BobBev Posted December 18, 2003 Author Share Posted December 18, 2003 Sky Sports Tuesday June 8, 2004 Richard Keys and Andy Gray are sitting in the Sky Sports studio. RK - Good evening and welcome to Scotland’s opening group game in Euro 2004. We will shortly be going over to our commentary team in Portugal for the game against Denmark but first let’s take a quick check on the matches so far. AG - Well the tournament got underway on Saturday with the host nation recording a 1-0 win over England. Portugal’s captain Luis Figo got the decisive strike in the 66th minute. England captain Rio Ferdinand was later heavily criticised in the press for his poor performance. There were three matches on Sunday. Spain and Italy were well matched but it looked like ending with a narrow win for the Italians thanks to Christian Vieri until Spain’s captain Raul found the net in stoppage time - final result 1-1. France had to wait until the 88th minute before Liverpool’s Didier Agathe found a way through a spirited Croatian rearguard. And in Scotland’s group, Holland and Germany had a scoreless stalemate in a rather uneventful encounter. This is not a bad result at all for the Scots and if we can take something from the Denmark match tonight we’ll still be well in touch. Yesterday the Czech Republic defeated Belarus 2-0 with a Jan Koller double and Ireland had a fine 1-0 win over Yugoslavia thanks to a rare Mark Kinsella goal. And earlier today Norway lost 2-0 to Sweden with Henrik Larsson getting both the goals. RK - What’s the team news for tonight. AG - Well there’s some bad injury news before we’ve even got started. Jim Paterson looks like he’ll miss the entire tournament with a groin strain and Michael Stewart has picked up a knock that will keep him out for a week or so. So the lineup tonight looks like this. <pre class="ip-ubbcode-code-pre"> Craig Dargo Stevie Nicholas Charlie Miller Barry Ferguson © Mark Kerr Robbie Neilson Derek McInnes Robert Malcolm Scott Walker Phil McGuire Neil Sullivan Substitutes Jamie Langfield Barry Smith Lee Wilkie Brian McAllister Stephen Pearson Kiegan Parker Darren Fletcher</pre> RK - Thanks Andy. Just time for a quick break and then over to the game. We’ll see you back here at half time for a look at the highlights. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
BobBev Posted December 18, 2003 Author Share Posted December 18, 2003 Euro 2004 Group Game 1 Half Time Scotland 1 (Dargo 34) Denmark 1 (Sand 45) RK - An intriguing first 45 minutes then Andy. AG - Indeed Richard. That stoppage time strike from Ebbe Sand could prove very costly. RK - Denmark started out very brightly. AG - Yes, they were into their stride quickly and they had a flurry of early chances. Here’s where it starts. Claus Jensen plays the ball in and that’s neat interplay between Gronkjaer and Poulsen to create the space for Poulsen to shoot. Neil Sullivan had to be alert there. Now Jensen swings in the corner and Lustu really catches hold of that one - what a save from Sullivan. Real pressure here as Jensen takes the corner, that’s a great leap from Henrik Pederson and Robbie Nielson hacks it off the line. But Lustu picks up the loose ball and shoots first time - that’s brilliant by Sullivan. Then it quietened down a bit and we managed to get our breath back a little. But here on the half hour, Barry Ferguson is having a pull at Jensen’s shirt and his name goes into the book. He’ll miss the next match now. Jensen takes the free kick and that, Richard, is a world class save. Neil Sullivan is keeping us alive at present. But here we go, totally against the run of play, Walker plays it out to Ferguson who spots Mark Kerr in the area. Plays in a lovely ball and Kerr just slips it back to Dargo and what a great finish. The Danes can’t believe it. But we just go to sleep here right at the end of the half. Sand has totally lost his marker and that’s a pretty soft goal to give away at this stage. RK - What are your hopes for the second half. AG - Mainly I hope that we can get a bit more of the ball and start to play the game in the Danish half. If not then I can’t see the score staying like this for another 45 minutes. RK - Thanks Andy. We’ll hand you back to the commentary team for the second half and we’ll be back with you at full time. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
BobBev Posted December 19, 2003 Author Share Posted December 19, 2003 Euro 2004 Group Game 1 Half Time Scotland 1 (Dargo 34) Denmark 2 (Sand 45, Jensen 70) RK - Quite a disappointing second half Andy. AG - It was very flat wasn’t it? Not much worthy of note apart from the goal. We just didn’t seem to show much fight. Charlie Miller has a chance not long after the restart. It’s Ferguson with the ball in, a good jump by Miller but he can’t quite keep the header down. Rather poor defending for the winning goal I’m afraid. Claus Jensen with the free kick and it seems to go straight through the wall with Sullivan unsighted. Another soft goal in my book. RK - Any signs of encouragement for Scotland? AG - Well Neil Sullivan has shown that he’s still a top class keeper - he pulled off some terrific saves in the early period. Rob Malcolm and Scott Walker played well in defence, Mark Kerr showed some nice touches in midfield and Craig Dargo played well up front. RK - And your Man of the Match? AG - Claus Jensen without a doubt. He was at the heart of everything Denmark did and he scored their winning goal. RK - So a defeat for Scotland that puts them at the bottom of the group and gives them an uphill struggle to qualify. We’ll look at the match statistics. (Sky Sports Whooshing Noise) <pre class="ip-ubbcode-code-pre">Scotland Denmark 5 Shots on Goal 9 2 On Target 6 3 Off Target 3 0 Corners 3 9 Free Kicks 16 2 Offsides 7 3 Yellow Cards 0 0 Red Cards 0</pre> RK - I think that we just have time to join Claire Tomlinson for a few words from Berti Wogts. CT - Berti, a very disappointing start to the campaign. BW - Ja, not a good match for us and a bad loss. CT - It leaves you with a lot to do in the next game against Holland. BW - It does but of course, anything is possible in football. CT - Well I know you’re disappointed but thanks for talking to us and good luck on Sunday. RK - I’m afraid that’s all we have time for tonight but we’ll be back on Sunday evening for the critical game against Holland. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Da Bird Posted December 19, 2003 Share Posted December 19, 2003 Great work! I'm very curious how the match against The Netherlands went Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
BobBev Posted December 19, 2003 Author Share Posted December 19, 2003 Thanks Da Bird - you'll find out fairly soon! Sky Sports Sunday June 13, 2004 Richard Keys and Andy Gray are sitting in the Sky Sports studio. RK - A real big game for the Scots tonight Andy? AG - Absolutely. Anything less than a win and we’re almost certainly out. RK - Before we talk about that, let’s take a look at the recent games that have been played. AG - On Wednesday the Czech Republic secured their place in the Quarter Finals with a 2-1 win over Portugal. Once again, Jan Koller scored both the goals for the Czechs after Sergio Conceicao had given the hosts an early goal. On Thursday England kept their hopes alive with a 2-1 defeat of Belarus, Robbie Fowler and Michael Owen getting the vital goals. On the same day Yugoslavia pulled off a surprise 1-0 win over Italy with Mladen Krstajic getting the winner. Then on Friday France took a big step towards the knockout stages by defeating Sweden 1-0 thanks to a goal from David Trezeguet. Then in Scotland’s group, Denmark recorded a fine 3-1 win over Germany to ensure their qualification. Ebbe Sand opened the scoring before Jorg Bohme equalised for Germany. But then the Danes scored twice in four minutes before half time through Christian Poulsen and Bolton’s Henrik Pedersen. Then yesterday Ireland held Spain to a nil-nil draw. RK - OK, so what’s the team news for tonight? AG - Well Barry Ferguson is suspended so Craig Easton replaces him. At the back, Brian McAllister starts on the left and Barry Smith on the right. Kiegan Parker comes in for Charlie Miller and Marc Anthony replaces Stevie Nicholas up front. <pre class="ip-ubbcode-code-pre"> Craig Dargo Marc Anthony Kiegan Parker Craig Easton Mark Kerr Brian McAllister Derek McInnes Barry Smith Scott Walker Phil McGuire Neil Sullivan © Substitutes Jamie Langfield Robert Malcolm Lee Wilkie James McFadden Stephen Pearson Stevie Nicholas Darren Fletcher</pre> RK - And your final thoughts before we go to the match coverage? AG - Well it’s pretty much do or die isn’t it? We need the win and we’ve got to go out and make it happen. RK - Well good luck anyway. We’ll be back at half time. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
BobBev Posted December 20, 2003 Author Share Posted December 20, 2003 Euro 2004 Group Game 2 Half Time Scotland 2 (Anthony 24, Parker 45) Holland 1 (van Gastel (pen) 14) RK - A bad start but an excellent fightback Andy. AG - Spot on Richard. We did start quite slowly and we gave the Dutch the initiative for the first quarter of an hour or so. Kluivert has a good chance early on. He gets in front of Walker to reach the cross from Zenden but Sullivan makes a good save. But here it’s Zenden with the corner and this is such a soft penalty. The ref spots a bit of a tussle in the area and it looks like it’s Parker that’s penalised for backing in. But it’s given and van Gastel places it right in the corner. And then within a minute of one another Derek McInnes and Mark Kerr both get booked and they’ll both miss the Germany match. That’s just over-fussy refereeing in my opinion. But I’ll tell you what Richard, the boys didn’t half come back well. Here’s the equaliser now. It all starts at the back - I really do like the way that we try to play it out of defence instead of just hoofing it forward. Walker, feeds it to Smith, he finds McInnes. Nice turn from the big man and great vision to spot Parker in the area. A smashing knockdown and there’s Anthony to fire home. What a good goal to score on your debut. But Holland are still very threatening. Kluivert has kept Sullivan on his toes a couple of times and Hasselbaink’s been close too. Zenden fired a shot just over the bar and Sullivan made a really good save from Seedorf. But then right at the end of the half how about this for a piece of skill. Kiegen Parker picks up the ball and this is a determined run. He turns Hofland beautifully, gets past Bogarde and then Hersi and what a great finish! Does that remind you of anyone Richard? RK- A definite touch of the Archie Gemmill’s! OK Andy, we’ll take a short break and gthen it’s the second half live. See you at full time. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Da Bird Posted December 20, 2003 Share Posted December 20, 2003 Oh no! Congrats with the victory Berti Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
