Craig Brown, the last man to take Scotland to a World Cup finals, has died at the age of 82.

The national team's longest-serving manager, he was in charge for 71 games from 1993 to 2001, qualifying for Euro 96 and the 1998 World Cup.

He was also on the staff for the 1986 and 1990 finals.

Brown managed Preston North End and Motherwell before ending his career at Aberdeen in 2013 and moving into a board position at Pittodrie.

"Since 2010 Craig performed the roles of manager, director and ambassador," said Aberdeen chairman Dave Cormack.

"Craig was a friend to all of us at the club, and a mentor and confidante to many.

"He was one of those rare individuals who was not only effective at what he did but universally loved by all who got to know him. A gentleman who loved his family, friends, and football."

Awarded a CBE in 1999 for services to football, the former Dundee and Falkirk player spent nine years as manager of Clyde, starting out in 1977 while working as a primary school headteacher.

Having impressed with Scotland as a youth-level coach, he was asked to join Alex Ferguson's backroom team for the 1986 World Cup and would go on to serve as Andy Roxburgh's assistant, reaching the 1990 World Cup and Euro 92 finals.

Ferguson described Brown as a "thoroughly wonderful man" in a statement released by the League Managers Association.

Former Aberdeen and Manchester United manager Ferguson added: "Craig and I had been friends since Scotland schools team in 1957/58, with Craig as captain.

"When I was given the honour of managing Scotland at the World Cup finals in Mexico there was one man I had to take, for all his attributes and knowledge, that was Craig.

"He had a great career as a manager of several clubs but his service for his country stands out.

"In an industry that questions a man's capabilities, Craig never wavered in that situation, he always kept his head and his composure. Well done Broon!"

Craig Brown replaced Roxburgh when the chain of qualifying for five successive World Cups was broken, firstly overseeing a 3-1 loss away to Italy as interim boss.

Thereafter, his overall record with Scotland was 32 wins, 18 draws and 20 defeats.

There were away wins in Germany and England, while on the road to France 98, Scotland famously kicked off against no opposition in Tallinn as Estonia protested against a late change in kick-off time. After qualifying, Brown's team opened the tournament against Brazil in Paris, losing 2-1.

"Craig led the way in bringing sustained qualification to the men's national team, first as assistant to Andy Roxburgh and then in his own right," current Scotland boss Steve Clarke said on the Scottish Football Association website.

"He was a student of the game and I am proud to say that I followed in his footsteps by taking a Scotland team back to a major tournament.

"The thoughts of the players and my backroom staff go to Craig's family and friends at this difficult time."

A statement from Brown's former club Motherwell said: "An icon and influential figure of Scottish football, Craig Brown will forever be remembered for his astonishing achievements within the game and as a likeable character on and off the pitch. He will be missed by everyone."

After a 10-wicket defeat against Scotland in the 2027 World Cup Qualifier, Stuart Law has been sacked from his position as the Head Coach of the USA National Men's national cricket team

Dismissal of the former Australian cricketer was an inevitable outcome of the rough start in the World Cup League 2 series in Dallas. There, the USA scored just 144 runs, losing all wickets in the opener at Grand Prairie Stadium. Scotland’s Andrew Umeed scored 98*, chasing down the target within 24.5 overs .

The defeat to Scotland compounded recent challenges for the team, which entered the match after a 3-0 T20 series defeat to Nepal.

Statement from USA cricket

USA Cricket released a statement that said, "USA Cricket announced the departure of Men’s National Team Head Coach Stuart Law today."

It also added, "Law was appointed to the position in April and led the team during the USA's historic performance at this year’s T20 World Cup, where the team advanced to the Super 8 in its inaugural World Cup appearance."

The CEO of USA Cricket Johnathan Atkeison acknowledged Law's contribution to the team and accepted that it wasn't an easy decision for the board.

“Given Stuart’s contribution to the program, this was not an easy decision to make,” said Atkeison. “Unfortunately, we felt that a change was necessary for the next phase of competitive preparation.”

Stuart Law sacked despite of 2024 T20 World Cup's remarkable run

In April, Stuart Law got a three-year contract as the head coach of the team. With Law's coaching, the USA has a remarkable campaign in the 2024 T20 World Cup, a tournament hosted by them and co-hosted by the West Indies.

