SFA’s performance director says Scotland’s kids showed Strachan how to beat the Germans.
Scotland have already secured one historic victory over Germany this year.
Now the man who masterminded that success is tipping a second when Gordon Strachan’s side tackle the World Cup winners next month.
Mark Wotte assumed responsibility for leading the Under-17s in the European Championship Finals in Malta this summer following the departure of Scott Booth. And he believes the same principles which brought about the young Scots’ dramatic win over their German counterparts can also deliver glory against the older version.
“This is a tremendous opportunity for us,” says the SFA’s Performance Director. “If we can beat Germany in Dortmund, or even draw with them, then the world will sit up and take notice.
“And I know we can do it because Gordon Strachan has proved that now we can compete with anyone.
“The win over Croatia, who were ranked fourth in the world, was a magnificent result. Gordon has done a tremendous job to deliver a winning team with players who are great to watch. It is not scrappy, defensive football. It is attacking and very positive.
“Of course, taking on the World Cup winners is going to be a massive challenge but it is one we can’t wait for bring them on!”
As Wotte admits with a smile, he is a bit biased. The 53-year-old may work for the SFA but he is a Dutchman born-and-bred, and Holland against Germany is a great sporting rivalry to set alongside Scotland versus England.
“Coming from where I do, it almost goes without saying I would love us to beat the Germans,” he says. “But I respect them.
“They fully deserved to win the World Cup. It was not something that happened by accident.
“Ten years ago they devised a strategy and a pathway that brought it to pass. It involved everyone the Bundesliga, the youth teams, all the coaches working together with one goal to create a better national team.
“They created a style of football which is very effective, but also very attractive. For the last two years, they have been winning all their games and that form carried them to World Cup glory.
“Now we are trying to copy what Germany did with Scotland’s youth teams. The dream is to get us right up there in years to come.
“The Under-17s in Malta, for example, showed great potential. That is something to be excited about.”
Dundee’s equaliser in last Saturday’s draw against Partick was scored by Craig Wighton, who impressed on the Mediterranean island.
Wotte reveals: “I spoke to Paul Hartley about Craig a few months ago, and he wasn’t sure if he was ready for the Premiership because he is still young. So last Saturday was a big reward for Craig, but also for his manager for being brave enough to put a 17-year-old into such an important match.”
Even more noteworthy progress has been made by Wighton’s friend and erstwhile rival from across Tannadice Street, Ryan Gauld. Sold to Sporting Lisbon by United for £3m in the summer, the 18-year-old made an instant impact with a goal for their B team last week.
“Young kids need role models if they are to believe reaching the very top level is realistic,” says Wotte. “Ryan is a brilliant example, and we have big hopes for him.
“It is very pleasing to see Lewis Macleod back playing for Rangers after his injury problems, and the progress of Callum McGregor at Celtic following his loan spell with Notts County.
“It can be hard for kids to break through at the Old Firm, and there are so many other clubs doing great work.
“At last Sunday’s Hearts-Hibs game, I counted 10 Academy players who were still eligible for Scotland Under-19s and Under-21s.”
Gordon Strachan’s stars, he believes, are more than ready to come of age.
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