BobBev Posted December 20, 2003 Author Share Posted December 20, 2003 Euro 2004 Group Game 2 Full Time Scotland 3 (Anthony 24, Parker 45, Walker 84) Holland 2 (van Gastel (pen) 14, Zenden 58) RK - Welcome back everybody. Well Andy, Berti’s boys did it. AG - Didn’t they just Richard, but my word it was close. I have to say that we started off very positively with a very good spell of pressure. Here we see Mark Kerr with a super shot and that’s a fine save by Ronald Waterreus. But we just couldn’t keep the Dutch at bay. This is a lovely move here. Four or five sharp first time passes and it’s Zenden clean through to finish it off for 2-2. But full credit to the boys, they really worked their socks off in the second half. This is good pressure again and we’re really forcing the Dutch back. This is a chance for Dargo as substitute McFadden plays him in but Waterreus makes the save. Now this is a great run from McFadden and he tries to curl one into the top corner but the keeper makes an acrobatic save. Holland still dangerous on the break though and Sullivan does well to hold on to this shot from Hasselbaink. Stephen Pearson is on now and he almost scores with his first touch but Waterreus manages to hold on to his powerful header. Here’s Craig Dargo now, great technique with the volley and that’s another good save. But McFadden takes the corner and Scott Walker gets above Bogarde to head home. Anthony almost gets a second here but the keeper gets a hand to his shot. The same player again near the end and that’s another great save. It’s end-to-end stuff now as we enter stoppage time. It’s Pearson having a go this time to make the game safe but Waterreus is there again. And the right at the death Kluivert almost equalises but Sullivan just manages to parry the shot and McGuire hacks it clear. RK - So Scotland got the win they needed and their hopes are still very much alive. The Sky Sports match statistics are interesting. (Sky Sports Whooshing Noise) <pre class="ip-ubbcode-code-pre">Scotland Holland 9 Shots on Goal 12 9 On Target 7 0 Off Target 5 3 Corners 2 14 Free Kicks 11 3 Offsides 10 2 Yellow Cards 1 0 Red Cards 0</pre> RK - Scotland’s offside trap obviously tuned to perfection there. Now I believe that we can go across to Claire Tomlinson who is with a delighted Berti Wogts. CT - Congratulations on a wonderful win Berti. BW - Oh zank you zo much Claire. It vas a very brave performance from ze boys und I am most happy. CT - So you’re still alive in the group and now you face a showdown with your own country. BW - Ah Claire, I zink of Schottland as my own country now, at least as far as football is concerned. CT - So you’ll be going all out to beat Rudi Voller’s team then? BW - For sure. CT - Well done again Berti and good luck on Wednesday. RK - What a wonderful performance - final thoughts Andy? AG - Yes, it was a very good showing, although Smith and McAllister didn’t look too solid at the back and they were both replaced. I think that we’ll miss McInnes against the Germans and I’m not surf that Stewart will be fully fit to replace him. But Kiegan Parker was just outstanding tonight and he’s my Man of the Match. RK - Thanks Andy. Well it’s goodnight from both of us and we’ll see you all again on Wednesday night for the crunch match against Germany. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jambo Posted December 20, 2003 Share Posted December 20, 2003 Fantastic story KUTGW Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
BobBev Posted December 20, 2003 Author Share Posted December 20, 2003 Thanks Jambo Sky Sports Wednesday June 16, 2004 Richard Keys and Andy Gray are sitting in the Sky Sports studio. RK - Good evening and welcome to Sky Sports exclusive coverage of Scotland’s crucial game against Germany. But let’s start with a quick review of the recent action. AG - Last night the first two groups were decided. In Group 1, England had a terrific 2-1 win over the Czech Republic to secure their qualification. Robbie Fowler and Rio Ferdinand put England 2-0 ahead inside the first 20 minutes. The Czechs struck back in the second half through Marek Heinz but England were able to hold on for the win. In the other game a late Luis Figo goal gave Portugal a 1-0 win over Belarus but the hosts are eliminated on goals scored in a very tight group. <pre class="ip-ubbcode-code-pre">Group 1 Pos Team Pld Won Drn Lst For Ag Won Drn Lst For Ag Pts ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1st Q Czech Republic 3 1 0 0 2 1 1 0 1 3 2 6 2nd Q England 3 2 0 0 4 2 0 0 1 0 1 6 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 3rd Portugal 3 2 0 0 2 0 0 0 1 1 2 6 4th Belarus 3 0 0 1 0 2 0 0 2 1 3 0</pre> AG - In Group 2 the critical match between Ireland and Italy ended with a 2-0 win to the Italians. The goals from Inzaghi and Enrico Chiesa mean that Italy qualify at Ireland’s expense. Spain had a surprisingly comfortable 4-0 victory over Yugoslavia who played the second half with only 10 men. Diego Tristan scored twice with the other goals coming from Luque and Garcia Calvo. <pre class="ip-ubbcode-code-pre">Group 2 Pos Team Pld Won Drn Lst For Ag Won Drn Lst For Ag Pts ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1st Q Spain 3 0 1 0 1 1 1 1 0 4 0 5 2nd Q Italy 3 0 0 1 0 1 1 1 0 3 1 4 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 3rd Ireland 3 0 1 1 0 2 1 0 0 1 0 4 4th Yugoslavia 3 0 0 2 0 5 1 0 0 1 0 3</pre> RK - So what’s the team news from the Scotland camp? AG - Lee Wilkie comes in for Scott Walker in central defence and Malcolm and Neilson are recalled to the wide defensive positions. Barry Ferguson is back after suspension, Charlie Miller replaces a tired Kiegan Parker and Stevie Nicholas and James McFadden get a start up front. Michael Stewart has passed a late fitness test and he comes in for the suspended McInnes. <pre class="ip-ubbcode-code-pre"> James McFadden Stevie Nicholas Charlie Miller Craig Easton Barry Ferguson © Robbie Nielson Michael Stewart Robert Malcolm Lee Wilkie Phil McGuire Neil Sullivan Substitutes Jamie Langfield Scott Walker Barry Smith Darren Fletcher Marc Anthony Stephen Pearson Brian McAllister</pre> RK - So summarise the position in Scotland’s group for us Andy. AG - Well Richard, Denmark have already qualified but their game against Holland is very important for us. We need to avoid defeat and at least match Holland’s result if we are to progress. RK - Thanks Andy. We just have time for a short break before we go over to Lisbon for the big game and we’ll rejoin you at half time. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
bjorn Posted December 21, 2003 Share Posted December 21, 2003 Well Bobbev this is a great story. Just like all of your other story's Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
BobBev Posted December 21, 2003 Author Share Posted December 21, 2003 Thanks bjorn, you are too kind. Euro 2004 Group Game 3 Half Time Scotland 0 Germany 0 RK - A scoreless first half Andy, and we hear that the Denmark game is also goalless. AG - A scoreless half but Germany have had most of the chances so far. Scotland had the first chance of note, a nice one-two between Ferguson and Nicholas gives the skipper a shooting chance and his drive just skims the top of the bar. And now this is Ballack feeding the ball to Bohme who tries his luck from distance and Sullivan has to turn the ball behind. Schneider with the corner, Kehl gets a head to it but Sullivan makes the save. The Germans are pressing hard now and they’re pinging the ball around. Ballack with the ball to the far post, great header by Bohme and McGuire makes the goalline clearance. It’s Miroslav Klose now with a well struck shot - that warmed Sullivan’s hands I’ll bet. Scotland are really having to defend and doing it well. The back five are doing really well with young Michael Stewart in particular breaking up a lot of attacks. RK - So far so good Andy - how do you see the second half? AG - We need to get hold of the ball and try to take some of the pressure off. Craig Easton has been quite anonymous and I’d like to see Pearson coming on into midfield. RK - Time for a short break and the second half in full. See you at the end of the game. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jambo Posted December 21, 2003 Share Posted December 21, 2003 Come on. What happened in the second half? You've left me hanging Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