The team registered a historic win against Pakistan in Dallas. Not only that, they reached the Super 8s, which had sparked thoughts of them as a probable top 4.

Stuart Law had however coached countries like Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, West Indies, and Afghanistan. With USA seeing a sudden upsurge under his coaching, a sudden fall in the team's result has abrupt ended his coaching tenure with the team.

Scotland will take on South Africa in the 11th match of the ongoing ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2024 Group B fixture at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium in Dubai on Wednesday, October 9.

Also Read: India vs Sri Lanka ICC Women's T20 World Cup 2024 Preview, Head-to-head stats, team news and possible lineups and Fantasy team predictions

Match Details

• Date: 09/10/2024 
• Time: 3:30 PM IST
• Venue: Dubai International Cricket Stadium
• Broadcast: Star Sports
• Live Streaming: Disney+ Hotstar

South Africa Vs Scotland: Team Preview

RSA-W:

After a dominant victory over West Indies, South Africa fell short against England to drop down to third spot in Group B. Despite Laura Wolvaardt’s 42 off 39 balls, the middle-order struggled to muster only 124 runs on the board. Moreover, Dani Wyatt and Nat Scvier-Brunt played gritty knocks in the chase to secure a seven-wicket victory.

South Africa still stand a better chance against Scotland Women, given the latter’s inexperience and quality of cricket. The Proteas need to step up with the bat, as their bowlers have been doing a commendable job in the tournament so far. They still have an outside chance of making it to the semi-finals, which makes the upcoming fixture more crucial.

• Recent Form: L, W, W, L, W
• Key Players: Laura Wolvaardt, Marizanne Kapp, Nonkululeko Mlaba

SCO-W: 

Scotland’s tournament is more or less over as they lost both the Group B games. The team has essentially struggled to adapt to UAE conditions, especially spin. In their losses against Bangladesh and West Indies, Scotland struggled to score runs and build partnerships.

Against the Windies, the team scored only 99 runs before the former chased down the minimal target in 11.4 overs. While Scotland has nothing to lose, they can spoil South Africa’s party on their way out. Hence, Kathryn Bryce and Co are expected to come out all guns blazing for their penultimate fixture of the Women’s T20 World Cup 2024.

• Recent Form: L, L, W, W, L
• Key Players: Sarah Bryce, Kathryn Bryce, Olivia Bell

South Africa Vs Scotland: Probable Playing XI

RSA-W: 

Laura Wolvaardt (c), Tazmin Brits, Marizanne Kapp, Anneke Bosch, Sune Luus, Chloe Tryon, Nadine de Klerk, Annerie Dercksen, Sinalo Jafta (wk), Nonkululeko Mlaba, Ayabonga Khaka.

SCO-W: 

Saskia Horley, Sarah Bryce (wk), Kathryn Bryce (c), Ailsa Lister, Priyanaz Chatterji, Darcey Carter, Lorna Jack, Katherine Fraser, Abtaha Maqsood, Rachel Slater, Olivia Bell.

South Africa Vs Scotland: Head-to-Head

Both Scotland and South Africa have never faced each other before. Hence, they will be clashing for the first game in the Women's T20 World Cup 2024.

South Africa Vs Scotland: Pitch Report

The surface at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium is one that is preferred by the batters. Therefore, a high-scoring encounter could be quite a possibility on such a pitch. Hence, opting to bat first after winning the toss could prove to be a wise decision. Dubai’s dry and warm weather generally supports spinners, although high temperatures can affect the pace of the game during day matches. 

Also Read: ICC Women's T20 World Cup 2024: Squads of every team

South Africa Vs Scotland: Weather Report

The Dubai International Cricket Stadium is expected to witness a very warm and sunny afternoon during the game. The temperature is expected to be somewhere between 37° C and 40° C, so players and spectators will have to bear the scorching heat during this clash.

Winds will come from the west-southwest region at 15 km/h, with gusts up to 35 km/h. A good sign is that there are zero chances of precipitation and thunderstorms, so an interruption-free game can be enjoyed.  

