The Weekend Round-up
by Danny Wright
Scotland’s Euro 2008 dreams were brought to a heartbreaking end as they were felled by Italy 2-1 in front of a packed out Hampden Park. Luck wasn’t on the Scots' side as contentious refereeing decisions went against them, however they couldn’t complain about the first goal as haphazard defending cost Scotland dear as Italy scored after just 75 seconds to silence the boisterous home crowd. Alex McLeish’s men rallied immediately though, forcing a serious of corners and having a strong penalty appeal turned down. It was in the second half when Scotland finally broke through, James McFadden’s deflected free kick turned in by Barry Ferguson to send Hampden into raptures.
Gordon saved well from Ambrosini to keep Scotland in the game, meanwhile the Italians had an effort incorrectly ruled out for offside as the visitors grabbed the decisive goal late in the game, Christian Panucci nodding home from an incorrectly awarded free-kick. So it wasn’t to be for Scotland, but their brave attitude and endeavor can only be applauded – hats well and truly off to Walter Smith and Alex McLeish, whose expertise guided an ailing unit into a resurgent fighting force once again.
One of the home nations going to the Euro’s next year could be England, who were given a lifeline by Israel’s terrific 2-1 win over Russia on Saturday night. England must now beat Croatia at Wembley on Wednesday or draw and hope results go their way in order to qualify. Steve McClaren – you’re the luckiest man in the land, no excuses now.
Another team upsetting the applecart is Northern Ireland, who provided international football with another upset as they beat Denmark 2-1 at a wet and windy Windsor Park. Nikolas Bendtner prodded the Danes ahead with a scruffy goal, but Warren Feeney headed level to lift Nigel Worthington’s men, with national hero David Healy taking centre stage to chip home a sublime effort to give his side all three points. The goal was Healy’s 13th of the qualifying campaign, setting a new European record for the highest number of goals scored in qualification. Northern Ireland now travel to Spain on Wednesday for one final showdown in what has been a memorable campaign. A win and a Swedish defeat against Latvia are required for an unlikely qualification.
Wales and the Republic of Ireland played out a tepid 2-2 draw at the Millennium Stadium, a match very much resembling both sides’ poor campaigns. Luckily, only a sparse crow was on hand to witness the dead rubber match as James Koumas headed Wales ahead after 23 minutes, only for the ever reliable Robbie Keane to haul the Irish level. Promising Reading star Kevin Doyle then put Ireland ahead but Koumas tucked home a penalty late in the day to make honours even.
Teams already going to Austria and Switzerland include Spain, Croatia, Romania, Holland, Germany, Czech Republic, Greece, Poland, Italy and France.
Gordon saved well from Ambrosini to keep Scotland in the game, meanwhile the Italians had an effort incorrectly ruled out for offside as the visitors grabbed the decisive goal late in the game, Christian Panucci nodding home from an incorrectly awarded free-kick. So it wasn’t to be for Scotland, but their brave attitude and endeavor can only be applauded – hats well and truly off to Walter Smith and Alex McLeish, whose expertise guided an ailing unit into a resurgent fighting force once again.
One of the home nations going to the Euro’s next year could be England, who were given a lifeline by Israel’s terrific 2-1 win over Russia on Saturday night. England must now beat Croatia at Wembley on Wednesday or draw and hope results go their way in order to qualify. Steve McClaren – you’re the luckiest man in the land, no excuses now.
Another team upsetting the applecart is Northern Ireland, who provided international football with another upset as they beat Denmark 2-1 at a wet and windy Windsor Park. Nikolas Bendtner prodded the Danes ahead with a scruffy goal, but Warren Feeney headed level to lift Nigel Worthington’s men, with national hero David Healy taking centre stage to chip home a sublime effort to give his side all three points. The goal was Healy’s 13th of the qualifying campaign, setting a new European record for the highest number of goals scored in qualification. Northern Ireland now travel to Spain on Wednesday for one final showdown in what has been a memorable campaign. A win and a Swedish defeat against Latvia are required for an unlikely qualification.
Wales and the Republic of Ireland played out a tepid 2-2 draw at the Millennium Stadium, a match very much resembling both sides’ poor campaigns. Luckily, only a sparse crow was on hand to witness the dead rubber match as James Koumas headed Wales ahead after 23 minutes, only for the ever reliable Robbie Keane to haul the Irish level. Promising Reading star Kevin Doyle then put Ireland ahead but Koumas tucked home a penalty late in the day to make honours even.
Teams already going to Austria and Switzerland include Spain, Croatia, Romania, Holland, Germany, Czech Republic, Greece, Poland, Italy and France.
image - bbc.co.uk/sport
posted by Danny @ 11:02 pm
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