BobBev Posted December 21, 2003 Author Share Posted December 21, 2003 Just for you Jambo! Euro 2004 Group Game 3 Full Time Scotland 1 (Miller 55) Germany 1 (Bierofka 85) RK - Andy, the Denmark game has finished with a 2-1 win to the Danes, so the draw is good enough for Scotland to qualify. Holland took the lead when Marc Overmars scored in the 59th minute. But two goals in four minutes from Thomas Gravesen and Ebbe Sand gave Denmark the win. <pre class="ip-ubbcode-code-pre">Group 4 Pos Team Pld Won Drn Lst For Ag Won Drn Lst For Ag Pts ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1st Q Denmark 3 2 0 0 4 2 1 0 0 3 1 9 2nd Q SCOTLAND 3 1 1 0 4 3 0 0 1 1 2 4 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 3rd Germany 3 0 0 1 1 3 0 2 0 1 1 2 4th Holland 3 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 2 3 5 1</pre> AG - It was mighty close though. This was a much better second half performance. Berti must be a mind reader because Pearson replaced Easton at half time just as I suggested and he did make a difference. RK - Some injury problems though. AG - It doesn’t look good with both Neil Sullivan and Charlie Miller having to be replaced. RK - But a good second half nonetheless. AG - Yes. Much more fluid play from Scotland now. McGuire and Stewart combine to set up Miller but his shot’s just wide. Now watch the build up to the goal. Again it starts from the back, Stewart finding Ferguson who shows great awareness to spot Charlie Miller and pick out his run. Good control there and a sweet finish - pick that one out Oliver! But we all know that the Germans are fighters and they’re soon back on the attack. Ferguson just eases Ballack off the ball but free kick says the referee. It’s Ballack himself to take it, stunning effort but off the bar and out. But it’s Ferguson again, to Miller who tries the shot but can’t keep it on target. McFadden, sets up Pearson and that’s a great save by Kahn. Pearson turns provider this time, picking out Miller, good shot but just over. But Germany rally and the in last fifteen minutes or so there’s a lot of pressure on the Scottish defence. But we dealt with everything they could throw at us with one exception. Now this is as good a goal as you’ll see in the tournament. Substitute Daniel Bierofka picks up the ball on halfway and just weaves his way through midfield, into the area and finished with a powerful shot. That just shows the danger of standing off like that. RK - So the win wasn’t to be, but a great achievement in qualifying from such a tough group. A quick look at the match stats. (Sky Sports Whooshing Noise) <pre class="ip-ubbcode-code-pre">Scotland Germany 5 Shots on Goal 9 2 On Target 6 3 Off Target 3 0 Corners 3 12 Free Kicks 9 3 Offsides 10 1 Yellow Cards 1 0 Red Cards 0</pre> RK - Now I believe that Clare Tomlinson is with Berti in Lisbon. CT - What a great result for you Berti. BW - Ja, it really was a vonderful defensive performance. And to qualify from such a group - I am just lost for vords. CT - But Germany and Holland both eliminated. BW - Ach but football is a cruel game and zer are vinners und zer are losers. Und tonight ve are ze vinners. CT - Well done again Berti and good luck in the next game RK - Andy - time for your Man of the Match selection. AG - I think that tonight was mostly about the defensive performance, an area that Berti has struggled with to some extent. But Lee Wilkie and Phil McGuire were excellent in the centre this evening - shame about Wilkie's booking as he'll miss the next match. But my choice is Michael Stewart. He sat just in front of the central defenders and not only did he break up a lot of dangerous situations, he also played the ball out very intelligently. RK- Good choice Andy. Now before we go we should take a look at the Group 3 games. AG – France had a fairly comfortable 2-0 win over Norway to record their third straight win and progress as group winners. The Norwegians defended in depth but never threatened to score and France had to wait until late on to get their goals. But two strikes in a minute from substitute Didier Agathe was enough for the win. In the key game between Croatia and Sweden, Robert Kovac gave the Croatians an early lead and the Swedes were unable to find a way back. They had keeper Rami Shaaban dismissed in stoppage time but Niko Kovac missed the resulting penalty. The win was enough to take Croatia through and here’s how the final table looks. <pre class="ip-ubbcode-code-pre">Group 3 Pos Team Pld Won Drn Lst For Ag Won Drn Lst For Ag Pts ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1st Q France 3 2 0 0 3 0 1 0 0 1 0 9 2nd Q Croatia 3 2 0 0 2 0 0 0 1 0 1 6 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 3rd Sweden 3 0 0 1 0 1 1 0 1 2 1 3 4th Norway 3 0 0 1 0 2 0 0 2 0 3 0</pre> RK – Well that wraps up a very exciting night for Scottish football. Don’t forget to join us for coverage of the forthcoming Quarter Final. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
BobBev Posted December 21, 2003 Author Share Posted December 21, 2003 Sky Sports Saturday June 19, 2004 Richard Keys and Andy Gray are sitting in the Sky Sports studio. RK - We welcome you to Sky Sports coverage of one of the biggest nights for Scottish football in recent years as Berti’s boys take on the might of France in their Euro 2004 Quarter Final. This afternoon though the first Quarter Final ended in disappointment for England as they were defeated on penalties by Spain. AG - It was a story of Owen and Fowler versus Canizares as the Spanish keeper denied the English strikers time and again. Spain didn’t offer very much in the way of attacking threats and dangerman Raul was well policed by Ehiogu and Ferdinand. Robbie Fowler was the poor unfortunate soul who failed to score in the shootout, with Canizares denying him once again. RK - Is this the end for Sven? AG - It may be Richard. It certainly gives him an opportunity to leave for pastures new if we wishes. RK - Now on the to Scots. They have an impossible task tonight don’t they? AG - Well maybe not impossible but very, very difficult. Having done remarkably well to progress from the group stage they are now up against one of the top teams in the world. RK - And with a depleted team too. AG - Yes. Lee Wilkie is suspended and Miller, Paterson and Sullivan are all injured so they’re down to the bare bones. Here’s how they line up. <pre class="ip-ubbcode-code-pre"> Craig Dargo Marc Anthony Kiegan Parker Mark Kerr Stephen Pearson Brian McAllister Derek McInnes Darren Fletcher Scott Walker Phil McGuire © Jamie Langfield Substitutes Craig Easton Barry Smith Stevie Nicholas Michael Stewart James McFadden Barry Ferguson Robert Malcolm</pre> RK - No substitute keeper on the bench then. AG - No, I’m afraid that Berti is paying the price for his brave decision to only travel with two keepers and UEFA have not allowed a replacement to be called up. RK - And no Barry Ferguson in the starting lineup. AG - No, he’s not fully recovered from the last game so he takes a place on the bench. RK - Can the Scots pull off a shock here Andy? AG - Probably not. An awful lot depends on how well the youngsters in midfield and attack play and if we can be strong enough defensively to keep the French at bay. RK - Well we’ll go over to the commentary team after this short break and we’ll see you back here for the half time highlights. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jambo Posted December 21, 2003 Share Posted December 21, 2003 Get intae them frog eatin' lot!! Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Da Bird Posted December 22, 2003 Share Posted December 22, 2003 "They" don't all eat frogs you know , but Yes: beat them! Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
BobBev Posted December 22, 2003 Author Share Posted December 22, 2003 Thanks guys, we'll do our best. Euro 2004 Quarter Final Half Time Scotland 1 (Fletcher 31) France 0 RK - Now Andy, that’s what you might call an eventful 45 minutes of football. AG - You’re not kidding Richard. RK - Let’s look at the penalty incident first. AG - OK. Midway through the first half and Zidane plays a great ball for the run of Henry, Langfield is off his line quickly and he seems to catch Henry and the referee points at the spot. Now my heart stopped here Richard as Martin Ingvarsson reached into his pocket - remember we don’t have a keeper on the bench. I couldn’t believe it when he showed the Yellow - what a let off for the young keeper. Robert Pires takes responsibility for the penalty. Places the ball carefully, that’s quite a short run up, Langfield dives the right way and what a good stop. RK - And Scotland took full advantage off the letoff. AG - Absolutely. Just 5 minutes later and Pearson with the ball, gets to the byline and sends in a good cross. Mark Kerr running in and he gets a powerful header on the ball - brilliant save by Barthez. Fletcher whips the corner in, Barthez comes and just gets there before McInnes but his punch is weak. Zidane picks it up though, his pass intended for Pires but a great interception by Kerr. He feeds Anthony who slips past the defender, great ball behind the defence and there’s Fletcher sliding in to prod the ball home. RK - Scotland just about deserve the lead though. AG - Well they’ve created more of the chances but not many have hit the target. RK - And Langfield’s having a good game. AG - Yes, the penalty save apart, he’s also saved well from Trezeguet and Vieira. RK - Thanks Andy. We’ll take a short break now and then return you to Lisbon - see you at full time. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Da Bird Posted December 22, 2003 Share Posted December 22, 2003 The excitement.......... Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
