Euro 2020: Scotland get ready for first match at major tournament finals in 23 years when they take on Czech Republic at Hampden this afternoon

THE day is upon us - Scotland return to major football finals action against the Czechs at Hampden today and the whole nation will be cheering them on.

Since reaching the World Cup in France in 1998, the Tartan Army has endured decades of glorious failure and watched qualifying campaign after qualifying campaign falter.

That all ended last year when Steve Clarke led his men to glory in a dramatic penalty shoot out in Serbia, earned by goalkeeper David Marshall's crucial spot kick save to spark wild scenes of celebration across the country.

Covid extended that wait by another year, but Scotland finally do battle with the Czech Republic at the National Stadium this afternoon in front of a crowd of 12,000 fans.

It may not quite be the traditional Hampden roar, but an elite and fortunate group of Scotland diehards will be inside the stadium to witness their country's return to elite football.

Meanwhile, in pubs and homes, offices and schools from the Highlands and Islands to the Borders will hold the shared belief that yes sir, Scotland can boogie their way to a winning Euro 2020 start.

Andy Robertson will be the first Scotland captain in 23 years since Keith footballing son Colin Hendry to lead his team out on the park for a finals group match.

'Braveheart' Hendry wore the armband for Scotland's World Cup campaign in France, including the tournament's opening fixture against Brazil in Paris.

Defeat to Morocco in the third match brought about another glorious failure that year, but the 2021 chapter begins today.

Today's clash with the Czechs is followed by another vital match against 'The Auld Enemy' when the Scots head to Wembley to do battle with group favourites England on Friday.

Scotland's third - and hopefully not their final - game is back at Hampden next Tuesday against Croatia, who lost 1-0 to the English in yesterday's group opener.

Can this be the year that Scotland go beyond the group stages in a big tournament for the first time in their international footballing history?

We Have A Dream!

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