World Cup Hero backs ‘Bruzil’ campaign
Scotland’s absence from major football tournaments will be coming to an end soon according to World Cup legend Archie Gemmill, who predicts a bright future for Craig Levein’s side, who of course are missing out on the World Cup in South Africa next month.
The 48 times capped midfielder , who lit up Scotland’s dismal 1978 campaign in Argentina with his fantastic solo goal in a 3-2 win over Holland said, “I am certain Scotland will be at the European Championships in two years time. The squad of youngsters coming through is fantastic with the likes of Graham Dorrans, Darren Fletcher and Charlie Adam leading the way.”
Gemmill is sure Levein will be facing tough times of the best kind soon, saying, “When you consider how well Gary Kenneth has been playing for Dundee United and Scott Cuthbert at Swindon, the manager will have great difficulty picking squads in the future. Guys like Mark Reynolds, Steven Naismith and Ross McCormack will also be chapping on the door, and I don’t mean for squads, I mean to be starting.”
The 63 year old added, “I know some of these guys from my under-19 days with Scotland and they are right good players. With a few old heads around them there is no reason why Scotland should not start qualifying for tournaments again. We will finish second behind Spain in the European Qualifying campaign as they are superior to us but we will qualify.”
English clubs are beginning to take Scottish talent seriously again and are returning north with Gemmill advising, “When I played in England there were a lot of Scottish players throughout the top league and then it went dry. After a number of years I know scouts are heading back up here now because of the talent that is emerging.”
There will be no return to the days of three or four Scots in a team however, with Gemmill saying, “English football is much more cosmopolitan these days and there is more nationalities playing than ever. Having Scots in the Premiership and the Championship is great as they are both really competitive leagues.”
Gemmill was speaking at an event organised by IRN-BRU, who moved beyond their support of the SFL, and into the world of helping ensuring Scotland appear in major finals again.
Despite Gemmill’s optimism they have decided to safeguard Scotland’s future with their tongue in cheek, ‘Bruzil - The Road to 2034’ advertising campaign.
The soft drink maker are encouraging the people of Brazil and Scotland to get together, in what could be described as a footballing union, to help produce players for the World Cup in 24 years time.
To support their campaign lonely heart adverts have been being placed in newspapers in Brazil extolling the virtues of getting together with a Scottish person including the fact they can offer a fridge of IRN-BRU.
The company have also shot five adverts showing the progression of the fruit of the union from their cot to the World Cup Final of 2034, where names like MacKaka and Flavio McFadden play for Scotland.
Jonathan Kemp, Marketing Director at AG Barrs said, “Everyone is disappointed at Scotland not being at the World Cup this summer and as proud and passionate supporters of Scottish Football, we are hoping that our ‘Bruzil’ campaign ensures Scotland are there in 2034.”
Kemp added, “Brazil like Scotland are a country rich in football heritage. If we can enlist the help of some Brazilians to enlarge our football gene pool and get us to the World Cup in 2034 I am sure everyone will be delighted.”
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