BobBev Posted December 22, 2003 Author Share Posted December 22, 2003 Euro 2004 Quarter Final Full Time Scotland 2 (Fletcher 31, Anthony 89) France 0 RK - What an unbelievable result. AG - Astonishing Richard, just astonishing. And well done Jamie Langfield - what a performance. RK - We expected the French to really attack hard in the second half but they weren’t hugely effective. AG - Well they did create a few good chances but they never managed to put us under sustained pressure and a lot of the credit for that goes to Derek McInnes. He had a great second half playing just in front of the back two, chasing and harrying, not letting France settle on the ball and get into a rhythm. RK - Talk us through the highlights then Andy. AG - Well here’s the first chance of the half. Zidane picks up the ball and shows a sublime piece of skill to get past Parker. He hits a terrific shot - just look at the swerve on that - and Langfield does fantastically well to get a fingertip to the ball. It’s Pires with the corner and McInnes gets up well with Mexes but that’s another corner. Pires again and Trezeguet gets his head to it but he can’t direct it. Up the other end now and Pearson hits it long for Anthony, classic knockdown and what a volley from Dargo and a brilliant stop by Barthez. Scott Walker was winning everything in the air at the back and his header here is picked up by Fletcher. He’s off on a run now, making good progress down the right. Great close control here as he gets past the defender but his cross is blocked. It falls to Pearson though and he puts the ball into the area. Headed out again but this time McAllister picks it up - this is good pressure from Scotland. McAllister sends it in hard and low and Dargo tries the snapshot but he can’t keep it on target. RK - The young keeper looked unbeatable tonight. AG - He was inspired Richard. Look at this one. Henry moves forward menacingly, that’s a really well struck shot and Jamie somehow gets a hand to it. It’s Micoud trying his luck now and Langfield well positioned and showing good hands to hold on to that. Here’s the killer goal now though. The 4th official has just indicated two minute of stoppage time and it’s McInnes moving forward, he spots Anthony’s run and picks him out well and the Aberdeen forward finishes superbly to kill of the French. RK - Andy, I believe that Claire Tomlinson is standing by in Lisbon to talk to Berti Wogts. CT - Well done Berti, what a fantastic result. BW - Ja, zank you Claire. I’m not too sure zat I believe in it myself. To zink zat we can beat a great team like France and get to ze semi finals, chust fantastic. CT - I’m sure you’d like to single out Jamie Langfield for his wonderful goalkeeping tonight. BW - Jamie did very very vell but zo did all of ze boys - it vas a great team effort out zere. CT - Berti, I know that you’re anxious to get back and see the team but just before you go, I love the tartan Lederhosen. BW - Ja, I vas saving zem for a special occasion und zey are very smart no? Of course zey ver originally made for Herr Vogts and he is much shorter zan me. Zo as you say in Schottland "Zey are like ze ballroom in ze Carnegie Hall" CT - But there is no ballroom in the Carnegie Hall..... (blushing) Oh, I see what you mean Berti. RK - Time to look at the match statistics then. (Sky Sports Whooshing Noise) <pre class="ip-ubbcode-code-pre">Scotland France 10 Shots on Goal 8 4 On Target 6 6 Off Target 3 1 Corners 5 11 Free Kicks 13 6 Offsides 9 4 Yellow Cards 1 0 Red Cards 0</pre> RK - Who’s your Man of the Match Andy? AG - Well Derek McInnes was magnificent in front of the defence but I’m going to go with Jamie Langfield. The 24-year-old had a huge responsibility tonight in the absence of Neil Sullivan. OK, maybe he was lucky to stay on the pitch following the penalty incident, but he was absolutely superb for us tonight. RK - Thanks Andy. We will of course be back with Scotland’s Semi Final so we’ll see you then. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jambo Posted December 22, 2003 Share Posted December 22, 2003 \o/ \o/ Semi Finals here we come Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
BobBev Posted December 23, 2003 Author Share Posted December 23, 2003 Sky Sports Wednesday June 23, 2004 Richard Keys and Andy Gray are sitting in the Sky Sports studio. RK - Good evening once again and thanks for joining us as Scotland’s Euro 2004 adventure continues. Before we talk about tonight’s game let’s take a look back at the two Quarter Finals that were played on Sunday. First, the Czech Republic and Italy. AG - Not the most riveting of matches Richard, I must confess. The Czechs were terribly disappointing and laboured through the 90 minutes without creating a single scoring opportunity. Mind you, the Italians weren’t that much better but it was finally settled in the 65th minute with a goal from Filippo Inzaghi. RK - And Denmark against Croatia. AG - This was a much better game, thank goodness. The Danes went two ahead inside 10 minutes with goals from Ebbe Sand and Marc Nygaard. Croatia pulled one back 15 minutes from time through Jurica Vuko but it turned to be a late consolation. RK - So the Semi Final lineup is Scotland against Spain and Italy against Denmark. Another very tough game for the Scots as they face England’s conquerors and the 2002 World Cup finalists. AG - They’re all tough games now. RK - Can the Scots do it again? AG - I’d love to say yes, but I really feel that this will be a game too far for Berti’s boys. After their fantastic effort against France I just can’t see them being able to raise their game enough to upset the Spanish. RK - What does the team selection look like tonight? AG - A lot of the players that played against France are being rested as you can see. <pre class="ip-ubbcode-code-pre"> Stevie Nicholas Marc Anthony James McFadden Barry Ferguson © Craig Easton Brian McAllister Michael Stewart Robert Malcolm Lee Wilkie Barry Smith Jamie Langfield Substitutes Derek McInnes Phil McGuire Robbie Neilson Mark Kerr Kiegan Parker Scott Walker Craig Dargo</pre> RK - Thanks Andy. We’ll go over to Lisbon after the break and return here at half time. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Da Bird Posted December 23, 2003 Share Posted December 23, 2003 Oh, yeah, you've beaten the French, great job Just keep heading south with that victory road... Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
BobBev Posted December 23, 2003 Author Share Posted December 23, 2003 Thanks for your continued support guys. Euro 2004 Semi Final Half Time Scotland 2 (Nicholas 24, Easton 32) Spain 0 RK - You were saying Andy - No chance for Scotland, it’s a game too far! AG - This is one time when I really don’t mind being wrong! RK - Talk us through that first half Andy. AG - Well Spain have had most of the possession, but they haven’t created too many chances. Scotland have had two shots on target and they’ve scored twice. Scotland had a nice little spell of possession early on but it came to nothing. Here’s the first real chance of the game, about 15 minutes gone and Reyes makes a good run down the left, he sends the ball in and Victor gets above Malcolm and flicks the ball on. Raul is steaming in but Langfield is out quickly to smother the ball at his feet. The youngster is full of confidence at the moment and he’s really commanding his area - his handling’s been excellent and he’s not afraid to come and collect the ball. Here’s the first goal now. Ferguson breaks up this attack and plays it long to Nicholas. Good control, shields the ball well. Plays a glorious one-two with Anthony and bang - back of the net. Simple but effective. Spain seeing a lot of the ball now but the Scots are working really hard to close them down and the Spaniards are getting a bit frustrated. Again, an attack breaks down and Stewart sprays it wide to Malcolm who’s motoring down the wing. Plays the early cross to the near post and there’s Easton to shoot home. Spain have struggled to hit the target when they’ve had chances. Diego Tristan heads wide and then Victor does the same. But almost at half time and this is a good chance for Raul, he hits the ball well but Langfield is down smartly to make the save. RK - What will Berti have told the boys at half time? AG - He’s probably said let’s have more of the same. Keep working hard and most of all, keep your concentration. RK - Let’s take a quick look at the other Semi Final. AG - Well Italy are in a bit of trouble. They’re a goal down and a man down after keeper Francesco Toldo was red-carded for bringing down Ebbe Sand in the area. Thomas Gravesen calmly despatched the penalty and Italy have a lot to do to get back into this game. RK - Thanks Andy. Time for a quick break and then the second half. See you at full time. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
LeytonOrient212 Posted December 23, 2003 Share Posted December 23, 2003 aaah! What happened? Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
BobBev Posted December 23, 2003 Author Share Posted December 23, 2003 Here's your answer LO. Euro 2004 Semi Final Full Time Scotland 2 (Nicholas 24, Easton 32) Spain 1 (Raul 81) RK - Well Andy that goal from Raul gave us a very tense last 10 minutes but the boys held on. AG - They did indeed. All thanks to Jamie Langfield again. RK - Let’s look at that extraordinary double save. AG - Well this is about 10 minutes after the restart. It starts with a nice piece of control by Victor. He finds the substitute Joaquin who hits that shot with the outside of his right foot. Langfield does really well to parry it but Joaquin is on to the rebound in a flash. But Langfield somehow gets to his second effort too. Now here’s a big let off as the ball falls to Victor this time. With the goal at his mercy he tries to place it, gets a bit too cute and he hits the post when he really should have scored. Scotland are playing really well at this period of the half. They’re not giving Spain time to settle and when they get the ball they’re moving it around nicely, making Spain chase the game. Again Langfield full of confidence and quite happy to come and claim a lot of these balls played in to the box. Here’s Diego Tristan with a shot from distance but it’s comfortable for Langfield. Moving into the last 10 minutes now and here’s a real moment of magic from Raul to give Spain hope. He picks the ball up, jinks past Stewart and then past McAllister and finishes with a great shot into the corner. That’s just seconds after he was only booked for a two-footed lunge at Stewart - he could easily have been sent off for that challenge. RK - But Spain couldn’t find another goal and Scotland have made it to the Final. Who will they meet there Andy. AG - Denmark. Although they didn’t add to their score they held on quite comfortably against Italy. RK - Let’s look at the match stats then. (Sky Sports Whooshing Noise) <pre class="ip-ubbcode-code-pre">Scotland Spain 4 Shots on Goal 10 3 On Target 7 1 Off Target 3 1 Corners 2 9 Free Kicks 20 12 Offsides 6 2 Yellow Cards 1 0 Red Cards 0</pre> RK - We can now go to Lisbon where Claire Tomlinson is talking to Berti Wogts. CT - Congratulations Berti, what a wonderful achievement to reach the Final. BW - Zank you zo much Claire. It is indeed a triumph for ze players - zey were absolutely magficent and no matter what happens in ze Final zey haff done ze whole country proud. CT - Well good luck against Denmark and don’t forget to wear your lucky lederhosen. BW - I for sure vill be keeping zem on, even though I cannot zit down at all. Zat is why I am standing up all ze time during ze game - not because ze excitement is too much. RK - Who is your choice for Man of the Match? AG - I think that they all deserve a medal Richard. Scotland defended from the front and there were fine performances throughout the team. The two strikers played really well and Wilkie, Smith and Stewart were immense. But I’m going to go with Jamie Langfield again. RK - That’s great Andy. Well what a great night for Scotland - we hope everyone at home has enjoyed it as much as we have and we’ll see you back on Sky Sports for the final. