After the misfortune of failing to qualify for the 2000 European Championships, Scotland found themselves unfortunate not to qualify for the 2002 world cup finals. They started off the qualifying group in great form, gaining 8 points from 4 matches, however after a 2-0 defeat in Belgium; they could not take any hold in the group. There campaign for qualifying for the 2004 European Championships was anything but great. With Berti Vogts installed as the new manager, they got off to a shocking start, drawing 2-2 to the Faroe Islands. Worse was to come few months later as Lithunaia beat them 1-0. However after few lucky results, Scotland found themselves in the play offs for a stake in Euro 2004. After a lucky 1-0 home victory against Holland, they were smacked for six in the return leg and failed to qualify. A string of disastrous friendly results, such as a 4-0 defeat against Wales and 3-0 at home against Hungary added insult to injury. Just as things could not get any worse, they actually did, they lost at home in a crucial world cup qualifier against Norway and Vogt’s men drew 1-1 against Moldova, the weakest team in the section, this proved to be his last match in charge. Walter Smith was appointed the new boss of Scotland and the response was immediate. Despite not qualifying plenty of encouragement was taken, including a fine 3-0 win against Slovenia, an encouraging 1-1 draw against the future world champions Italy and a super 5-1 thrashing of Bulgaria. Scotland now have every chance of qualifying for the 2008 European Championships.