BobBev Posted January 9, 2004 Author Share Posted January 9, 2004 Thanks Jambo, glad you're enjoying it. Sky Sports Saturday March 26, 2005 Richard Keys and Andy Gray are sitting in the Sky Sports studio. RK - Good afternoon and welcome to the live and exclusive Sky Sports coverage of Scotland’s crucial World Cup qualifier at Hampden Park against Croatia. Andy, it’s been quite some time since Scotland’s last competitive match but they did play a friendly against Austria in November of last year. AG - They did indeed. The Under-21 side had an excellent 3-0 win with Coventry midfielder Scott Johnston scoring twice and substitute Kevin Hughes of Manchester City added the third. The seniors however, were on the wrong side of a 1-0 scoreline that frankly defied belief. Austria scored with their only shot on target whereas Scotland bombarded Alex Maninger’s goal but were unable to find a way past an inspired keeper. RK - The Under-21’s had another great victory last night. AG - Yes, a 5-0 win that was all the more impressive considering that young Rangers striker John Slaven was dismissed after 18 minutes for a nasty butting incident. The goals came from Mark Fotheringham (Celtic), Ross O’Donoghue (Aberdeen), Scott Johnston (Coventry), Kevin Hughes (Man City) and Jamie McCunnie (Dundee United). RK - A result like that for the seniors would be very welcome. AG - It would indeed. But Scotland are missing their key midfield partnership of captain Barry Ferguson and Mark Kerr, both injured. Mark McCulloch of Partick Thistle has been called up to replace Ferguson as he has a torn groin muscle and will be out for at least 2 months but it is hoped that Kerr may be fit enough for the match against Moldova on Wednesday. Maurice Ross of Dunfermline has been called up as has Steven Cosgrove of Man City. Craig Dargo is ruled out having failed a late fitness test and his place is taken by Celtic’s Simon Lynch. <pre class="ip-ubbcode-code-pre"> Steven Hampshire Simon Lynch Kiegan Parker Mark McCulloch Stephen Cosgrove Jim Paterson Michael Stewart Robbie Neilson Lee Wilkie Maurice Ross Neill Sullivan © Substitutes Jamie Langfield Brian McAllister Derek McInnes Darren Fletcher Stephen Hughes 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...
Jambo Posted January 9, 2004 Share Posted January 9, 2004 Come On Scotland !!!!! Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted January 9, 2004 Share Posted January 9, 2004 Good story - nice to see Neilson is getting a regular game! Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
BobBev Posted January 9, 2004 Author Share Posted January 9, 2004 Thanks fellas. Neilson is one of the first names on the teamsheet. He's very effective and really consistent. World Cup 2006 Qualifying Game 5 Half Time Scotland 2 (Parker 11, Cosgrove 25) Croatia 0 RK - A fine first half performance by Scotland then Andy. AG - An excellent performance indeed. RK - Ross and Wilkie are playing well at the back. AG - Yes, they look really solid I must say. And Michael Stewart is guarding the back two very well indeed. He can’t get a game at Man Utd but he really is a class act. RK - The early goal from Kiegan Parker settled the nerves. AG - Well we started very positively. Stephen Cosgrove forced an excellent save from Runje in the first minute with a great right-footed shot although we did survive a strong penalty appeal just before Parker scored when Ross barged Obilinovic in the area. Let’s look at the goal. Cosgrove started the move with a neat pass to Neilson who in turn found Hampshire. He picked out McCulloch with a 30-yard pass and the Partick man spotted Parker’s run into the box and played a defence splitting pass. Parker controlled the ball well and rounded the keeper to score. RK - But Croatia tried to hit back quickly. AG - Yes, Vranjes picked out Klasnic and his shot was well saved by Sullivan. RK - Then on 25 minutes Cosgrove got the second. AG - It came from a free kick conceded by Chelsea’s Igor Biscan. Cosgrove tees it up and his shot gets through the wall and beats the keeper. The Croatia defence will be a bit disappointed with that one. McCulloch nearly made it three a few minutes later but his excellent volley just skimmed the top of the bar. Croatia then got away with a penalty appeal themselves as Hampshire was bundled over in the area. But Croatia tested Sullivan again when Klasnic made room for the shot but we held on until half time. RK - So more of the same in the second half we hope. We’ll take a short break now and then go back to Hampden for the rest of the game. See you all at full time. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Brian of Nazareth Posted January 9, 2004 Share Posted January 9, 2004 Belated commiserations on the Euro final - but full credit you got that far with a depleted squad Looks like the road to the World Cup is progressing nicely. Keep it up - great work. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
BobBev Posted January 9, 2004 Author Share Posted January 9, 2004 Thanks Brian - glad you're enjoying it. World Cup 2006 Qualifying Game 5 Full Time Scotland 4 (Parker 11, 74, Cosgrove 25, Lynch 76) Croatia 0 RK - We said more of the same and we got more of the same. AG - We certainly did - another two goals and an excellent victory. Brian McAllister replaced a tiring Jim Paterson at half time. It was a quiet start to the half - Scotland seeing a lot of the ball but not really threatening. But here’s a chance for Parker as Wilkie pumps the free kick forward, Hampshire with the knockdown for Lynch who tees up Parker but his shot is very well saved by Runje. Now here’s a chance for Cosgrove as substitute Stephen Hughes picks him out in the area but his shot is parried well. Hampshire is first to the rebound and he tries to chip the ball to Lynch but Runje does well to recover and punch the ball clear. But then with 15 minutes remaining the game was made safe. Good interplay between Wilkie and Hughes, then the ball goes out to McAllister on the left who delivers to the near post and Parker is first to the ball to prod it home. Croatia had a scoring chance from the restart as Robert Kovac gets his head to a Mumlek cross but Sullivan saved well. Now let’s look at debutant Simon Lynch’s goal - this is a lovely flowing move. Sullivan with the throw to McAllister, he links with Hampshire who finds Parker with a great pass. The Rangers youngster then picks out Lynch in the area and he finishes really well. RK - A really good win for the Scots then. Now we can join Claire Tomlinson in Glasgow who is with a delighted Berti Wogts. CT - Berti, what a good performance and a great win. BW - Ja, maybe one of ze best results zat ve haff had. I am very pleased wiz ze boys - it vas a much good teamwork today. CT - Same again on Wednesday against Bosnia? BW - I surely hope so Claire - it vould be very nice to get anozer good win. CT - All the best for that one and well done again. RK - Let’s take a look at the match statistics. (Sky Sports Whooshing Noise) <pre class="ip-ubbcode-code-pre">Scotland Croatia 12 Shots on Goal 4 8 On Target 3 4 Off Target 1 1 Corners 1 8 Free Kicks 5 1 Offsides 5 1 Yellow Cards 0 0 Red Cards 0</pre> RK - And what about Man of the Match Andy? AG - Well it was just a really good team performance and I was impressed with how well Simon Lynch played. But it’s got to be the outstanding Kiegan Parker. RK - And finally a check on the other group games. AG - Bosnia had a 2-0 win in Moldova and Russia maintained their place at the top of the group with a 4-0 win over Malta in Moscow. <pre class="ip-ubbcode-code-pre">Pos Team Pld Won Drn Lst For Ag Won Drn Lst For Ag Pts ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1st Russia 5 2 1 0 9 2 2 0 0 5 1 13 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 2nd Scotland 5 3 0 0 9 0 1 1 0 3 2 13 3rd Croatia 5 0 1 1 2 4 2 0 1 12 5 7 4th Bosnia 5 1 0 1 4 3 1 1 1 4 3 7 5th Malta 5 1 0 1 3 7 0 0 3 0 11 3 6th Moldova 5 0 0 3 0 9 0 0 2 1 5 0</pre> RK - Scotland’s next qualifying game is in just 4 days time when Moldova visit Hampden Park. This should be a comfortable win for Berti’s boys. AG - On paper it certainly should be - let’s hope that’s how it works out. RK - Thanks again for your analysis Andy and we’ll look forward to seeing all of you at home on Wednesday for the match against Moldova. [This message was edited by Peacemaker7 on 12 January 2004 at 12:13.] Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