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Terk Posted December 23, 2003 Share Posted December 23, 2003 great work, old man you'd just better win the final now Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jambo Posted December 24, 2003 Share Posted December 24, 2003 We're in the final \o/\o/ *Tra la la la la* Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
BobBev Posted December 26, 2003 Author Share Posted December 26, 2003 Thanks guys Sky Sports Sunday June 27, 2004 Richard Keys, Andy Gray and Charlie Nicholas are sitting in the Sky Sports studio. RK – Good evening everybody and welcome to Sky Sports exclusive coverage of the Euro 2004 final live from the National Stadium in Lisbon. Tonight I am joined in the studio by both Charlie Nicholas and Andy Gray. Now Charlie, you’ve been one of Berti Wogts harshest critics since his appointment. CN – Well Richard my complaint has not been with Berti as such but with Hughie McScrooge and his colleagues at the SFA. To me it was just inconceivable that having made such a monumental mistake in Berti’s initial appointment they were basically too tight-fisted to rectify it. I think that in the circumstances Berti himself has done an outstanding job. RK – And how do you see tonight’s game going? CN – Well Scotland have done outstandingly well to get to the final but now they face a team that, on current form, are amongst the best in the world. Denmark have lost only 1 game in the last two years and I don’t expect that record to be spoilt tonight. RK – So you feel that Denmark will win. CN – I think they will. There’s just too much experience in their team. Let’s just compare some statistics. For Denmark the average age of their squad is 28; for Scotland it is 25. The Danes have 657 caps between them; Scotland have 219. Their most experienced international is Ebbe Sand with 78 caps; for Scotland it’s Neill Sullivan with 29 and he’s not even playing tonight. And don’t forget that Denmark have already beaten us 2-1 in the group stages. RK - So do you agree with Charlie’s analysis of the game Andy? AG – I do to some extent. It’s true that the Danish team does have bags of experience and that their current form is excellent. But we mustn’t forget that Scotland have an great record under Berti Wogts with only 4 defeats in the 26 matches since he’s been in charge. CN – But it is a very young team Andy. AG – For sure and I think that’s hugely encouraging for the future. Denmark are definite favourites but I have a feeling that our youngsters might just pull off a shock tonight. RK – On that note, let’s take a look at the teams. Charlie, how will the Danes line up? CN – Well Denmark play a system where a sweeper plays behind two centre backs. Their wide midfielders are essentially wingers, not wingbacks and they have a three-man midfield and two forwards, one of whom plays slightly further back. They play a very attacking game and it certainly seems to work well for them. Here’s how they line up tonight. <pre class="ip-ubbcode-code-pre"> Ebbe Sand © Marc Nygaard Christian Poulsen Claus Jensen Thomas Gravesen Jesper Grønkjær Martin Jørgensen Martin Laursen Kim Madsen Steven Lustü Thomas Sørensen Substitutes Jon Dahl Tomasson Jesper Christiansen Niclas Jensen Søren Colding Henrik Pedersen Dennis Rommedahl Kim Christensen</pre> RK – And how about Scotland Andy? AG – There’s a few changes from the Semi Final as McGuire and Walker pair up at the back, Barry Smith comes in wide right, Mark Kerr is back in midfield, Kiegan Parker plays behind the front two and Craig Dargo starts up front. <pre class="ip-ubbcode-code-pre"> Stevie Nicholas Craig Dargo Kiegan Parker Barry Ferguson © Mark Kerr Robbie Neilson Michael Stewart Barry Smith Phil McGuire Scott Walker Jamie Langfield Substitutes Lee Wilkie Robert Malcolm Derek McInnes Darren Fletcher Stephen Pearson James McFadden Marc Anthony</pre> RK – Final thoughts before we go over to Lisbon. CN – My heart wants Scotland to win but my head says that Denmark are just too experienced for us. But if Kiegan Parker is really on song then you just never know. AG – Also we need to be really sound at the back as the Danish attack is pretty potent. RK – Thanks fellas. We’ll take a short break now and when we come back we’ll go straight to our commentary team in Lisbon and Charlie and Andy will be back at half time. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
BobBev Posted January 2, 2004 Author Share Posted January 2, 2004 Euro 2004 Final Half Time Scotland 0 Denmark 0 RK – Not the most eventful 45 minutes of football. CN – No, you can see that both teams are pretty nervous and to be honest neither of them have really settled down yet. RK – Let’s take a quick look at the best of the action. AG – Well it was a really cagey start and as Charlie says, both teams looking tense. The first opening falls to Scotland after 15 minutes or so. Craig Dargo plays a nice one-two with Kerr and then spreads it wide to Robbie Neilson who curls in a nice cross. Parker has timed his run well but he just gets slightly underneath the ball and his header goes over the bar. Denmark then saw a lot of the ball for the remainder of the half but didn’t have too much to show for it. Thomas Gravesen does well to make room for the shot but he doesn’t trouble Langfield. Now this is their best chance of the half. Great work by Martin Jørgensen to get past Neilson and that’s a wonderful cross to the near post. Poulsen meets it at speed and Jamie Langfield does really well to get a hand to that. But then right on the stroke of half time Scotland came very close. This is great vision by Barry Ferguson to pick out Parker in the area. Now look at this technique – he lets the ball drop over his shoulder and catches it on the volley and that’s a brilliant save by Sørensen. RK – How do you see the second half Charlie? CN – Well I don’t think that either side will be looking to make any changes at half time but I’m sure that the managers will be trying to clam the nerves and encourage their players to relax and start playing a bit of football. RK – Right, well we have to take a short break but we’ll be back in Lisbon shortly. Join us back in the stadium at full time. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Terk Posted January 2, 2004 Share Posted January 2, 2004 we'll all be calling for your head if we lose this Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
displaced_seagull Posted January 3, 2004 Share Posted January 3, 2004 You'd have thought someone would have scored in 7 days - This is excellent - COME ONE SCOTLAND Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
BobBev Posted January 3, 2004 Author Share Posted January 3, 2004 Thanks fellas Euro 2004 Final Full Time Scotland 0 Denmark 0 RK – Still no score at the end of normal time Charlie, and so we face Golden Goal extra time. CN – I’ll tell you what Richard, you can almost taste the tension out there. Both teams know that they are so close to winning and losing now and no one wants to make a mistake. RK – A more open 45 minutes that the first half though Andy. AG – A lot more chances Richard, with Jamie Langfield being the busier of the two keepers. This is just a couple of minutes after the restart and a free kick to Denmark in a very dangerous position. Claus Jensen is standing over the ball and he fires in a well-struck shot that Langfield was grateful to turn round the post. It’s Jensen himself with the corner and Ebbe Sand gets a good header but once again Langfield makes the save. Scotland with a chance now as Kerr picks out Dargo, he in turn finds Stevie Nicholas. Nicholas keeps coming as the Danes back off, he spots Parker’s run, that’s a nice ball in and a strong header from Parker but Sørensen makes the stop. A couple of minutes later and it’s Nicholas with another good run, he unleashes the shot but that’s well over in the end. Denmark make a double substitution now as Dennis Rommedahl comes on for a tiring Thomas Gravesen and Niclas Jensen replaces Jesper Grønkjær. Now watch this interplay at the back – Lustü and Laursen show great awareness to play the ball out of defence and find Nygaard. Good control on the chest there and he finds Sand. Shoots early and there’s a lot of movement on that effort and Langfield does ever so well to get a finger to it. Here’s Poulsen now as Denmark are really starting to dictate the game now. He makes good ground here, goes for the shot and that’s another fine stop by the young Scots keeper. Less than 15 minutes to go now and Sand tries his luck from distance. That’s a sweet strike but Langfield with good hands to hold on to it. RK – So Denmark in the ascendancy as we go into extra time. CN – For sure Richard. They looked by far the stronger team in the second period and Scotland will do well to hold them for another 30 minutes. RK – Just time for another short break before the tension of the Golden Goal extra time. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
