Tabloids relish contrast in sporting fortunes

ENGLAND’S failure to qualify for the last eight of the World Cup in South Africa now stands in marked contrast to that of Scots tennis ace, Andy Murray, who yesterday booked his place in the quarter-finals at Wimbledon.

And, not surprisingly, the Scottish press is milking it for all it’s worth.

Says the front-page of this morning’s Daily Record: ‘Scotland into the Last 8’. In blue ink, too. And in rival title, The Scottish Sun, the lion’s share of its editorial is dedicated to Murray’s exploits.

It begins: “Suddenly everyone’s interested in Andy Murray. Still reeling from World Cup humiliation, fans south of the border have launched the search for a new hero to get behind. And with our man charging into the Wimbledon quarter-finals without dropping a set, they’ve found him.”

Continues the tabloid: “Scotland’s home-grown ace has broad enough shoulders to carry the hopes of the whole nation. And hey, we’re generous. We don’t mind sharing out sporting greats.”