Thursday’s crucial World Cup qualifier against Greece will mark a historic milestone for ETA – our 100th Scotland game at Hampden Park since our formation on 1st November 1995!
As we approach our momentous 30th anniversary, this Thursday’s match represents three decades of unwavering support, unforgettable memories, and the unbreakable bond between Scotland’s national team and the ETA family.
📊 100 Games, 30 Years – The Numbers Tell Our Story
Since that first game after ETA’s formation in November 1995, we’ve witnessed:
- 🏆 46 victories – Including penalty shootout wins (46.5% win rate)
- 🤝 22 draws – Heart-stopping moments of hope and despair
- 💔 31 defeats – But we kept coming back for more!
- ⚽ 139 goals scored – An average of 1.4 goals per game
- 🛡️ 110 goals conceded – Keeping us on the edge of our seats
- ➕ +29 goal difference – Proof that Hampden really is our fortress!
🎭 The Highs, The Lows, and The Unforgettable
Most Frequent Opponents at Hampden:
Our most regular visitors to the national stadium during the ETA era:
5 matches:
- Croatia (2W-2D-1L) – From World Cup qualifiers to Euro 2020 heartbreak
- Lithuania (4W-1D-0L) – Our most successful regular opponent!
4 matches:
- Israel (3W-1D-0L) – Including that unforgettable Euro 2020 playoff penalty win
- Denmark (3W-0D-1L) – Usually happy memories against the Danes
- Czechia (2W-1D-1L) – Mixed fortunes against our central European friends
- Belgium (0W-1D-3L) – The Red Devils have proven tough opponents at Hampden
Behind Closed Doors – Even Without Us, We Were There in Spirit:
During the dark days of COVID-19, 6 Hampden matches were played behind closed doors, including that unforgettable Euro 2020 playoff victory against Israel on penalties – proving that ETA spirit transcends physical presence!
The Euro 2020 Dream:
Who could forget June 2021 when limited capacity returned, and we finally saw Scotland at a major tournament again? Those Euro 2020 matches at Hampden – even with restricted numbers – reminded us why we follow this team through thick and thin.
Goals That Made Us Roar:
Over these 100 Hampden matches, we’ve witnessed some truly memorable goalscorers lighting up the national stadium. Leading the way at Hampden specifically is John McGinn with 14 goals, followed by Kenny Miller (9 goals) and Scott McTominay (7 goals) – showcasing different eras of Scottish attacking talent. We’ll never forget Sparky’s 2 free kicks against you know who.
But let’s not forget where it all began – Eoin Jess had the honor of scoring the first goal in ETA’s era during that memorable 5-0 victory over San Marino. From that moment to McGinn’s recent strikes, the 139 goals scored at Hampden during the ETA era tell the story of Scotland’s attacking evolution, with 59 different players finding the net at our national stadium, scoring 130 goals between them (with the remaining 9 coming from opponent own goals).
🚌 Thank You to Our Unsung Heroes
None of this would be possible without the dedication of our incredible bus convenors who’ve organized countless journeys to Hampden over these 30 years. Rain or shine, qualification campaigns or friendlies, they’ve made sure ETA members could get to the games that matter. Special thanks to Neil McDonald who is still organising buses even when work commitments prevent him from travelling.
To our committee members who’ve kept ETA spirit alive through three decades – your tireless work behind the scenes has created a community that’s about so much more than just football.
And to our members – the heartbeat of ETA – thank you for 30 years of songs, scarves, hope, heartbreak, and unwavering loyalty. You’ve made every one of these 99 games special, and Thursday’s 100th will be no different.
🎉 Looking Ahead: Our 30th Anniversary Celebration
As we celebrate this Hampden milestone, our eyes are already turning to Saturday 1st November 2025 – exactly 30 years to the day since ETA was formed. Our anniversary dinner promises to be a night to remember as we reflect on three decades of following Scotland and look forward to the next chapter of our journey.
📈 Three Decades of Dedication
From Craig Brown to Steve Clarke, from the pain of missed tournaments to the joy of Euro 2020 and beyond, ETA has been there. We’ve seen:
- Legendary managers come and go
- Iconic players pull on the dark blue shirt
- Historic victories that we’ll never forget
- Heartbreaking defeats that only made us stronger
Through qualification campaigns, friendlies, and major tournaments, through the highs of victory and the lows of defeat, ETA has been Scotland’s constant companion.
🏟️ Here’s to 100 More!
As we prepare for Thursday’s historic 100th game, let’s remember what makes ETA special. It’s not just about the football – it’s about the friendships forged, the memories made, and the community built around our shared love for Scotland.
So here’s to game number 100 at Hampden – and here’s to the next 100!
See you on the bus for this historic milestone match!
Mon the Scotland! Mon ETA!
ETA (Edinburgh Tartan Army) was formed on 1st November 1995 and represents Scotland supporters in Edinburgh and beyond. Our 30th Anniversary Dinner takes place on Saturday 1st November 2025.
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