BobBev Posted January 12, 2004 Author Share Posted January 12, 2004 Sky Sports Wednesday March 30, 2005 Richard Keys and Andy Gray are sitting in the Sky Sports studio. RK - Well Andy, Berti will be expecting a comfortable win over visiting Moldova who are bottom of the table without a point so far. AG - You’d certainly think so Richard. Berti’s putting out an unchanged team from the excellent 4-0 defeat of Croatia on Saturday with the exception of Mark Kerr coming in for Mark McCulloch. <pre class="ip-ubbcode-code-pre"> Steven Hampshire Simon Lynch Kiegan Parker Mark Kerr Stephen Cosgrove Jim Paterson Michael Stewart Robbie Neilson Lee Wilkie Maurice Ross Neill Sullivan © Substitutes Jamie Langfield Brian McAllister Derek McInnes Darren Fletcher Stephen Hughes Charlie Miller Marc Anthony</pre> RK - Not much more to say about that then Andy, so we’ll take a break and then go over to our commentary team in Glasgow and then we’ll be back at half time. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Da Bird Posted January 12, 2004 Share Posted January 12, 2004 Bobbev, still a great story! One question: how are things going with Berti's reputation? Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
BobBev Posted January 12, 2004 Author Share Posted January 12, 2004 Thanks Da Bird. Off the top of my head I'm not sure but I'll have a look when I fire the game up tonight. World Cup 2006 Qualifying Game 6 Half Time Scotland 1 (Parker 7) Moldova 0 RK - Lots of pressure in the first 45 minutes but little to show for it in terms of goals. AG - Especially considering the great start by Kiegan Parker. This is virtually straight from the kick-off here as Neilson takes the throw in to Lynch who finds Hampshire, on to Parker but his effort is just wide. Another chance here as Cosgrove takes the free kick and Wilkie rises high with the header but he couldn’t keep the ball down. Here’s the goal now - Parker picks the ball up and goes for goal but his shot hits the defender. Cosgrove picks up the lose ball and gives it back to Parker who fires home. It’s all Scotland now and Paterson sends in a nice cross, Cosgrove gets his head to it but he sends it just wide. This is a good early cross from Kerr that Hampshire gets his head to and he’s unlucky to see his effort come back off the crossbar. But Moldova regrouped well and worked hard to close down the space and limit our chances. RK - What about the penalty appeal Andy? AG - It looked pretty clear-cut to me Richard - the defender just takes away Paterson’s legs but the referee waves the appeal away. RK - And there were a few more chances near the end of the half. AG - Yes, this is a good ball in from Neilson, strong header by Hampshire and a good save. The same combination again here - Neilson with the cross, Hampshire with the header and a really fine fingertip save. This time it’s Paterson crossing from the left, Hampshire with another header but this one is just wide. Right at the end of the half now and Lynch gets free in the area, tries to loft it over the keeper but he just gets a hand to it. RK - Do you see any changes at half time? AG - I doubt it. We just need to be patient and keep doing what we’re doing. RK - Thanks Andy. We’ll go back to Hampden after the break and see you all at full time. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
BobBev Posted January 13, 2004 Author Share Posted January 13, 2004 Da Bird - Berti's reputation is GOOD and Scotland have risen to 16th in the FIFA rankings. They were in the mid-30s at the start of the game I think. World Cup 2006 Qualifying Game 6 Full Time Scotland 2 (Parker 7, Hughes 90) Moldova 0 RK - A quieter second half and a very late goal to make the game safe then Andy. AG - Yes, hardly any chances but nice to see Stephen Hughes come on and get a goal. The goal came in stoppage time at the end of the game. Substitute Marc Anthony makes space for the shot and the keeper does well to make the save at the expense of a corner. Darren Fletcher takes the corner kick and Hughes rises high to head home. RK - So another three points for Scotland and that’s all that matters. I think that we can now go over to Hampden Park where Claire Tomlinson is waiting to talk to Berti Wogts. CT - Well done Berti - three more points but maybe not as many goals as you would have wanted. BW - Vell, it vould haff been good to have scored more but ze most important thing is the vin and ze points. If ve keep winning zen ve vill haff a big chance of getting to ze finals.. CT - You have to wait for a couple of months before the trip to Malta - do you expect another big win? BW - I for sure expect to get ze vin but it doesn’t really matter about ze score. CT - All the best for that one and well done again. RK - Let’s take a look at the match statistics. (Sky Sports Whooshing Noise) <pre class="ip-ubbcode-code-pre">Scotland Moldova 14 Shots on Goal 2 7 On Target 1 7 Off Target 1 4 Corners 2 9 Free Kicks 13 4 Offsides 7 1 Yellow Cards 0 0 Red Cards 0</pre> RK - And what about Man of the Match Andy? AG - Well despite the lack of goals there were a number of really good performances. Robbie Neilson, Michael Stewart, Steven Hampshire and Stephen Cosgrove all played really well but once again I’m going with Kiegan Parker. RK - And finally a check on the other group games. AG - Croatia comfortably beat Malta 5-0 in Zagreb and Russia beat Bosnia 3-0 in Moscow so the table now looks like this. <pre class="ip-ubbcode-code-pre">Pos Team Pld Won Drn Lst For Ag Won Drn Lst For Ag Pts ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1st Russia 6 3 1 0 12 2 2 0 0 5 1 16 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 2nd Scotland 6 4 0 0 11 0 1 1 0 3 2 16 3rd Croatia 6 1 1 1 7 4 2 0 1 12 5 10 4th Bosnia 6 1 0 1 4 3 1 1 2 4 6 7 5th Malta 6 1 0 1 3 7 0 0 4 0 16 3 6th Moldova 6 0 0 3 0 9 0 0 3 1 7 0</pre> RK - We have over two months to wait for the next qualifying game in Malta but that should be an easy three points Andy. AG - It must be three points and it’s a great chance to improve our goal difference. RK - Well thanks again Andy and we’ll see you all again in June for the next match. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
BobBev Posted January 13, 2004 Author Share Posted January 13, 2004 Sky Sports Wednesday June 8, 2005 Richard Keys and Andy Gray are sitting in the Sky Sports studio. RK - Andy this must be a great chance for another three points in the bank and an improved goal difference as Scotland visit Malta. AG - I surely hope so Richard. The way this group is going we shouldn’t underestimate the importance of goal difference as it may all come down to that in the end. RK - But since Scotland’s defeat of Moldova in March the SFA made the intriguing decision to play a friendly in April against Russia of all teams. AG - Totally bizarre! Playing a friendly against your biggest rivals in the qualification group - only Hughie McScrooge and his cronies would think of that one. And even worse, it was in Moscow - unbelievable. RK - But good results for the U21s and the Seniors nonetheless. AG - Yes, the youngsters won 2-1 with goals from Jamie McCunnie of Dundee United and Kevin Hughes of Man City and a Darren Fletcher goal gave the seniors a 1-0 win. Now that Darren is a first choice starter at Man United I would expect to see him feature more often at international level. RK - What’s the team news tonight Andy? AG - Well Michael Stewart is suspended so Derek McInnes gets a start. Brian McAllister is getting a start on the left instead of Jim Paterson and Darren Fletcher is having a run out instead of Mark Kerr. <pre class="ip-ubbcode-code-pre"> Steven Hampshire Simon Lynch Kiegan Parker Mark McCulloch Stephen Cosgrove Brian McAllister Derek McInnes Robbie Neilson Lee Wilkie Maurice Ross Neill Sullivan © Substitutes Jamie Langfield Phil McGuire Jim Paterson Mark Kerr Stephen Hughes Charlie Miller Craig Dargo</pre> RK - Do you expect the usual attacking approach from Berti’s boys tonight? AG - They are certain to attack from the off I’m sure. Russia visit Moldova tonight and they will no doubt be looking for goals too. RK - Well we hope that the Scots get a hatful. Now we’ll take a break before we go over for the first half and we’ll see you after the break. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Da Bird Posted January 13, 2004 Share Posted January 13, 2004 Thanks for the info BobBev... I thought the rep should be at least good... and it is ... Good luck with Malta.. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
