THE OPTIMISM IS what kills you, isn’t it? Last night, for quite a while, Scotland had some hope heading into their final Euro 2016 qualifier.
And they had earned it.
After Robert Lewandowski gave Poland a third-minute lead, the hosts dug deep and thanks to two magnificent goals from Matt Ritchie and Steven Fletcher, they were in front with thirty minutes to go.
They weathered the storm and with seconds left, they simply needed to defend a free-kick to hold out for a famous victory.
But then chaos ensued and Lewandowski popped up to scramble home from right on the line.
And just like that, the dream was over for Scotland.
A couple of hundred miles away, things were very different in Belfast and Dublin where fans rejoiced in the stands and on the streets.
In Glasgow though, the feeling was one of bitterness, frustration and devastating disappointment.