South Africa Vs Scotland: Fantasy Team Prediction

Sarah Bryce, Laura Wolvaardt (vc), Tazmin Brits, Marizanne Kapp (c), Kathryn Bryce, Saskia Horley, Katherine Fraser, Annerie Dercksen, Nonkululeko Mlaba, Rachel Slater, Olivia Bell.

Bangladesh finally broke their 10-year-long vigil in the women's T20 World Cup as they defeated Scotland in the opening match of ICC Women's T20 World Cup 2024 on Thursday in Sharjah.

Bangladesh could only score 119 for 7 in the first innings all thanks to Sobhana Mostary's 36 with the bat. However, they could have easily gone over 130 if it wasn't for Saskia Horley, who took 13/3 in the fag end of the first inning.

During the chase, Scotland could not build any partnership as Sarah Bryce kept on fighting alone for the debutants. Bryce played a stunning knock of unbeaten 49 from 52 balls but kept losing partners at the other end as Bangladesh created history.

Read Also | ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2024: INDW vs NZW preview; head to head; when and where to watch 

First inning

Bangladesh captain Nigar Sultana won the toss and decided to bat first as Shathi Rani and Murshida Khatun produced their highest opening partnership of 26 at an ICC Women’s T20 World Cup.

Scotland's captain Kathryn Bryce became the first bowler to take a wicket in the Women's T20 World Cup when she dismissed Murshida Khatun in the fifth over. 

Post that first wicket, Sobhana Mostary and Shathi Rani looked to build up a partnership for the second wicket. But, at 60/1 after 11 overs, when they were looking to change the gear, Bangladesh lost Shathi (29 from 32) in the 12th over.

Captain Nigar Sulatan played a run-a-ball 18, but could not give the momentum they were looking for as Bangladesh could only add 33 runs in the final five overs despite having seven wickets in hand. Soctland's Saskia Horley was the pick of the bowler for the debutants, picking up 3 wickets for 13 runs in 2 overs at the death.

Read Also | ICC Women's T20 World Cup 2024 Schedule: India to play New Zealand first, followed by Pakistan 

Second Inning

Saskia Horley scored the first runs for Sctoland in any Women's T20 World Cup before she perished in the second over after a 12-ball 8. Then Bryce sisters, Kathryn and Sarah looked to consolidate the inning but Kathryn lost her stumps to Marufa Akter in the sixth over.

Read Also | ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2024: SAW vs WIW preview; head to head; when and where to watch 

Post Kathryn's dismissal, only Ailsa Lister could reach double-figure mark for Sctoland as Sarah kept losing partners at the other end. However, Sarah kept on finding singles and doubles to finish on unbeaten 49 from 52 balls as Scotland finished 16 runs short of the target.

Ritu Moni was adjudged the player of the match for her two wickets for 15 runs in the full quota of 4 overs in the second inning for Bangladesh.

Scores in brief

Bangladesh v Scotland, Sharjah Cricket Stadium, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates

Bangladesh 119/7 in 20 overs (Sobhana Mostary 36, Shtahi Rani 29; Saskia Horley 3/13)

Scotland 103/7 in 20 overs (Sarah Bryce 49 not out, Kathryn Bryce 11; Ritu Moni 2/15 )

Result: Bangladesh won by 16 runs

Managing a club and a country at the same time is indeed very hard. But, some of the managers were very comfortable doing that. AIFF appointed FC Goa boss Manolo Marquez as the head coach of the Indian Men’s National team after sacking Igor Stimac. He has previously managed Espanyol B and Las Palmas in Segunda Division and La Liga respectively. The Spaniard will coach the Blue Tigers and FC Goa at the same time. As Manolo Marquez will manage a club and a country at the same time, we'll look at the five managers who have done it in the past in this article on football facts.

Read Also: Indian Football Awards: Here are list of winners from AIFF Awards 2024

Football facts: Five managers who have coached Club and country at the same time

Rinus Michels (Barcelona and Netherlands)

Rinus Michels was one of the greatest managers of his time. He took charge of FC Barcelona after winning three European Cups with Ajax in 1971. He led the side to a La Liga title in 1973/74. Michels took over as manager of the Netherlands in 1974, before the World Cup in West Germany. The Dutches qualified for the final to face the hosts after defeating Argentina and defending champions Brazil. But, the Netherlands lost the final, and Rinus immediately left the job for his last year at Camp Nou. Michels later returned to the national team and won the UEFA Euro 1988.