BobBev Posted January 13, 2004 Author Share Posted January 13, 2004 World Cup 2006 Qualifying Game 7 Half Time Malta 0 Scotland 1 (Lynch 2) RK - Not quite the goal-fest that we had hoped for Andy. AG - But not for the want of trying. What is it with every keeper that we face these days? Justin Haber is playing out of his socks. He’s pulled off half a dozen great saves and Darren Fletcher has hit the bar twice in a minute. But let’s take a look at the one we did score. This is virtually straight from the kick-off as McAllister whips in the cross, Hampshire with the header, the keeper saves well but Lynch is first to the rebound to prod the ball home. RK - So we’ll hope that the pressure pays off more in the second half. We’ll go back to the game after the break and see you at full time. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
BobBev Posted January 13, 2004 Author Share Posted January 13, 2004 World Cup 2006 Qualifying Game 7 Full Time Malta 1 (Tabone 63) Scotland 4 (Lynch 2, Parker 51, 83, Wilkie 74) RK - Well the pressure did pay off but Malta did spring a big surprise when they scored. AG - Yes, they don’t score many so I suppose we shouldn’t begrudge them the odd one. Let’s take a look at it now. It was quite well worked actually. The Scotland attack breaks down and we have a few players caught out of position. Miguel Mifsud plays it out from the back and finds his younger brother and team captain Michael. Mifsud junior plays a lovely ball in and Alan Tabone finishes neatly to score his first international goal. RK - But more importantly, Scotland got three in the second period. AG - Let’s see them now. It starts with McAllister on the left and puts in a nice ball to the near post. Robbie Neilson has made a great run and he nods down for Lynch to shoot. Good save by the keeper but Parker is quickest to the ball for an easy finish and that’s his 10th goal for Scotland. Just about 15 minutes to go now and somehow Malta have survived up till now. There’s been some desperate defending and poor Darren Fletcher has hit the bar for the third time in the game. But this is the simplest of goals - Fletcher with the corner, big Lee Wilkie with the header and it’s 3-1. Here’s the 4th now - another straightforward move as Cosgrove crosses, Haber comes for it but Parker is quicker and it’s game over. RK - Right, now we’ll go over to Malta where Geoff Shreeves is waiting to talk to Berti Wogts. GS - Well done Berti - three more points and a few goals to go with them. BW - Ja, but of course ze points are ze most important zing but it is also nice to get goals. GS - So it sets up September’s game with Russia very nicely. BW - Zat vill of course be a much important match - it vill probably decide ze group vinner I vould zink. GS - Well we wish you all the best for that one and well done again tonight. RK - And now for the match statistics. (Sky Sports Whooshing Noise) <pre class="ip-ubbcode-code-pre">Malta Scotland 6 Shots on Goal 22 3 On Target 16 3 Off Target 7 0 Corners 12 5 Free Kicks 3 1 Offsides 3 0 Yellow Cards 0 0 Red Cards 0</pre> RK - And what about Man of the Match Andy? AG - Derek McInnes had a great game guarding the defence and Parker and Hampshire were very lively throughout but I’m going with Robbie Neilson - he was tireless on the right and made rampaging runs all night. RK - And finally a check on the other group games. AG - Croatia suffered a shock 2-1 defeat in Bosnia and they have probably blown their chance of qualifying now. Russia came back from Moldova with a 3-1 win and stay top of the table - but only just. <pre class="ip-ubbcode-code-pre">Pos Team Pld Won Drn Lst For Ag Won Drn Lst For Ag Pts ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1st Russia 7 3 1 0 12 2 3 0 0 8 2 19 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 2nd Scotland 7 4 0 0 11 0 2 1 0 7 3 19 3rd Croatia 7 1 1 1 7 4 2 0 2 13 7 10 4th Bosnia 7 2 0 1 6 4 1 1 2 4 6 10 5th Malta 7 1 0 2 4 11 0 0 4 0 16 3 6th Moldova 7 0 0 4 1 12 0 0 3 1 7 0</pre> RK - And now we have to wait until September for the showdown with Russia at Hampden. AG - A huge game for us Richard. And then we play Bosnia just 4 days later - 6 points there and we’ll just about be there. RK - Remember, Sky Sports will be covering both of those games live and exclusive so we’ll look forward to seeing you all then. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
BobBev Posted January 14, 2004 Author Share Posted January 14, 2004 Sky Sports Saturday September 3, 2005 Richard Keys and Andy Gray are sitting in the Sky Sports studio. RK - Good afternoon and welcome to our coverage of Scotland’s crucial World Cup qualifier against Russia at Hampden Park. Is this a must-win game for the Scots Andy? AG - No I wouldn’t say so Richard. If we win then we’ll be in great shape for qualification but even if we lose we can still definitely get the playoff spot. RK - The U21 match last night didn’t provide a good omen. AG - Unfortunately not - a 3-1 defeat and two yellow cards for David Christie. RK - So let’s hope that the seniors don’t have the same misfortune. What’s the team news for Scotland Andy? AG - Barry Ferguson has sustained yet another injury and Mark Kerr doesn’t even make the bench after his slump in form at Leeds so Berti goes with Charlie Miller and Stephen Cosgrove in midfield. Steven Craig of Motherwell gets the nod up front and Craig Dargo is on the bench. Miller takes the captain’s armband for the first time and much will depend on him this afternoon. He is in terrific form for Rangers so let’s hope he can replicate that. <pre class="ip-ubbcode-code-pre"> Steven Hampshire Steven Craig Kiegan Parker Charlie Miller © Stephen Cosgrove Stephen Crainey Michael Stewart Robbie Neilson Lee Wilkie Maurice Ross Neill Sullivan Substitutes Jamie Langfield Phil McGuire Brian McAllister Darren Fletcher Stevie Nicholas Stephen Hughes Craig Dargo</pre> RK - Who do the Scots need to be aware of this afternoon? AG - Striker Vladimir Bestchastnykh will be gaining his 101st cap today and he is always a danger up front. Yegor Titov is the main creative midfielder and he’ll need to be watched carefully. RK - So Andy, can Berti’s boys do it? AG - They can and I think that they will - at least I hope they do anyway. RK - Well we all hope that. OK, we’ll take a short break and then go over to Hampden for the first half. Andy and I will see you at half time to review all of the action. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jambo Posted January 14, 2004 Share Posted January 14, 2004 Come on boys. Win this and the groups ours \o/\o/ Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
BobBev Posted January 14, 2004 Author Share Posted January 14, 2004 World Cup 2006 Qualifying Game 8 Half Time Scotland 3 (Hampshire 9, 38, Cosgrove 45) Russia 2 (Titov 13, Bestchastnykh 29) RK - What a first half Andy. AG - I’m still trying to get my breath back Richard. RK - Steven Hampshire got the Scots off to a great start. AG - Yes, it was a nicely worked opening. Parker picks the ball up and finds Steven Craig who sends a lovely ball in and that’s a well placed header by the Everton man. RK - But Russia came back quickly. AG - It took them less than 5 minutes to find the equaliser. A simple move really - Bulatov with the diagonal ball and Titov gets above Ross to head home. RK - Then worse was to follow. AG - Yes, this was Russia’s best spell as they maintained possession and kept the pressure on. Bulatov starts the move, he finds Yevseev who picks out Bestchastnykh. That’s great control by the striker as he turns past Ross and fires in a low shot to put Russia 2-1 ahead. RK - But Scotland came back well. AG - Yes, Charlie Miller is becoming more influential now. This was a chance for Parker as Miller picks out Neilson, lovely cushioned header and Parker takes it on the volley but it flashes just wide. Here’s the equaliser now. Not a great goal kick by Nigmatullin and Parker shows great awareness to send it straight back to Hampshire and what a finish - in off the bar with the keeper helpless. This is another chance for Parker here as Crainey makes ground down the left, good cross from the Celtic man and a great header by Parker that comes back off the bar. This is another poor clearance by the Russian keeper and Crainey is on to it. He sends in a quick cross and Charlie Miller gets a good head on it but Nigmatullin turns it round the post. Miller with the floated corner and what a leap by Cosgrove to out-jump the defender and head home. RK - A really good fight back to end the half. AG - Lots of character out there Richard and I’m optimistic for the second half. RK - Well with that we’ll take another break and we’ll see you at full time. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
