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The Scottish Cup, also known as The Scottish Football Association Challenge Cup, is Scotland’s equivalent of England’s FA Cup. Established in the 1873-74 season, it is the second oldest association football competition in history, second only to the FA Cup.
Tournament Format
The Scottish Cup is open to any full or associate member of the Scottish Football Association (SFA). This includes all clubs in the Scottish Professional Football League (SPFL). Additionally, clubs that have won the Highland League, the Lowland League, the East or South of Scotland Football Leagues, or the Scottish Junior Cup can also qualify. Even winners of the Scottish Amateur Club have the opportunity to participate in the competition.
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Due to the large number of eligible teams, the Scottish Cup begins at the start of the Scottish football season, with the final being the last game on the Scottish football calendar. The competition follows a knockout format, with a staggered entry system based on a team’s level and league ranking. Similar to the FA Cup, there is a pre-tournament stage where smaller clubs compete for the right to play in the main competition.
Rounds and Qualification
The competition consists of several rounds before reaching the final. Here is a breakdown of the rounds:
Qualification
The Scottish Cup is open to a wide range of clubs, allowing for a diverse mix of teams to participate. The qualification stage includes clubs from various leagues and divisions, such as the Scottish Highland Football League, the Scottish Lowland Football League, the Scottish Junior Football Association, and the Scottish Amateur Cup.
Rounds One to Four
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In the first round, teams from the preliminary rounds join clubs from the Scottish Highland Football League, the Scottish Lowland Football League, and other leagues. The winning teams advance to the second round.
In subsequent rounds, teams from higher leagues, such as League Two, League One, and the SPFL Championship, join the competition. The number of teams decreases with each round until the fourth round, where the top teams from the SPFL Premiership enter the tournament.
Round Five to the Final
Round five, or the last sixteen, takes place in February and features the remaining teams competing for a place in the next stage. The winners progress to the quarter-finals, followed by the semi-finals, which are played at neutral venues. If a match ends in a draw, it is replayed at the away team’s ground. However, the semi-finals and final must be decided on the day, with extra time and penalties if necessary. The final is also played at a neutral venue, typically Hampden Park in Glasgow.
Scottish Cup Stadiums
The location of matches in the earlier rounds is determined by the luck of the draw. The team drawn first becomes the home team, while the other team becomes the away side. If a match ends in a draw, a replay takes place at the away team’s ground.
Semi-finals and the final, however, are played at a neutral venue. Hampden Park in Glasgow is the usual choice, with a capacity of 51,866. It has been the home of the Scottish National team and Queen’s Park FC, hosting most of the Scottish Cup finals since the competition began. Semi-finals have occasionally been held at venues like Celtic Park and Ibrox Stadium. Only once in the cup’s history has the final been played outside of Glasgow, in Edinburgh in 1896. The 1937 final between Aberdeen and Celtic holds the European record for domestic final attendance, with 147,365 spectators.
Previous Winners
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The Scottish Cup has a rich history, with many teams tasting success. Some of the most successful clubs include Celtic and Rangers, who have won the cup numerous times. The table below showcases teams that have won the Scottish Cup on two or more occasions:
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Scottish Cup Stats
The Scottish Cup holds significant importance in Scottish football and beyond. Its rich heritage and contribution to European competitions make it a prestigious tournament. The winners of the Scottish Cup qualify for UEFA European competitions, such as the Europa League.
Over the years, the competition has become more competitive. Between 1995 and 2010, Celtic and Rangers dominated the cup, with twelve wins each. However, from 2011 to 2016, other teams, including Hibs, managed to secure victory, showcasing a more diverse range of winners.
FAQs
Q: When does the Scottish Cup take place?
A: The Scottish Cup starts at the beginning of the Scottish football season and culminates with the final, which is usually the last game on the Scottish football calendar.
Q: How are the venues determined for the Scottish Cup matches?
A: In the earlier rounds, the home team is determined by the luck of the draw. Semi-finals and the final are played at neutral venues, primarily at Hampden Park in Glasgow.
Q: Which teams are eligible to participate in the Scottish Cup?
A: Any full or associate member of the Scottish Football Association, including clubs from the Scottish Professional Football League and various other leagues, can qualify for the Scottish Cup.
Q: How does the knockout format work in the Scottish Cup?
A: The tournament follows a knockout format, starting with a pre-tournament stage for smaller clubs to qualify. Teams compete in various rounds, with the number of teams decreasing until the final.
Conclusion
The Scottish Cup is a historic and thrilling football competition that captivates fans throughout Scotland. With its unique format, diverse range of participants, and prestigious venues, the cup showcases the best of Scottish football. Whether you’re a fan of Celtic, Rangers, or any other team, the Scottish Cup offers plenty of excitement and memorable moments.
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