Alex Ferguson (Aberdeen and Scotland)

Before joining Manchester United, Alex Ferguson managed Aberdeen and Scotland at the same time. Ferguson was a member of the national team’s coaching staff during the qualifiers for the 1986 World Cup. Manager Jock Stein collapsed and died at the end of the final group game but Scotland qualified for a play-off against Australia. Ferguson took control of the Scottish national team against Australia and then in the World Cup.

Scotland failed to progress from the group stage in the 1986 World Cup under Alex Ferguson. But, with Aberdeen, he was quite successful. He won the Scottish and League Cup in the 1985-86 season. Ferguson won 9 titles managing Aberdeen from 1978 to 1986 before joining Manchester United and becoming the most successful manager in the history of English football.

Guus Hiddink (PSV Eindhoven and Australia/Chelsea and Russia)

Dutch manager Guus Hiddink took over the managerial job of Russia in 2006 and took them to the Euro semifinals in 2008. He replaced Luiz Felipe Scolari in 2009 in Chelsea while managing Russia. The Dutchman took Chelsea to the Champions League semifinal and won the 2009 FA Cup.

In 2005 and 2006, he managed PSV Eindhoven and Australia simultaneously. He guided Australia to the World Cup finals for the first time in 32 years. Australia even qualified for the knockout rounds but lost to eventual winners Italy.

Leonid Slutsky (CSKA Moscow and Russia)

Leonid Slutsky was appointed as the Russian manager in 2015. The contract was until the end of UEFA Euro 2016 qualifying. He was also managing CSKA Moscow at the same time. Earlier, he had taken CSKA Moscow to the knock-out stage of the Champions League (2009) for the first time in the club's history.

He guided Russia to win the remaining matches of the qualifiers and to the finals. At the same time, he led CSKA to its third title in four years. Slutsky resigned from being the coach of the Russian team after a 3–0 loss to Wales in the UEFA Euro 2016 group stage.

Fatih Terim (Galatasaray and Turkey)

Fatih Terim managed Galatasaray four times and the Turkish National Team three times in his managerial career. In the third act, he managed the club and country at the same time. Galatasaray won its 18th league title with a scoreless draw against Fenerbahce. Galatasaray made a poor start to the 2012–13 UEFA Champions League season, losing the first two group matches in Group H, but they won three of their last four group matches to advance to the Round of 16. 

They faced Real Madrid in the quarter-finals and got knocked out of the competition. In the 2013-14 season after a poor start in both league and UCL, Terim decided to step down after so much controversy and drama. 

In August 2013, Terim was appointed interim manager of Turkey ahead of four critical 2014 World Cup UEFA Group D qualifying matches. Turkey won their next three qualifying matches but lost their last qualifying match against the Netherlands by 2–0 in Istanbul. Turkey finished fourth in Group D and failed to qualify for the 2014 World Cup finals.

After leaving Galatasaray, Terim continued with the national team and took charge of Turkey in the UEFA Euro 2016 qualifiers.

Julian Nagelsmann's Germany thrashed Steve Clarke's Scotland in the opening fixture of the UEFA Euro 2024 at the Allianz Arena on Friday. The hosts thrashed the Scottish team by 5-1 in the opening game as Florian Writz, Jamal Musiala, Kai Havertz, Niclas Fullkrug and Emre Can netted the goals for Germany. Meanwhile, Scotland's lone goal came through Antonio Rudiger's own goal.

Read Also: All-time Top Goalscorers of UEFA Euros

In this game, Florian Wirtz has become the youngest player to score for Germany at a EURO tournament at 21 years and 42 days old. Moreover, this is also the biggest-ever margin of defeat in a Euros opener ever. Along with that, with 28 wins, Germany now have become the team with the most wins in Euro history.

Read Also: Spain vs Croatia UEFA Euro 2024 Match Preview, Head-to-head, Possible Lineups and Fantasy XI Prediction

Read our LIVE Blog below for the highlights of the Germany vs Scotland match.

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