BobBev Posted January 3, 2004 Author Share Posted January 3, 2004 Euro 2004 Final Golden Goal Extra Time Scotland 0 Denmark 1 (Sand 97) RK – So it took Denmark just 7 minutes of the extra 30 to get the Golden Goal. CN – And it was their Golden Boy Ebbe Sand that did it. That now makes him the top scorer in the tournament with 5 goals in 6 games. RK – And it was the first real chance of the extra period Andy. AG – It was Richard. It started at the back as we see here. Martin Laursen carries the ball out of defence, that’s silky skills for a centre back. He takes it past Parker then Walker and just chips it in for Sand who volleys it home – no chance for Langfield there. RK – Let’s have our usual check on the statistics. (Sky Sports Whooshing Noise) <pre class="ip-ubbcode-code-pre">Scotland Denmark 4 Shots on Goal 9 2 On Target 7 2 Off Target 2 1 Corners 3 15 Free Kicks 11 2 Offsides 11 3 Yellow Cards 1 0 Red Cards 0</pre> RK – We can now go over to Lisbon where Geoff Shreeves who is talking to a disappointed Berti Wogts. GS – Berti, commiserations on such a narrow defeat – you must be bitterly disappointed. BW – Nein, I am not disappointed at all. I am very proud of my team and ve haff done good to get zis far. It is a great achievement for Schottland football I zink. Denmark haff a very strong team, vun of ze best in ze vorld now I zink, and it is no disgrace to lose to zem. GS – Berti, thanks again for talking to us and good luck with the World Cup qualifying campaign. RK – Well, you called it Charlie – the Danes just too strong for Scotland. CN – They were, but it was a good performance nonetheless. My only real disappointment was that Barry Ferguson just didn’t do himself justice out there tonight. There was a lot of responsibility on his shoulders as team captain and he didn’t deliver the goods. AG – I have to agree, and I also thought that Stevie Nicholas was a bit flat. I’d hoped to see more from him. RK – But lots of positives. AG – Definitely. Jamie Langfield made a huge contribution in the absence of Neill Sullivan and all of the youngsters showed enough to give us real hope for the future. RK – Finally, who would be your choice for Man of the Match? CN – I thought that Martin Laursen was absolutely faultless in the centre of defence for Denmark. AG – I agree, he had a terrific game at the back. RK – Thanks gentlemen. So an ultimately disappointing night for Scotland as Denmark are crowned Euro 2004 Champions. But we’ll be back here at Sky Sports with all of Scotland’s games in the World Cup qualifying group – see you in September. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
displaced_seagull Posted January 3, 2004 Share Posted January 3, 2004 Baws - Well done though, great job to get to the final - some great results on the way, Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
BobBev Posted January 4, 2004 Author Share Posted January 4, 2004 Thanks d_s. I was pleased with the way the younger players performed but we did have a big slice of luck along the way. I have a feeling that Berti will be taking 3 keepers to the 2006 World Cup if he qualifies Sky Sports Saturday September 4, 2004 Richard Keys and Andy Gray are sitting in the Sky Sports studio. RK – Good afternoon and welcome to Sky Sports live coverage of Scotland’s first qualifying match for the 2006 World Cup. Scotland open their campaign in Moldova – what can they expect from their opponents today Andy? AG – Well on paper Richard, this should be a fairly comfortable opener. Moldova finished bottom of their Euro 2004 qualifying group with just one point to their name and I really don’t expect them to trouble Scotland. RK – What’s the team news for Scotland? AG – Well Barry Ferguson and Mark Kerr are both suspended and Colin Cameron of Wolves and Steven Cosgrove of Manchester City have both been added to the squad. Steven Craig of Falkirk has also been included – having scored 8 goals in 8 games so far this season his form has obviously caught Berti’s eye. Tottenham’s Jim Paterson is set to get his first cap following his unfortunate injury just before the start of the Euro 2004 finals. Despite Jamie Langfield’s heroics in Portugal, Neill Sullivan starts in goal and Lee Wilkie replaces Phil McGuire as the Aberdeen man is not quite fit after a recent injury. <pre class="ip-ubbcode-code-pre"> Steven Craig Craig Dargo Kiegan Parker Colin Cameron Steven Cosgrove Jim Paterson Michael Stewart Robbie Neilson Lee Wilkie Scott Walker Neill Sullivan © Substitutes Jamie Langfield Robert Malcolm Derek McInnes Darren Fletcher Stephen Pearson James McFadden Marc Anthony</pre> RK – Thanks Andy. We’ll take a short break and when we return we’ll go straight to the commentary team in Moldova but Andy and I will be back at half time. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
BobBev Posted January 4, 2004 Author Share Posted January 4, 2004 World Cup 2006 Qualifying Game 1 Half Time Moldova 0 Scotland 0 RK – Lot’s of pressure from Scotland but no goals to show for it so far Andy. AG – Absolutely right Richard and Moldova have their keeper to thank for that. We started very positively and created chances from the off. Here’s Jim Paterson with a good effort that’s touched round the post. Paterson sends the corner in and Colin Cameron gets up well but his header’s just over. Good move here as Cosgrove picks out Kiegan Parker, nice half volley but just too near the keeper. This is a nice set up by Craig Dargo and Steven Craig gets his shot on target and that’s a good parry by the keeper. Another corner now from Paterson and Walker gets his head to this one but once again just too near the keeper. It’s Parker now with a powerful run and shot but the keeper’s there again. Here’s another chance for Craig but he can’t keep his shot on target. This is Moldova’s sole attempt on goal, it’s a good run from Rogachev but the final shot is wild and no problem for Sullivan. RK – Do you see Berti making any changes at half time? AG – I doubt it – we just have to be patient and keep playing positive football and the goals will come. RK – Thanks Andy. A short break before we go back for the second half but see you all at full time for a final roundup. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Terk Posted January 4, 2004 Share Posted January 4, 2004 sack Berti Wogts bad news about the final, hope 2006 goes as well. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
BobBev Posted January 4, 2004 Author Share Posted January 4, 2004 Not a "Sack Berti" bandwagon World Cup 2006 Qualifying Game 1 Full Time Moldova 0 Scotland 1 (Craig 62) RK – A narrow win Andy but three points in the bag. AG – With the chances they had this should have been a much more comfortable win. RK – But nice to see Steven Craig getting his first international goal. AG – Very nice but he should have had a hat trick. RK – And Neill Sullivan with a couple of important saves. AG – Yes, he didn’t have much to do but he kept his concentration and was there when he was needed. RK – Let’s look at the key moments in the second half. AG – This is just after the restart and Parker gets a good flick on, picked up by Dargo, he spots Craig’s run and plays a nice ball in but the youngster sends his shot over the bar – lovely play until the finish. Moldova nearly caught us cold here. It’s Berco I think with the low ball in and this is a great chance for Baran but Sullivan makes a great save. Just after that Scott Walker had to be replaced by Robert Malcolm – I hope that’s not a bad injury as Walker played well today. This is another good move. It starts with Paterson making ground down the right, he sends it in to the near post and Cosgrove with a lovely cushioned header for Dargo – great volley and a terrific save. Paterson takes the corner, Cosgrove is there again with the header and it falls to Michael Stewart but that’s a terrific block by Galca – the big defender had a good game today. Here’s the goal now. A long throw down the line by Neilson and Dargo latches on to it, gets to the bye line and sends in a teasing cross that Craig heads home – simple but very effective. Here’s another chance – route one ball by Wilkie, a great jump by Dargo but the keeper does well to turn it round the post. A chance for Moldova now as Epureanu makes room for the shot but Sullivan deals well with his effort. Now this is a glorious chance for a late equaliser as Rogachev beats the offside trap. He’s clean through on goal but he blazes it over the bar. If he had shown a bit more composure there we could have been very embarrassed. RK – I think that we can go over to Moldova where Geoff Shreeves is waiting to talk to Berti Wogts. GS – A good start to the qualifying campaign Berti. BW – Ja indeed. It vas a narrow vin by ze important zing is zat vw haff ze three points. GS – You made a lot of chances but struggled to convert them. You really need to find a proven goalscorer don’t you? BW – Ve did make chances und zat is a very good zing. Ve haff players who can score goals zo I don’t zink zat zis is an issue. GS – Berti, well done on the win and thanks for talking to us. RK – A quick look at the match statistics then. (Sky Sports Whooshing Noise) <pre class="ip-ubbcode-code-pre">Moldova Scotland 4 Shots on Goal 17 1 On Target 11 3 Off Target 6 0 Corners 7 4 Free Kicks 10 8 Offsides 3 1 Yellow Cards 1 0 Red Cards 0</pre> RK – Who was your man of the match Andy? AG – I think that I’d pick Eugeny Khmaruk, the Moldovan keeper. He played very well and kept in his team in the match all the way through. RK – Let’s take a quick look at the other results in the group then. AG – OK – Well Russia had a good 3-1 win in Bosnia and Croatia racked up a 6-1 win in Malta with Ivan Klasnic of Werder Bremen scoring 4 goals. RK – So Croatia head the group with Russia second and Scotland third. Malta are Scotland’s next opponents in Glasgow in 4 days time. AG – They are, and it’s very important that we get a good win under our belts to keep the momentum going. RK – Thanks very much Andy. Well that’s all we have time for today but we’ll be back on Wednesday as Malta visit Hampden Park – see you all then. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Terk Posted January 4, 2004 Share Posted January 4, 2004 sack berti bandwagons are fun Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
