Football

Scotland stands on the cusp of history as they prepare to face Hungary on June 23rd. A victory would potentially secure their first-ever qualification for the knockout stages of a major tournament at Euro 2024.In 11 previous attempts, Scotland has consistently fallen short at the group stage. However, a battling 1-1 draw against Switzerland has rekindled hope and kept their dreams alive. A win against Hungary, who has lost both of their opening games, would likely be enough to secure second place in Group A or a spot among the four best third-placed teams that advance to the last 16.Scotland manager Steve Clarke had set a target of four points before the tournament began. The clash with Hungary presents Scotland's best chance of securing their first win at a major tournament since 1996. However, the Hungarians are also desperate for a victory to keep their hopes of qualification alive."When the draw was made, you were probably targeting the last two games," said Scotland midfielder Callum McGregor. "When you get a bad result, perspective goes out the window a little bit. It was probably the manner of the defeat the other night which made everyone feel a bit sore and not great.""As footballers, you have to deal with that. You have to try to put it right. We made the first step of putting it right and we arrive into the game on Sunday now with belief that if we play equally as well, if not better, we give ourselves a right good chance."Scotland captain Andy Robertson has expressed his belief that this squad has the potential to achieve "legendary status" by breaking new ground for the nation. However, they will need to overcome adversity to do so. Ryan Porteous remains banned after being sent off in the 5-1 thrashing by Germany in Munich. Injury to Kieran Tierney has deprived Clarke of another defender and one of Scotland's best players.Despite calls for more changes, nine of Clarke's squad have started both games. He must now decide whether to stick or twist in Stuttgart with a tight turnaround after an energy-sapping 90 minutes against the Swiss."We have to recover and bring the same energy level and the same tempo and the same aggression as we did against Switzerland," added McGregor.Tierney's injury opens the door for a change of system. Clarke has stumbled upon his preferred 5-4-1 formation to accommodate both the Arsenal left-back and Liverpool's Robertson in the same side. A switch to a back four would allow the former West Brom boss to include an extra forward player and make room for Bournemouth's Ryan Christie alongside the midfield four of McGregor, Billy Gilmour, Scott McTominay, and John McGinn.Many of the estimated 200,000 Tartan Army that have traveled to Germany are also calling for a change up front. Hearts captain Lawrence Shankland won player of the year awards in Scotland after scoring 31 goals this season. Yet, he has had barely a few minutes on the pitch in the opening two games as Clarke has opted for the extra mobility offered by Che Adams.Since taking charge in 2019, Clarke's loyalty has fostered continuity and a club-like team spirit that has brought his country back to two major tournaments after two decades in the wilderness. But a bolder approach may now be what Scotland needs to change their narrative on the international stage and end an unwanted record.

Sunny Singh Gill, a 39-year-old British South Asian, is set to make history as the first Indian-origin referee in an English Premier League fixture. This momentous occasion will take place on Saturday at Selhurst Park, where Gill will officiate the match between Crystal Palace and Luton.Gill's journey to this historic moment began at a crossroads a year ago. He had the choice between continuing his career as a prison officer or pursuing his passion for refereeing, a legacy passed down from his father, Jarnail Singh, who was the first turbaned referee in English League football history.Gill's father's influence and his own love for the game led him to take up refereeing at the age of 17. However, he faced challenges early on, finding it difficult to manage players on the field. After a five-year hiatus, he returned to refereeing with renewed determination.In 2021, Gill and his brother Bhupinder became the first pair of British South Asians to officiate in the same Championship match. Last year, Gill became the first South Asian since his father to referee a Championship game.Alongside his refereeing duties, Gill worked at Feltham Prison and Young Offender Institution. However, the demanding schedule eventually led him to give up his prison job to focus on his refereeing career.Gill's hard work and dedication have paid off. He has received support from the Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL) and his coaches, and he is now ready to fulfill his dream of becoming the first South Asian to referee in the Premier League.British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak praised Gill's achievement, highlighting the significant contributions of South Asian people to British society. Gill's historic moment is a testament to the values of hard work, family, education, and enterprise that are shared by the South Asian community.