BobBev Posted January 14, 2004 Author Share Posted January 14, 2004 World Cup 2006 Qualifying Game 8 Full Time Scotland 4 (Hampshire 9, 38, Cosgrove 45, Craig 84) Russia 2 (Titov 13, Bestchastnykh 29) RK - A quieter second half then Andy. AG - It was but I was very impressed by the way Scotland tried to control the play. Stephen Cosgrove and Charlie Miller really played well in midfield - they kept the ball well and used it very effectively. RK - Not many chances at either end though. AG - Bestchastnykh had an opportunity with this header but no real power on it and it’s easy for Sullivan. But here’s their best opening. Titov on the ball, he looks up and spots Kerzhakov and what a ball to pick him out. Good control as he runs into the area and he’s unlucky to see his shot come back off the post. RK - And it started to open up for Scotland towards the end. AG - Yes, both Kiegan Parker and substitute Darren Fletcher forced Nigmatullin into action and he saved well. This is the 4th goal now. It starts with yet another poor clearance from the Russian keeper - he’ll need to practice his kicking a bit I think. Cosgrove picks this one up and makes a really determined run before he sends in a good cross that Steven Craig heads home. RK - OK Andy, well I believe that we can now go over to Glasgow where Claire Tomlinson is with a delighted Berti Wogts. CT - Berti, many congratulations on a terrific win. BW - Zank you very much Claire. I am most pleased vis zis fine result. It vas a really good team performance and I have much pride for ze boys. CT - You were missing captain Barry Ferguson again but the midfield did well. BW - It is a shame zat Barry is injured but zese zings happen in football. It is a team game und ve haff a really good squad. I knew zat I could rely on ze boys who came in to do ze job. CT - You must have a really good chance of qualifying now. BW - Ve do haff a good chance but don’t forget zat our last two games are away in Bosnia and Croatia und zey vill be much difficult. CT - Well done again Berti and good luck in Bosnia next week. RK - Right. Well let’s see the match statistics. (Sky Sports Whooshing Noise) <pre class="ip-ubbcode-code-pre">Scotland Russia 13 Shots on Goal 7 8 On Target 3 5 Off Target 4 5 Corners 0 15 Free Kicks 7 4 Offsides 12 2 Yellow Cards 1 0 Red Cards 0</pre> RK - What about your Man of the Match Selection Andy? AG - This is a really tough one. The whole team played well with Crainey, Miller, Hampshire and Craig all outstanding. But I’m going to go with Stephen Cosgrove. The Man City man was brilliant this afternoon and he seems to be maturing into a really fine player. RK - What about the other games in the group? AG - Croatia are definitely out of it now after a 1-1 draw with Moldova and a 2-1 win for Bosnia in Malta gives them a faint chance of a playoff place. We can see from the group table that the win for Scotland today has guaranteed a playoff at worst. <pre class="ip-ubbcode-code-pre">Pos Team Pld Won Drn Lst For Ag Won Drn Lst For Ag Pts ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1st Scotland 8 5 0 0 15 2 2 1 0 7 3 22 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 2nd Russia 8 3 1 0 12 2 3 0 1 10 6 19 3rd Bosnia 8 2 0 1 6 4 2 1 2 6 7 13 4th Croatia 8 1 2 1 8 5 2 0 2 13 7 11 5th Malta 8 1 0 3 5 13 0 0 4 0 16 3 6th Moldova 8 0 0 4 1 12 0 1 3 2 8 1</pre> RK - So Scotland’s next game is in just 4 days time in Bosnia. Do you expect a tough game there? AG - I do Richard. Bosnia must win to keep their remote playoff hopes alive and with Russia finishing their campaign with games against Croatia and Malta, it’s really important that we get the win if we possibly can. RK - Well thanks very much Andy, that just about wraps up our programme. But don’t forget to join us here on Wednesday night when we will have Scotland’s game in Bosnia live and exclusive on Sky Sports. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jambo Posted January 14, 2004 Share Posted January 14, 2004 Great story. Just don't feck it all up now. It's been a great qualifying campaign so far. Just need to keep the momentum going. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
BobBev Posted January 15, 2004 Author Share Posted January 15, 2004 I'll do my best Jambo Sky Sports Wednesday September 7, 2005 Richard Keys and Andy Gray are sitting in the Sky Sports studio. RK - Good evening and welcome to our coverage of Scotland’s World Cup qualifier in Bosnia. So Andy, a win tonight and the Scots would almost be there. AG - Depending on other results, yes. RK - The U21 match last night produced a result that the seniors would be pleased with. AG - Yes, a really good 4-1 win with 2 goals apiece for John Slaven and Kevin Hughes RK - What’s the team news for the seniors tonight? AG - Robert Malcolm is replacing Robbie Neilson and Scott Walker comes in for Maurice Ross but apart from that an unchanged lineup. <pre class="ip-ubbcode-code-pre"> Steven Hampshire Steven Craig Kiegan Parker Charlie Miller © Stephen Cosgrove Stephen Crainey Michael Stewart Robert Malcolm Lee Wilkie Scott Walker Neill Sullivan Substitutes Jamie Langfield Phil McGuire Brian McAllister Darren Fletcher Stevie Nicholas Stephen Pearson Craig Dargo</pre> RK - Do you fancy that they’ll get the win tonight Andy? AG - If they can play anywhere near as well as they did at the weekend then they must have a great chance. RK - Let’s hope that they do. Time for a quick break and then it’s over to Sarajevo for the first half live and we’ll be back with you at half time. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
BobBev Posted January 15, 2004 Author Share Posted January 15, 2004 World Cup 2006 Qualifying Game 9 Half Time Bosnia 1 (Sadovic 9) Scotland 1 (Miller 33) RK - Not the most convincing of halves by the Scots but two cracking goals. AG - You’ll not see many better to be honest. Bosnia started very brightly and looked really keen to go forward. Here’s their goal. Mirnel Sadovic picks the ball up just inside the Scotland half and just look at this run. First he goes past Crainey, then he beats Parker all ends up before a terrific change of pace takes him past Stewart and look at that finish - right in the top corner - absolutely unstoppable. RK - But then Scotland managed a spell of pressure. AG - Yes, first Hampshire with a good header that Ramovic parries and then just minutes later Lee Wilkie gets his head to a corner and forces another good save. End to end stuff now as Barbarez tries his luck from distance and Sullivan does well to tip it over. Salihamidzic takes the corner and Bajramovic climbs highest but he can’t keep the header down. This is Charlie Miller’s goal now. Parker feeds Cosgrove who sends it into Miller’s path. Charlie is really flying now - fantastic skill there to beat the defender and how about that for a finish. RK - But then the offside decision? AG - Marginal Richard, I think we were lucky there. It’s a lovely move started by Bolic who picks out Vedin Music. He finds Bajramovic and he’s spotted that Bolic has kept his run going but he maybe just delays the pass too long. Bolic controls it well and slips the ball home but the flag is raised. More pressure from the home side now as first Bolic and then Sadovic test Sullivan with fierce shots but Neill makes two superb saves. RK - So Scotland slightly fortunate to be on terms at the break. AG - I’d have to say that they are - on the balance of play Bosnia maybe should be ahead. RK - Well let’s hope that the balance can be reversed in the second period. We’ll take another short break and we’ll see you all at full time. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