BobBev Posted January 4, 2004 Author Share Posted January 4, 2004 I think that Berti is safe for a year or two yet Terk Sky Sports Wednesday September 8, 2004 Richard Keys and Andy Gray are sitting in the Sky Sports studio. RK – Good evening and welcome to our live and exclusive coverage of Scotland’s World Cup 2006 qualifying match against Malta at Hampden Park. Andy – the Tartan Army will be expecting a big win tonight. AG – They will be and, frankly, so do I. RK – And the team news for tonight’s encounter? AG – Well Scott Walker has had to be removed from the squad due to the injury he picked up in Moldova so Brian McAllister takes his place – he has been in excellent form since his move to Celtic in the summer. Ferguson and Kerr are back after suspension and Marc Anthony replaces Steven Craig up front. Michael Stewart is suspended following his booking in Moldova so Derek McInnes comes into the midfield anchor position. <pre class="ip-ubbcode-code-pre"> Marc Anthony Craig Dargo Kiegan Parker Barry Ferguson © Mark Kerr Jim Paterson Michael Stewart Robbie Neilson Lee Wilkie Brian McAllister Neill Sullivan Substitutes Jamie Langfield Robert Malcolm Barry Smith Darren Fletcher Stephen Pearson James McFadden Stevie Nicholas</pre> RK – OK, time for a quick break before our live commentary but we’ll be back with you at half time for a review of the action. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
BobBev Posted January 5, 2004 Author Share Posted January 5, 2004 World Cup 2006 Qualifying Game 2 Half Time Scotland 1 (McInnes 38) Malta 0 RK - A familiar story Andy - lots of pressure but precious little to show for it. AG - Yes, Berti and the boys must be wondering why every keeper they face at the moment plays a blinder. RK - Malta with a pretty defensive mindset. AG - No big surprise there but the game should be dead and buried by now. Scotland are out of the blocks quickly and Paterson rampages up the left, hits it in hard and low and Dargo forces an excellent save from Justin Haber. Here’s Mark Kerr now picking up a loose ball, he checks for movement in the box and spots Anthony free. Lovely ball in, a good shot from Anthony and another good save. Ferguson takes the corner, Kerr rises well and I don’t think that Haber knew much about that one, he just threw up a hand instinctively but made the block. It’s Neilson now, looking for Dargo with the cross, good header and another good save. We’re having lots of joy out wide and now it’s Paterson with the cross, Dargo with the shot and Haber with the save. Ferguson picks the ball up just outside the area, that’s a fierce strike and yet another good stop by Haber. A rare sally upfield by Malta but Mifsud puts the shot well wide. Scotland back in possession and another cross in from Paterson, Parker with the header but the keeper’s there again. Here’s the goal now. This is a good direct run by Parker and he’s somewhat crudely chopped down - I thought that deserved a booking there. Derek McInnes places the ball for the free kick and that’s an excellent strike and Haber is beaten at last. This was almost a second as Dargo has moved to the wing and Neilson switches inside. Dargo with the cross, great header from Neilson and off the bar. Another good ball in from Neilson, Dargo on the volley but that’s really well held by Haber. A bit of a fright here right on the stroke of half time. Ferguson is penalised for the tackle and Agius with a good effort that just shaves the crossbar. RK - More of the same required in the second half? AG - I think so - no reason to change anything as far as I can see. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
BobBev Posted January 5, 2004 Author Share Posted January 5, 2004 World Cup 2006 Qualifying Game 2 Full Time Scotland 4 (McInnes 38, Dargo 59, 61, Parker 80) Malta 0 RK - Well the goals came at last Andy. AG - It took a while but it was worth the wait. Craig Dargo denied a hat trick by the woodwork and Kiegan Parker getting in on the act too. RK - It was a quiet opening to the half. AG - Yes, not a lot happening for the first 15 minutes or so. But when the second goal came it was an absolute peach. Neilson starts it off with a nice ball to Kerr, he turns neatly and finds Anthony who plays it first time to Ferguson, great ball in from the captain and there’s Dargo to head home. Then just two minute later another great goal. Dargo finds Ferguson who picks out Anthony. Nice turn, shrugs off the challenge and powers into the area. He could have had a go himself here but Dargo has continued his run and Anthony squares it for a simple finish by Dargo. Here’s the last goal now. Parker picks up the ball, plays a delightful one-two with Anthony and he’s clean through and what a good finish. Right at the end of the game now and Dargo, full of confidence, turns the defender beautifully, smashes the ball in and so unlucky to see it come back off the post. RK - Now I believe that Claire Tomlinson is with Berti in Glasgow. CT - Well done Berti - the fans wanted some goals and you’ve delivered. BW - Danke Claire, I am very happy wiz ze result and ze points, zat is ze most important zing. CT - A good performance from Craig Dargo. BW - A good performance from all of ze boys. Ve are a team you know und ve play as a team. CT - Congratulations again on the win Berti. RK - Let’s just check that stats. (Sky Sports Whooshing Noise) <pre class="ip-ubbcode-code-pre">Scotland Malta 21 Shots on Goal 2 16 On Target 0 5 Off Target 2 4 Corners 1 9 Free Kicks 6 2 Offsides 7 0 Yellow Cards 0 0 Red Cards 0</pre> RK - Your choice for Man of the Match Andy? AG - Robbie Neilson and Kiegan Parker both played very well but Craig Dargo was outstanding and he gets my vote. RK - And finally a check on the other group games. AG - Well Croatia were held 2-2 by Bosnia in Zagreb and that could be a very significant result at the end of the campaign. In fact it took a late equaliser to give the home team the draw. Russia beat Moldova 3-0 in Moscow so they top the group with Scotland in second and Croatia third. RK - Scotland’s next game is in a month’s time in Moscow - that will be a crucial game for them. AG - Yes, if they can come back with a point they well have done really well I think. RK - OK, well thanks once again to Andy for his expert analysis and we’ll hope to see you all again in early October for the big game in Moscow. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
BobBev Posted January 7, 2004 Author Share Posted January 7, 2004 Sky Sports Saturday October 9, 2004 Richard Keys and Andy Gray are sitting in the Sky Sports studio. RK - Good afternoon and welcome to Sky Sports coverage of Scotland’s World Cup qualifier against Russia in Moscow. As always, I am joined by Andy Gray who will be providing his usual incisive analysis. But before we look at the main event, what about last night’s Under-21 encounter Andy? AG - Well it was a somewhat disappointing 2-1 defeat I’m afraid. A good first half performance by keeper Tony Fionda looked like keeping the match scoreless at the break but Russia scored deep in stoppage time to go in 1-0 ahead. Man City’s Kevin Hughes scored the equaliser within minutes of his introduction in the second half but with 20 minutes remaining Russia scored what proved to be the winning goal. RK - So the seniors will be looking to reverse that result today. AG - They certainly will, but I have to say that a draw would be perfectly acceptable. Both teams have won their opening two matches in the group with Russia in first place on goal difference. RK - What’s the team news Andy. AG - Well both Steven Craig and Colin Cameron have been withdrawn because of recent injuries so Allan Johnston is recalled to the squad after his move from Middlesbrough to Norwich and Everton’s Steven Hampshire also comes back into the reckoning. Scott Walker is fit again and starts in defence and Michael Stewart is back from suspension so Derek McInnes drops to the bench. <pre class="ip-ubbcode-code-pre"> Steven Hampshire Craig Dargo Kiegan Parker Barry Ferguson © Mark Kerr Jim Paterson Michael Stewart Robbie Neilson Lee Wilkie Scott Walker Neill Sullivan Substitutes Jamie Langfield Robert Malcolm Derek McInnes Darren Fletcher Stephen Pearson Charlie Miller Stevie Nicholas</pre> RK - Thanks Andy. We’ll take a short break and then join our commentary team in Moscow. See you at half time. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
BobBev Posted January 8, 2004 Author Share Posted January 8, 2004 World Cup 2006 Qualifying Game 3 Half Time Russia 1 (Denis 32) Scotland 1 (Parker 10) RK - So all square at half time but Kiegan Parker got the Scots off to a great start. AG - He certainly did. It was the first meaningful attack by either side. Neilson with the throw in, Kerr sends the ball into that area and a good header from Parker. RK - But the equaliser was a bit special? AG - Great solo effort from Denis. First he drifts past Michael Stewart, then a neat piece of footwork to beat Kerr. Stewart gets back to make another challenge but Denis keeps going before unleashing a terrific shot past Sullivan. RK - But Parker almost got a second just a couple of minutes later. AG - Nice set up play by Kerr and Dargo and a great volley from Parker that smacks against the post with Nigmatullin helpless. RK - And then a good chance for Hampshire. AG - Yes, a nice bit of control from Paterson, he sends in a long diagonal cross and a good header from Hampshire that’s well saved. RK - Scotland having the better of the first half then. AG - They have, and I’m sure that Berti will want them to keep playing as they are in the second period. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
