Opinions

Three impactful moments from West Ham’s Scottish star’s international career – including this key World Cup display

Share

3 highlight moments of Robert Snodgrass’ international career

According to a report from the Daily Mail, Scotland midfielder Robert Snodgrass has retired from international duty with immediate effect.

The 32-year-old West Ham attacker withdrew from Steve Clarke’s squad before the 2020 European Championship qualifying match against San Marino at Hampden Park on Sunday after featuring in the 4-0 defeat by Russia in Moscow on Thursday night.

Robert Snodgrass, who started his career at Livingston before spells at Leeds United, Norwich City and Hull City, with loan periods at Stirling Albion and Aston Villa, won 28 caps and scored seven goals for Scotland since making his debut in February 2011. He earned his final cap in a 4-0 defeat away in Russia last week.

Scotland are not going to qualify for Euro 2020 through the conventional route, but are set to play in a Nations League semi-final play-off in March, which could have given the 32-year-old a chance to write his name in the nation’s history books. Despite that, the midfielder has hung up his Scotland boots that would see him now concentrate fully on his club career.

That being said, let us take a look at three special moments in Snodgrass’ international career.

1. Snodgrass sinks Croatia

Scotland were slated to play Croatia in the Group A of the European qualifiers for the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil.

Croatia were locked on 16 points with a red-hot Belgium side. When Scotland arrived in Zagreb, then bottom of the standings and without a win under new manager Gordon Strachan, almost all expected Igor Stimac’s side to earn easy three points.

However, that wasn’t the case as Robert Snodgrass’ first-half goal was enough to shock Croatia and inflict their first competitive home defeat since England’s 4-1 win in 2008.

2. Snodgrass hat-trick helps Scotland beat Malta 5-1

It was a colourful evening in Snodgrass’ international career as he scored a hat-trick in Scotland’s 5-1 thumping of Malta in the 2018 World Cup qualifiers back in 2016.

Malta had quickly cancelled out a fortuitous early opener from Snodgrass when Alfred Effiong headed home but Scotland scored four times after the break. In the second half, Snodgrass bagged a couple, while Chris Martin and substitute Steven Fletcher also joined the party.

3. Snodgrass quashes rumours of turning down Barcelona

The Scotsman had been rumoured to have rejected a trial with Barcelona as a kid during his Livingston days. Snodgrass rose through the ranks at Livingston but insists he never was the subject of interest of Barcelona.

Back in 2005, the nippy winger was busy making a name for himself at Livingston. Having burst onto the scene with the Scottish side, Snodgrass was a talent very much in demand.

His potential was noted by clubs throughout England – with Leeds United eventually securing his services when he was 19, while talk of his ability was apparently said to have spread at Barcelona.

In 2017, Snodgrass said to The Sun: “You’d have to be insane to reject a trial at Barcelona.”

Rohan Sengupta

Hi, I am Rohan Sengupta from one of the busiest cities in India, Mumbai. A Journalism graduate with a keen interest in sports, football is something I simply cannot live without and writing, discussing and analyzing the game is what I do 24*7. Follow me @garrydevildada

Recent Posts

The Vital Role of Communication on the Soccer Field: Unlocking Success in Leagues

Communication is the heartbeat of any successful soccer team. On the field, amidst the flurry…

24 hours ago

The Brilliance of Paul Scholes: A Midfield Maestro’s Illustrious Career

In the annals of football history, few names evoke as much reverence and admiration as…

2 weeks ago

Online games on Football

Are you new to the world of football betting and would you like to take…

3 weeks ago

Using Soccer News to Enhance Your Game Strategy

If you are into sports betting, staying ahead of the game is crucial. One way…

4 weeks ago

Interesting Facts About Football: 40 Questions and Answers

I have prepared some interesting and fun football facts for you, perfect for those who love the  thrill of discovery almost as much as the excitement found at https://www.staycasino.com/. Like the  unpredictable nature of casino games, these facts will surprise and intrigue you with unexpected  twists and turns in the world of football. Here is the complete list of 40 interesting and fun facts  about football.  What are the most interesting facts about football?  Football was invented in Italy, Messi is the highest-paid athlete, and the fastest a player has  been sent off is 0 seconds!  Stay ahead with these facts and impress with your knowledge. This collection contains many  football facts that will surprise you. Tell your friends new facts they don't know.  Interesting Facts About Football  Every football fan should know these facts. You can also surprise your children with what they  don't know!  When was football invented?  Modern football originated from the Florentine game of Calcio Fiorentino, played in the 14th …

4 weeks ago

Real Sociedad vs PSG preview, team news, tickets and prediction

Real Sociedad returns to the midst of Europe's elite clubs in the UEFA Champions League…

1 month ago