BobBev Posted January 16, 2004 Author Share Posted January 16, 2004 World Cup 2006 Qualifying Game 9 Full Time Bosnia 2 (Sadovic 9, Bajramovic 70) Scotland 2 (Miller 33, Craig 82) RK - Well that was a close run thing then Andy. AG - It was a pretty even half and an exciting 45 minutes of football. Scotland started very brightly and within a couple of minutes of the restart Steven Craig forced a really good save from Ramovic. Charlie Miller took the corner and Cosgrove’s header was just turned round the post by the keeper. But now it’s Bosnia on the attack and Sullivan does really well to get a hand to the shot from Sadovic. But this is a let off as the rebound falls for Barbarez and he smashes his shot against the bar - he went for power when he would have been better off placing it. Here’s a rare foray upfield by Malcolm and he gets his shot in but not enough power to trouble Ramovic. Now this is a good opening for Parker as Cosgrove picks him out with a pinpoint pass but the Rangers man hits it over the bar. Parker didn’t look anywhere near as sharp as usual and he ended up being replaced by Stevie Nicholas. This is the Bosnia goal coming up. First Bolic strikes a really powerful shot that Sullivan tips over. But then the corner comes in and Bajramovic gets there first to make it 2-1. RK - Scotland in trouble at this point. AG - Yes, but the boys are fighters Richard. Here’s Cosgrove with a well-hit free kick and Ramovic with the save. This is the build up to the equaliser now. Cosgrove nods it to Nicholas, he feeds Miller in the area and that’s nice close control. Charlie does really well to slip it to Craig and his shot finds the back of the net. Bosnia had one more really good chance right at the end as Miskovic puts in a low cross that Vedin Music gets a touch on and that’s a great reaction save by Sullivan. RK - Well now we can go over to Sarajevo where Geoff Shreeves is waiting to talk to Berti Wogts. GS - Not the win you wanted Berti but not a bad result considering. BW - Vell as a manger you alvays vant ze vin but many times you don’t get it. It vas important zat ve did not lose und a draw is OK. GS - So you go to Croatia next month knowing that a win will guarantee qualification. BW - Ve do und ve vill be doing our very best to get ze vin of course. GC - Thanks Berti and good luck. RK - And now for the match statistics. (Sky Sports Whooshing Noise) <pre class="ip-ubbcode-code-pre">Bosnia Scotland 13 Shots on Goal 10 10 On Target 8 3 Off Target 2 5 Corners 4 14 Free Kicks 12 7 Offsides 5 1 Yellow Cards 3 0 Red Cards 0</pre> RK - And what about Man of the Match Andy? AG - Well this wasn’t such a flowing performance as at the weekend. Cosgrove impressed again but tonight I’m going for Scotland captain Charlie Miller. He pulled the team around when we needed it and led by example to get us back into the game. RK - And finally a check on the other group games. AG - Malta returned from Moldova with a 1-1 draw and Russia had a narrow 1-0 victory over Croatia. As we can see from the group table now, Scotland have to at least match Russia’s result in the final game to win the group. As the Russians will be in Malta that means that we have to go to Croatia and win. <pre class="ip-ubbcode-code-pre">Pos Team Pld Won Drn Lst For Ag Won Drn Lst For Ag Pts ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1st Scotland 9 5 0 0 15 2 2 2 0 9 5 23 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 2nd Russia 9 4 1 0 13 2 3 0 1 10 6 22 3rd Bosnia 9 2 1 1 8 6 2 1 2 6 7 14 4th Croatia 9 1 2 1 8 5 2 0 3 13 8 11 5th Malta 9 1 0 3 5 13 0 1 4 1 17 4 6th Moldova 9 0 1 4 2 13 0 1 3 2 8 2</pre> RK - Thanks Andy for your incisive analysis as always. So join us next month for the climax of the qualifying campaign when Scotland travel to Croatia in search of the three points that will take them to Germany next year. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
BobBev Posted January 16, 2004 Author Share Posted January 16, 2004 Sky Sports Saturday September 8, 2005 Richard Keys and Andy Gray are sitting in the Sky Sports studio. RK - Good afternoon and welcome to our coverage of Scotland’s final World Cup qualifier in Croatia. A win today will make sure that Scotland qualify as group winners - any other result will likely mean having to endure a playoff. The U21s gave a great example to the seniors last night Andy. AG - They did indeed as they demolished the Croatian youngsters 5-0. John Slaven of Rangers scored a hat trick and Kevin Hughes of Man City scored twice. They are both in outstanding for at present and it’ll be interesting to see if they’ll be able to make the step up to the full team over the next few years. RK - And Scotland’s team news for today’s game? AG - Maurice Ross comes back into defence, Jim Paterson and Robbie Neilson take over as wingbacks and Stephen Pearson replaces Parker behind the front two. Wolves in-form striker Kenny Miller gets a rare call up as Craig Dargo is injured and he has a place on the bench. <pre class="ip-ubbcode-code-pre"> Steven Hampshire Steven Craig Stephen Pearson Charlie Miller © Stephen Cosgrove Jim Paterson Michael Stewart Robbie Neilson Lee Wilkie Maurice Ross Neill Sullivan Substitutes Jamie Langfield Robert Malcolm Scott Walker Mark Kerr Stevie Nicholas Kiegan Parker Kenny Miller</pre> RK - Can they get the win they need this afternoon? AG - I believe that they can. They have been in such good form and remain unbeaten in the group. It would be a real blow if they don’t qualify outright. RK - We’ll certainly be keeping our fingers crossed then. First a short break and then it’s over to Split for the first half live and we’ll be back with you at half time. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
BobBev Posted January 17, 2004 Author Share Posted January 17, 2004 World Cup 2006 Qualifying Game 10 Half Time Croatia 0 Scotland 3 (Cosgrove 28, 45, Paterson 43) RK - What a first half performance by Scotland Andy. AG - Absolutely superb Richard - full of fire and passion and no little skill as well. RK - And Stephen Cosrgove has been absolutely outstanding. AG - He’s been the inspiration that’s for sure. He set the tone from the off when he hit the post inside the first 5 minutes. Let’s look at the lead up to the goal. This is not a bad move from Croatia as the build from the back and Klasnic moves forward with purpose before sending in the shot. Good save from Sullivan at the expense of a corner. That’s not a cross though and Cosgrove takes control of the ball. He hits it long to Hampshire, nice flick to find Craig. No doubt about the foul there, the youngster was having the shirt pulled off his back. Cosgrove places the ball for the free kick - great strike from the Man City man to open the scoring. RK - Croatia worked hard to get back into it but the Scots never looked threatened. AG - We look solid defensively and the midfield are working hard to deny time and space. RK - But then two goals in a devastating two-minute spell and the game’s as good as over. AG - Never say never Richard but it does look good I must admit. Let’s check out the goals. Cosgrove wins the ball in midfield, Stewart’s there in support to take the pass and he plays it into the area. Now look at this run from Paterson to get on the end of it, and that’s a great finish. Croatia are really pushing up now and Scotland catch them on the break. Cosgrove finds Craig, he holds it up well as Cosgrove continues his run. Craig lays it back to Hampshire, first time into Cosgrove’s path. Nice control to take it round the defender and boy did he get hold of the shot. 3-0 and it’s looking very good. RK - Well let’s hope that the second half holds more of the same. We’ll take a break but we’ll be back after the second half commentary. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jambo Posted January 18, 2004 Share Posted January 18, 2004 "Easy Easy Easy" Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
