage in 28 years, that emotional pain is driving the team forward.
“So I think this time we’ve got a bit of a chip on our shoulder that we are going to do something at this tournament,” Christie told The Wayne Rooney Show.
The 31-year-old insists the group are absolutely desperate to take that extra step and become the first Scottish side to advance beyond the group stage.
Banishing opening day nightmares
The team will commence their Group C campaign against Haiti in a match broadcast live on the BBC.
Facing the Caribbean nation first offers a stark contrast to their last major tournament, where they suffered a humbling 5-1 thrashing against host nation Germany.
“You’d rather face them than Brazil first. I know that from facing Germany at the opening of the last Euros. That was a humbling experience,” he added.
While acknowledging that there are no easy games at this elite level, the former Celtic midfielder hopes the side has learned vital lessons to secure a stronger start.
A transformed national set-up
Expectations back home have surged under the meticulous guidance of head coach Steve Clarke.
The former Chelsea defender is widely credited with completely revolutionising the culture surrounding the international camp.
Christie revealed that earlier in his career, he found himself counting down the days until he could return to club football.
That atmosphere is now the polar opposite, with players actively choosing to arrive at training camps early to spend additional time together.
This remarkable team spirit is largely built on the immense trust the manager places in his squad both on and off the pitch.