This archive report was first published on 27 September 2019.
Scotland's hopes of qualifying for the Euro 2020 finals via the qualifying group took a significant hit after a 4-0 defeat to Belgium at Hampden Park on September 9, 2019.
Belgium coach Shaun Maloney, who won 47 Scotland caps, admitted that he struggled with his emotions during the match, which was a heavier defeat than when the sides last met in Belgium in June.
Maloney, who helped Roberto Martinez's side prepare for the match with scouting reports, said: 'I actually found it a lot harder than I thought I would.'
He also acknowledged that the Belgian squad's quality had to be taken into account and thinks Scotland could yet qualify for the finals through the Nations League play-offs.
Scotland head coach Steve Clarke conceded that his side would not make the Euro 2020 finals via the qualifying group topped by Belgium.
Clarke has only been in charge of Scotland for four games – two against Belgium – and Maloney thinks there has been an 'overreaction' to the latest defeat.
Maloney praised Clarke's work, saying: 'He did an amazing job at Kilmarnock. We have to give him time to mould his team into what he wants and that doesn’t happen in four games.'