BobBev Posted January 18, 2004 Author Share Posted January 18, 2004 World Cup 2006 Qualifying Game 10 Full Time Croatia 0 Scotland 4 (Cosgrove 28, 45, Paterson 43, Pearson 48) RK - Well that’s it Andy - a terrific win for Scotland and they’re on their way to Germany. AG - Absolutely. If there was any doubt then Stephen Pearson’s goal at the start of the second half made certain of the win. It’s a simple goal too. Sullivan with a long goal kick that finds Paterson, he makes some ground and then sends in an absolute peach of a cross to the near post and Pearson has an easy header for the 4th goal. RK - Croatia had a couple of chances but nothing that seriously bothered Neil Sullivan. AG - I think when we see that statistics that they only managed one shot on target. Not that Scotland threatened much for the rest of the game, but then we didn’t need to. RK - OK, let’s go over to Split and get the reaction of Berti Wogts who is talking to Geoff Shreeves. GS - Congratulations on a wonderful win Berti. BW - Zank you very much Geoff, it vas a very good result, ja. It is marvellous to haff won ze group und so not having to go through ze playoffs. GS - So now you go back to your homeland next summer to participate in the World Cup Finals. Will that be an emotional time for you? BW - It vill be most emotional ja. Especially if ve happen to be drawn vis ze hosts. GS - Having reached the final of Euro 2004 there will be strong expectations in Scotland that the team will do well. BW - Zer is big expectations in ze team zat ze team vill do vell. Ve are all very confident - I have really great players und ve vill really enjoy ze competition. GS - Thanks for speaking to us Berti and congratulations once again. RK - And now for the match statistics. (Sky Sports Whooshing Noise) <pre class="ip-ubbcode-code-pre">Croatia Scotland 4 Shots on Goal 9 1 On Target 5 3 Off Target 4 2 Corners 1 5 Free Kicks 11 4 Offsides 0 1 Yellow Cards 0 0 Red Cards 0</pre> RK - And what about Man of the Match Andy? AG - There’s only one possible choice after that performance - Stephen Cosgrove. The 24-year-old was immense and with Charlie Miller in such good form it’s far from certain that Barry Ferguson will walk back into the team when he returns from injury. RK - Let’s have a check on the other group games. AG - Russia had a 3-1 win in Malta to confirm second place and Bosnia brushed aside visiting Moldova 5-1. So this is how the final table looks. <pre class="ip-ubbcode-code-pre">Pos Team Pld Won Drn Lst For Ag Won Drn Lst For Ag Pts ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1st Q Scotland 10 5 0 0 15 2 3 2 0 13 5 26 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 2nd Pl Russia 10 4 1 0 13 2 4 0 1 13 7 25 3rd Bosnia 10 3 1 1 13 7 2 1 2 6 7 17 4th Croatia 10 1 2 2 8 9 2 0 3 13 8 11 5th Malta 10 1 0 4 6 16 0 1 4 1 17 4 6th Moldova 10 0 1 4 2 13 0 1 4 3 13 2</pre> RK - We’re going to take another break now but when we return Andy will take a look at how all of the other groups have finished. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
BobBev Posted January 18, 2004 Author Share Posted January 18, 2004 Sky Sports Saturday September 8, 2005 Richard Keys and Andy Gray are sitting in the Sky Sports studio. RK - Welcome back. Now for a look at the other groups. AG - Well in Group 1 Holland were unbeaten and top the table with Yugoslavia going into the playoffs. The key game there was last month’s 2-0 win for Holland at home to Yugoslavia - that was a real 6-pointer. <pre class="ip-ubbcode-code-pre">Pos Team Pld Won Drn Lst For Ag Won Drn Lst For Ag Pts ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1st Q Holland 8 4 0 0 14 3 3 1 0 9 1 22 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 2nd Pl Yugoslavia 8 3 1 0 9 1 2 1 1 6 3 17 3rd FYROM 8 2 1 1 6 5 1 0 3 3 8 10 4th Switzerland 8 2 0 2 4 7 1 0 3 4 6 9 5th Latvia 8 0 0 4 0 8 0 0 4 2 15 0 </pre> AG - Group 2 was very tight and England went into their final game against Belarus needing a win to qualify. Fortunately goals from Ugo Ehiogu and Joe Cole gave them a 2-0 win and consigned Belarus to the playoffs. <pre class="ip-ubbcode-code-pre">Pos Team Pld Won Drn Lst For Ag Won Drn Lst For Ag Pts ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1st Q England 8 4 0 0 12 1 1 2 1 2 2 17 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 2nd Pl Belarus 8 4 0 0 6 1 1 0 3 3 6 15 3rd Slovakia 8 1 3 0 4 3 1 1 2 1 6 10 4th Sweden 8 1 1 2 4 3 0 2 2 2 5 6 5th Estonia 8 1 2 1 1 1 0 1 3 1 8 6 </pre> AG - Portugal breezed through Group 3 and qualified with ease with Finland just edging into the playoffs on goal difference. <pre class="ip-ubbcode-code-pre">Pos Team Pld Won Drn Lst For Ag Won Drn Lst For Ag Pts ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1st Q Portugal 8 4 0 0 12 2 2 2 0 6 2 20 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 2nd Pl Finland 8 2 2 0 8 0 1 1 2 7 6 12 3rd Bulgaria 8 2 2 0 8 5 1 1 2 5 9 12 4th N.Ireland 8 1 2 1 6 6 0 2 2 2 8 7 5th Azerbaijan 8 0 1 3 2 9 0 1 3 2 11 2 </pre> AG - Both the Czech Republic and Poland came through Group 5 undefeated but there were too many draws for the Poles who finish second with the Czechs winning the group. <pre class="ip-ubbcode-code-pre">Pos Team Pld Won Drn Lst For Ag Won Drn Lst For Ag Pts ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1st Q Czech Republic 8 3 1 0 8 0 3 1 0 6 1 20 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 2nd Pl Poland 8 2 2 0 7 0 2 2 0 5 1 16 3rd Ukraine 8 2 1 1 10 4 2 1 1 7 5 14 4th Israel 8 1 0 3 3 8 1 0 3 5 10 6 5th Armenia 8 0 0 4 3 12 0 0 4 1 14 0</pre> AG - France and Greece had a ding-dong battle in Group 7 with the Greeks heading the table going into the last match against their rivals. But a 2-0 win for France in Paris allowed them to leapfrog their opponents and qualify directly leaving Greece to contend a playoff. <pre class="ip-ubbcode-code-pre">Pos Team Pld Won Drn Lst For Ag Won Drn Lst For Ag Pts ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1st Q France 10 5 0 0 16 2 3 1 1 11 4 25 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 2nd Pl Greece 10 4 1 0 15 5 4 0 1 8 3 25 3rd Norway 10 3 1 1 9 4 1 2 2 5 10 15 4th Albania 10 2 1 2 4 3 1 1 3 4 11 11 5th Wales 10 1 2 2 5 8 0 2 3 4 9 7 6th San Marino 10 0 1 4 2 11 0 0 5 1 14 1</pre> AG - Seven wins and only 1 defeat sent Italy through from Group 8 with Turkey gaining the playoff place. <pre class="ip-ubbcode-code-pre">Pos Team Pld Won Drn Lst For Ag Won Drn Lst For Ag Pts ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1st Q Italy 8 4 0 0 17 1 3 0 1 9 3 21 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 2nd Pl Turkey 8 3 1 0 10 3 2 1 1 7 5 17 3rd Iceland 8 2 1 1 6 5 2 0 2 5 9 13 4th Austria 8 1 0 3 5 7 0 2 2 3 9 5 5th Luxembourg 8 0 1 3 2 9 0 0 4 1 14 1</pre> AG - In Group 8 Spain and Denmark were neck and neck all the way but the Spaniards qualified as group winners by the narrowest of margins leaving the Danes to fight out a playoff. <pre class="ip-ubbcode-code-pre">Pos Team Pld Won Drn Lst For Ag Won Drn Lst For Ag Pts ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1st Q Spain 10 5 0 0 13 2 3 1 1 10 3 25 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 2nd Pl Denmark 10 5 0 0 15 2 3 1 1 7 4 25 3rd Slovenia 10 3 0 2 11 6 1 1 3 2 8 13 4th Hungary 10 2 2 1 3 1 1 0 4 2 11 11 5th Lithuania 10 2 1 2 5 7 0 1 4 3 13 8 6th Faroe Islands 10 0 2 3 5 11 0 1 4 5 13 3</pre> AG - And finally in Group 9 there was heartbreak for Ireland as a 2-2 draw with Romania in Dublin in their final game allowed their opponents to win the group on goal difference with the Irish in the playoffs. This was a very tight group with only two points separating the top four. <pre class="ip-ubbcode-code-pre">Pos Team Pld Won Drn Lst For Ag Won Drn Lst For Ag Pts ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1st Q Romania 10 5 0 0 14 2 2 1 2 13 7 22 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 2nd Pl Ireland 10 4 1 0 16 4 3 0 2 11 8 22 3rd Georgia 10 4 0 1 17 6 2 1 2 7 7 19 4th Belgium 10 3 1 1 10 5 3 0 2 10 8 19 5th Andorra 10 1 0 4 3 13 0 0 5 4 17 3 6th Cyprus 10 1 0 4 4 15 0 0 5 0 17 3</pre> RK - Thanks Andy. That’s all for us this fine afternoon as we celebrate Scotland’s progress to Germany 2006. We’ll be back with you next month for the playoff matches and we’ll look forward to seeing you all then. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
BobBev Posted January 19, 2004 Author Share Posted January 19, 2004 Sky Sports Saturday November 12, 2005 Richard Keys and Andy Gray are sitting in the Sky Sports studio. RK - Good afternoon and welcome to our coverage of the first leg matches in the World Cup qualification European playoffs. We’ll start by taking a quick look at the draw. First up Belarus and Ireland. AG - Well Belarus ran England close but I fancy the Irish to see them off over two legs. RK - Then we have Denmark against Turkey. AG - Well Turkey did manage a win over Italy in the qualifying group but I really fancy that the European Champions will be too strong for the Turks. RK - How about Russia and Greece. AG - This could be the closest of them all. Both countries had excellent qualifying campaigns but I think that Greece may just edge it. RK - And now Yugoslavia and Poland. AG - I’d be surprised if the Yugoslavs don’t get through this one as I really don’t see the Poles being strong enough over two legs. RK - And finally we have Uzbekistan and Finland. AG - This is one of the oddities of the qualification process. As Finland had the worst record of all of the second placed teams they end up playing the winner of the Asian regional playoff. No offence to our friends from Uzbekistan but it seems to me that they have the easiest game of the lot. RK - Thanks Andy. We’ll be back with you at full time to take a look at the best of the action. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