BobBev Posted January 8, 2004 Author Share Posted January 8, 2004 World Cup 2006 Qualifying Game 3 Full Time Russia 2 (Denis 32, Demenko 56) Scotland 2 (Parker 10, 68) RK - A much livelier second half then Andy. AG - A lot more action indeed. Here we are just after the restart and Barry Ferguson spots Nigmatullin slightly off his line and tries the chip but the keeper back pedals well to make the save. A chance here for Craig Dargo as Kerr puts in a low cross but his shot goes wide. Russia on the attack now as Yanovskiy gets past Ferguson but his shot also goes wide. Scotland back on the attack now as Kerr squares it for Parker and that’s a good stop by the Russian keeper. Here’s the Russian goal now. It’s Demenko on the ball and once again the ball carrier is allowed to run a long way unchallenged. That’s a great strike and Sullivan has no chance. But Scotland are straight back on the attack and Wilkie climbs well to get his head to Ferguson’s cross but the keeper makes another good save. Now here’s the equaliser. Walker plays it out neatly from the back, finds Kerr, he plays it on to Ferguson who plays a lovely ball into the area and it’s Parker with the header to square the game. RK - No more goals after that but both teams had chances. AG - Parker close to his hat trick here as Dargo squares the ball to him but Nigmatullin makes the save again. A nice move from Russia here as Denis feeds Bezrodny but his low shot is just too wide. There’s a let off here as Khokhlov sends in a glorious cross and Demenko sees his header come back off the bar. It’s a frantic last couple of minutes here as Bestchastnykh makes room for a shot but his effort flies wide. The same player again now sending in a good cross that breaks to Khokhlov who shoots low and hard only to see his effort hit the woodwork. RK - I think that we can go over to Moscow where Geoff Shreeves is waiting to talk to Berti Wogts. GS - Was a draw a good result for you tonight Berti? BW - Ja, I zink zat a draw was a fine result. It vas most important not to lose und ve haff clearly done zat. GS - So still unbeaten in the group and a home game against Bosnia in a few days. How do you see that game. BW - Very simple, ve must vin zat game to keep our challenge moving forward, und I am very certain zat we vill. GS - Well we wish you well Berti and thanks for talking to us. RK - A quick look at the match statistics then. (Sky Sports Whooshing Noise) <pre class="ip-ubbcode-code-pre">Russia Scotland 7 Shots on Goal 8 2 On Target 6 5 Off Target 2 0 Corners 2 8 Free Kicks 15 13 Offsides 5 0 Yellow Cards 0 0 Red Cards 0</pre> RK - Your choice for Man of the Match Andy? AG - Barry Ferguson and Mark Kerr were excellent in midfield but I’m going with two-goal hero Kiegan Parker. RK - And finally a check on the other group games. AG - Bosnia had a comfortable 3-0 win at home to Malta and Croatia came back from Moldova with a comprehensive 6-0 victory. That means that Croatia, Russia and Scotland now all have 7 points from 3 games but the Croats top the group on goal difference. RK - Scotland’s next game is in Glasgow against Bosnia on Wednesday and on the same evening there is a big game as Russia travel to Croatia. AG - Well we have to beat Bosnia, that’s for sure. And it would be great if the match in Croatia ended as a draw. RK - Well thanks once again Andy for your analysis and we’ll see you all again in a few days for Bosnia’s visit to Hampden Park. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
BobBev Posted January 8, 2004 Author Share Posted January 8, 2004 Sky Sports Wednesday October 13, 2004 Richard Keys and Andy Gray are sitting in the Sky Sports studio. RK - Good evening and welcome to Sky Sports coverage of tonight’s encounter between Scotland and Bosnia at Hampden Park. But before we have a look at this game, what about last night’s Under-21 match Andy? AG - Well the youngsters pretty much dominated the game and they went into the break 3-0 ahead thanks to goals from John Slaven of Rangers, Celtic’s Mark Fotheringham and Scott Johnston of Coventry. With Partick Thistle’s Andrew Duffy adding a 4th in the second half they had a very comfortable win. RK - That’s the kind of scoreline that the seniors would like tonight. I’m sure. AG - I’ll bet they would. RK - What’s the team news for this afternoon Andy? AG - Berti is fielding an unchanged side after the draw in Moscow although Marc Anthony and Brian McAllister replace Stevie Nicholas and Robert Malcolm on the bench. <pre class="ip-ubbcode-code-pre"> Steven Hampshire Craig Dargo Kiegan Parker Barry Ferguson © Mark Kerr Jim Paterson Michael Stewart Robbie Neilson Lee Wilkie Scott Walker Neill Sullivan Substitutes Jamie Langfield Brian McAllister Derek McInnes Darren Fletcher Stephen Pearson Charlie Miller Marc Anthony</pre> RK - Thanks Andy. We’ll take a short break and then join our commentary team at Hampden Park. See you at half time. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
BobBev Posted January 8, 2004 Author Share Posted January 8, 2004 World Cup 2006 Qualifying Game 4 Half Time Scotland 0 Bosnia 0 RK - Not the most eventful 45 minutes Andy? AG - You can say that again Richard. Very few chances for Scotland and none at all for the visitors. Parker had a half-chance early on when he got his head to a Paterson cross but he couldn’t direct his header on target. The next chance of note didn’t come until nearly half time - Mark Kerr this time heading wide from a Nielson cross. RK - A rather flat performance by the Scots though. AG - Yes, there’s just no creative spark at present. The Bosnians are defending well and we need to show a bit of imagination to break them down. RK - Well let’s hope that they can find a breakthrough. We’ll go back to Hampden after the break and Andy and I will be back at full time. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
BobBev Posted January 9, 2004 Author Share Posted January 9, 2004 World Cup 2006 Qualifying Game 4 Full Time Scotland 1 (Hampshire 90) Bosnia 0 RK - Well they left that late Andy. AG - Very late Richard, very late indeed. RK - But a more enterprising second half from Scotland. AG - Yes it was much better, although Bosnia did create the first chance as Barbarez got his head to a cross from Topic but headed it well over the bar. But just after that Parker was denied a great goal. It’s a positive forward run and he really gets hold of this one and that’s a brilliant save by Piplica. A chance for Kerr now as Nielson and Dargo combine to set him free but he sends his shot wide. It’s Ferguson now with a nice ball in for Hampshire, good header and another good save. Bosnia came close with this free kick conceded by Stewart but Barbarez sends it just wide. Now this is a great save by Neil Sullivan as Topic really connects well with the volley. Ten minutes to go and Berti shuffles the pack. Stephen Pearson comes on for Kerr and Michael Stewart is withdrawn and Darren Fletcher is brought on. Parker is pushed up to make a third striker and Fletcher takes his place behind the front players - Berti obviously desperate for full points here. There’s an intense period of Scottish pressure in the last few minutes and Parker has a good chance here but he just can’t keep his shot on target. And then with seconds remaining in stoppage time we get the breakthrough. Ferguson picks out Fletcher on the left and he sends in a great cross. Hampshire makes a good header but Piplica parries. Hampshire shows quick thinking here though and gets to the ball first to stab it home. RK - A last-gasp winner and another 3 points. OK, we can now go to Glasgow where Claire Tomlinson is waiting with Berti Wogts. CT - Well that was a close call Berti, but a win in the end. BW - Ja Claire, very close indeed. But as you say, anozer three points and zat iz all zat matters in ze end, Ja? CT - Were you concerned by the fairly lacklustre first half? BW - Not at all. Bosnia came to defend and zey did zat very well. But we looked goos in ze second half and I zink zat ve really deserved ze win. CT - Congratulations again Bert and thanls for talking to us. RK - Let’s take our usual look at the match statistics. (Sky Sports Whooshing Noise) <pre class="ip-ubbcode-code-pre">Scotland Bosnia 10 Shots on Goal 4 6 On Target 1 4 Off Target 3 2 Corners 1 4 Free Kicks 8 1 Offsides 3 0 Yellow Cards 0 0 Red Cards 0</pre> RK - Who would be your choice for Man of the Match Andy? AG - Jim Paterson had another fine game at wingback but I’m going with Steven Hampshire - he worked hard all game and always looked threatening. RK - And finally a check on the other group games. AG - Croatia were beaten 2-0 at home by Russia and that will make a big dent in their qualification hopes. Malta had a very rare win, defeating Moldova 2-1 in Valetta. So this is how the table looks now. <pre class="ip-ubbcode-code-pre">Pos Team Pld Won Drn Lst For Ag Won Drn Lst For Ag Pts ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1st Russia 4 1 1 0 5 2 2 0 0 5 1 10 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 2nd Scotland 4 2 0 0 5 0 1 1 0 3 2 10 3rd Croatia 4 0 1 1 2 4 2 0 0 12 1 7 4th Bosnia 4 1 0 1 4 3 0 1 1 2 3 4 5th Malta 4 1 0 1 3 7 0 0 2 0 7 3 6th Moldova 4 0 0 2 0 7 0 0 2 1 5 0</pre> RK - Scotland’s next qualifying game isn’t until March when Croatia visit Glasgow. This is a key match for both teams Andy. AG - It surely is - a win here would give Berti’s boys a huge boost. RK - Well thanks once again Andy. We bid you farewell for the moment but don’t forget that we’ll be covering all of Scotland’s remaining matches. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jambo Posted January 9, 2004 Share Posted January 9, 2004 KUTGW Great story! Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
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