displaced_seagull Posted January 19, 2004 Share Posted January 19, 2004 This is still excellent - well done in the groups Stephen Cosgrove was immense on 01/02, I had a good game with Motherwell and he was easily the best player I had. His brother Mark is good IRL as well (well, he was at 5-a-side when we tested 01/02 anyway ) Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jambo Posted January 19, 2004 Share Posted January 19, 2004 Can you post the full squad that you normally pick please? Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
BobBev Posted January 19, 2004 Author Share Posted January 19, 2004 d_s, I'm amazed at how effective Cosgrove is. Him and Charlie Miller are now Berti's first choice midfield with Kerr and Ferguson next in line. jambo - the squad for the World Cup Finals will shortly be revealed. Sky Sports Saturday November 12, 2005 Richard Keys and Andy Gray are sitting in the Sky Sports studio. RK - So let’s have a look at the results then Andy. AG - A narrow win for Ireland in Belarus thanks to an Ian Harte penalty that sets them up well for the return in Dublin. <pre class="ip-ubbcode-code-pre">Belarus 0 Ireland 1 Harte (pen) 34</pre> AG - Denmark proved to be far too strong for Turkey and three goals in ten minutes in the first half has probably made this tie safe. <pre class="ip-ubbcode-code-pre">Denmark 3 Turkey 0 Pedersen 22, 32 Sand 29</pre> AG - It was an excellent game in Moscow with Russia taking a 3-1 lead to Athens but Greece do have an away goal. The Greeks played the last half hour with 10 men which didn’t help their cause. <pre class="ip-ubbcode-code-pre">Russia 3 Greece 1 Khokhlov 13, 19 Vryzas 28 Bystrov 41</pre> AG - Poland hung on well after conceding an early goal but the second for Yugoslavia near the end may prove crucial. <pre class="ip-ubbcode-code-pre">Yugoslavia 2 Poland 0 Stefanovic 8 Stankovic 82</pre> AG - Finland dominated their game in Toshkent with Uzbekistan never looking remotely like scoring. <pre class="ip-ubbcode-code-pre">Uxbekistan 0 Finland 3 Forssell 56, 60 Vayrynen 65</pre> RK - Well there we are. Some entertaining football there and we’ll look forward to having your company on Wednesday for the second legs. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
BobBev Posted January 19, 2004 Author Share Posted January 19, 2004 Sky Sports Wednesday November 16, 2005 Richard Keys and Andy Gray are sitting in the Sky Sports studio. RK - Good evening and thanks for joining us as we look forward to the second leg ties in the World Cup qualification European playoffs. How do you see things going Andy? AG - Well Ireland have a 1-0 lead for their game against Belarus in Dublin and I can see them adding to that total. Denmark travel to Turkey with a 3-goal lead and I can’t see them blowing that. Russia visit Athens with a 3-1 advantage but that away goal may be important and Greece might just get through. Poland are chasing a 2-goal deficit at home to Yugoslavia and I can’t see them making that up. Finally Finland have a comfortable 3-0 lead to defend in Helsinki and it looks all over for Uzbekistan to me. RK - OK Andy, we’ll be back at full time to review all of the final scores. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
BobBev Posted January 20, 2004 Author Share Posted January 20, 2004 Sky Sports Saturday November 12, 2005 Richard Keys and Andy Gray are sitting in the Sky Sports studio. RK - So let’s see how the games all finished Andy. AG - Ireland really struggled against Belarus and went behind in the first half. Fortunately a goal from Gary Doherty was enough to take them through. <pre class="ip-ubbcode-code-pre">Ireland 1 Belarus 1 (Ireland win 2-1 on aggregate) Doherty 60 Tsigalko 26</pre> AG - There was no real problem for Denmark against Turkey and two second half goals gave them a comfortable aggregate win. <pre class="ip-ubbcode-code-pre">Turkey 0 Denmark 2 (Denmark win 5-0 in aggregate) Skoubo 48 Pedersen 76</pre> AG - The most exciting game of the evening took place in Athens as Greece almost turned the game around but Russia eventually went through on the away goals rule. With 23 minutes remaining Greece were 3-0 ahead on the night and 4-3 up on aggregate. But in a frantic finish Russia scored twice in 5 minutes to go 5-4 up overall. Their keeper Nigmatullin was then sent off right at the end and the resulting penalty tied the aggregate score but there wasn’t enough time for Greece to fine the winner. <pre class="ip-ubbcode-code-pre">Greece 4 Russia 2 (5-5 on aggregate, Russia win on away goals) Kafes 29 Yevseev 78 Lakis 34 Kerzhakov 83 Vryzas 64 Charisteas (pen) 89</pre> AG - Poland gave themselves a mountain to climb when an early own goal gave Yugoslavia a 3-0 advantage, They pulled one goal back but never looked like qualifying. <pre class="ip-ubbcode-code-pre">Poland 1 Yugoslavia 1 (Yugoslavia win 3-1 on aggregate) Wichniarek 69 Glowacki (og) 3</pre> AG - Finland finished comfortable winners although Uzbekistan did manage a consolation goal. <pre class="ip-ubbcode-code-pre">Finland 3 Uxbekistan 1 (Finland win 6-1 on aggregate) Forssell 24 Bakaev 68 Nordback 39 Kuqi 71</pre> RK - OK thanks Andy. Now don’t forget that all of the best World Cup coverage next summer can be found right here on Sky Sports. See you all in the summer. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
BobBev Posted January 20, 2004 Author Share Posted January 20, 2004 Sky Sports News Saturday December 31, 2005 The draw for the Final stages of the 2006 World Cup in Germany took place earlier today. Here is the draw in full. Group A Argentina Colombia Denmark South Africa Group B Czech Republic Ghana Italy Scotland Group C Germany Ivory Coast Russia Uraguay Group D Ireland Japan Senegal Spain Group E Brazil China Portugal USA Group F Holland Morocco South Korea Yugoslavia Group G England Mexico Romania Saudi Arabia Group H Costa Rica Finland France Paraguay Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jambo Posted January 20, 2004 Share Posted January 20, 2004 Should be easy Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
BobBev Posted January 21, 2004 Author Share Posted January 21, 2004 I'm not so sure about that Jambo Sky Sports News Saturday March 11, 2006 The draw for the qualifying groups for Euro 2008 took place earlier today. The qualifying campaign starts in September and here are the groups in full. Group 1 Czech Republic Estonia Northern Ireland Scotland Sweden Group 2 Bulgaria Georgia Italy Latvia Lithuania San Marino Group 3 Austria England Moldova Norway Slovenia Group 4 Belarus Cyprus Malta Spain Turkey Ukraine Group 5 Albania Greece Holland Israel Russia Group 6 Armenia Denmark France Poland Slovakia Group 7 Belgium Bosnia Faroe Islands Iceland Luxembourg Portugal Group 8 Finland Germany Hungary Wales Yugoslavia Group 9 Azerbaijan Croatia FYROM Ireland Romania Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
BobBev Posted January 21, 2004 Author Share Posted January 21, 2004 Sky Sports Saturday June 3, 2006 Richard Keys and Andy Gray are sitting in the Sky Sports studio. RK - Good afternoon and welcome to our special World Cup 2006 preview programme. The competition kicks off in a few days time and Andy and I will be taking a look at each of the final groups. But let’s start with a look at the playing squads for Scotland, England and Ireland. Scotland first - Berti has raised a few eyebrows with his final 23. AG - He has a knack of doing that doesn’t he. Let’s take a look at the full squad. Goalkeepers Neil Sullivan (36, Hibs) Jamie Langfield (26, Motherwell) Rab Douglas (34, Celtic) Defenders Martyn Corrigan (28, Coventry) Lee Wilkie (26, Everton) Jamie Buchan (29, Dundee) Robbie Neilson (25, Brondby) Stephen Crainey (24, Celtic) Jim Paterson (26, Tottenham) Steve Caldwell (25, Hibs) Christian Dailly (32, Watford) Phil McGuire (26, Aberdeen) Michael Stewart (25, West Brom) Midfielders Stephen Cosgrove (25, Man City) Barry Ferguson (28, Rangers) Mark Kerr (24, Leeds) Darren Fletcher (22, Man Utd) Charlie Miller (30, Rangers) Stephen Pearson (23, Aston Villa) Forwards Steven Craig (25, Motherwell) Kenny Miller (26, Wolves) Kiegan Parker (24, Rangers) Steven Hampshire (26, Everton) AG - Berti seems to have learned his lesson from Euro 2004 and he’s included three goalkeepers in the squad with Rab Douglas getting a recall to the Scotland camp. At 36 this may well be Neil Sullivan’s last hurrah and Jamie Langfield is waiting in the wings. Martyn Corrigan has been impressing at club level and he is brought in partly because of his versatility. Christian Dailly is recalled to provide cover for Michael Stewart and Steve Caldwell comes in after a couple of excellent showings in the Scotland B team. Kenny Miller is included after his good form in the last couple of friendlies. RK - And now on to England. AG - Well the core of Sven’s squad is very experienced with 13 of the 23 having at least 40 caps. Goalkeepers Richard Wright (28, Everton) Steve Harper (31, Aston Villa) Rhys Evans (24, Chelsea) Defenders Dean Richards (32, Liverpool) Gary Neville (31, Arsenal) Phil Neville (29, Man Utd) Ashley Cole (25, Arsenal) Sol Campbell (31, Arsenal) Ugo Ehiogu (33, Liverpool) Rio Ferdinand (27, Man Utd) John Terry (25, Valencia) Midfielders Owen Hargreaves (25, Bayern Munich) David Prutton (24, Arsenal) Kieron Dyer (27, Newcastle) David Beckham (31, Man Utd) Joe Cole (24, West Ham) Alan Thompson (32, West Ham) Paul Scholes (31, Arsenal) Forwards Trevor Sinclair (33, Leeds) Carlton Cole (22, Chelsea) Robbie Fowler (31, Real Madrid) Michael Owen (26, Liverpool) Wayne Rooney (20, Leeds) AG - Richard Wright has a lot of international experience but his two deputies don’t have a cap between them so England could be exposed if Wright gets injured. The defence is very solid and the only real surprise in midfield is the inclusion of Alan Thompson. He has forced his way into the reckoning since his transfer from Celtic midway through the season. Trevor Sinclair is a controversial inclusion as his club form has been poor. RK - And now Ireland. AG - Robbie Keane is the undoubted star of David O’Leary’s squad. Goalkeepers Shay Given (30, Man City) Dean Kiley (35, Charlton) Joe Murphy (24, Man City) Defenders Gary Breen (32, Middlesbrough) Sean Coyle (28, Birmingham) Kenny Cunningham (34, Liverpool) Richard Dunne (26, Grimsby) Gary Kelly (31, Leeds) Paul Butler (33, Wolves) Gary Doherty (26, Leeds) Andy O’Brien (26, Newcastle) John O’Shea (25, Liverpool) Steve Finnan (30, Aston Villa) Midfielders Matt Holland (32, Man Utd) Rory Delap (29, Southampton) Sean Thornton (23, Sunderland) Stephen McPhail (26, Middlesbrough) Damian Duff (27, Blackburn) Kevin Kilbane (29, Sunderland) Forwards Robbie Keane (25, Tottenham) Gary Bonner (23, Middlesbrough) David Connolly (29, Wimbledon) Clinton Morrison (27, Birmingham) AG - There seems to be a dearth of young talent available and Ireland still rely on their older key players. I would worry about the strength in depth of the squad. For example, they rely heavily on Keane and Morrison up front and if either of them picked up an injury then the team would struggle. RK - Thanks Andy. We’ll take a short break and when we return Andy will have a look at each of the final groups in turn. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
BobBev Posted January 21, 2004 Author Share Posted January 21, 2004 Sky Sports Saturday June 3, 2006 Richard Keys and Andy Gray are sitting in the Sky Sports studio. RK - Welcome back. So Andy, take us through the groups then. <pre class="ip-ubbcode-code-pre">Group A Team FIFA Ranking Argentina 6 Colombia 71 Denmark 1 South Africa 8</pre> AG - If this group follows the ranking than we should see Denmark, the European Champions and Argentina, the Copa America, Confederations Cup winners and current World Cup holders, taking the top two places. South Africa’s ranking is a bit of a surprise considering that they only finished 3rd in the African Nations Cup. They also met Denmark in the Confederations Cup last July and the Danes won 2-1. Colombia are the dark horses of the group. They finished runners-up behind Brazil in the South American qualifying group and they reached the Confederations Cup Final where they lost 3-0 to Argentina. They also played Argentina in the group stage and lost by the same scoreline. The teams met once more in the Copa America Quarter Finals where Colombia lost 3-1. Apart from a 2-0 loss to Brazil during qualification, these were the only games that they lost last year so they may cause a few surprises. <pre class="ip-ubbcode-code-pre">Group B Team FIFA Ranking Czech Republic 15 Ghana 89 Italy 3 Scotland 17</pre> AG - On paper this looks like a battle between the Czech Republic and Scotland for the second qualifying place. Italy are favourites to win the group and no one expects Ghana to be a real threat. Having said that they did reach the Quarter Finals of the African Nations Cup and they won a World Cup qualifying group that contained Tunisia, the surprise Nations Cup winners the Republic of Congo, Gambia and Guinea, all ranked well above Ghana. This is possibly the toughest group of them all in my opinion and if Scotland come through they will have done really well. <pre class="ip-ubbcode-code-pre">Group C Team FIFA Ranking Germany 26 Ivory Coast 12 Russia 14 Uruguay 90</pre> AG - If anyone can explain to me how the FIFA Ranking system works I’d be extremely grateful. It beggars belief that the Ivory Coast are ranked above both Russia and Germany as far as I’m concerned. Those are the two that I see fighting out the top places no matter what the rankings say. Uruguay had to come through a playoff with Australia to get here and I can’t see them getting to the knockout stages. <pre class="ip-ubbcode-code-pre">Group D Team FIFA Ranking Ireland 5 Japan 67 Senegal 21 Spain 7</pre> AG - This group should be a battle between Ireland and Spain although Senegal did reach the African Nations Cup Final so they could spring a surprise. <pre class="ip-ubbcode-code-pre">Group E Team FIFA Ranking Brazil 2 China 58 Portugal 9 USA 36</pre> AG - I really can’t see beyond Brazil and Portugal in this group. The USA did finish above Mexico in their qualifying group and the reached the Semi Finals of the 2003 Confederations Cup but they have an ageing team and I just can’t see them going through. <pre class="ip-ubbcode-code-pre">Group F Team FIFA Ranking Holland 34 Morocco 28 South Korea 101 Yugoslavia 13</pre> AG - Holland and Yugoslavia were in the same qualifying group and the Dutch came out on top and I expect them to do the same this time. Their ranking of 34 just doesn’t reflect the talent in the team. I expect Yugoslavia to take second place. <pre class="ip-ubbcode-code-pre">Group G Team FIFA Ranking England 25 Mexico 37 Romania 10 Saudi Arabia 92</pre> AG - England have not been in the best of form and the press are already writing off their chances. But I think that any team with Michael Owen in it has a chance. Captain David Beckham is in good form and Robbie Fowler has had a couple of great seasons at Real Madrid so I think that they’ll qualify. Romania should go through with them but if Mexico are in the mood then they can give anyone a run for their money. <pre class="ip-ubbcode-code-pre">Group H Team FIFA Ranking Costa Rica 38 Finland 11 France 4 Paraguay 16</pre> AG - On paper this looks like possibly the toughest group of them all but Finland really struggled in qualification, just edging out Bulgaria on goal difference to take a playoff place and I think that they’re overrated. I can’t see anyone but France winning the group but I fancy Paraguay to take second place. RK - Thanks for that Andy. Well the tournament kicks off on Wednesday with the opening game between holders Argentina and European Champions Denmark and that could be a cracker. Scotland start their campaign on Thursday against Ghana so please join Andy and I for the whole of that match live. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Terk Posted January 21, 2004 Share Posted January 21, 2004 [sings]"We're on the march with Berti's army"[/sings] should be nae problem in getting to the second round for mr wogts Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
BobBev Posted January 22, 2004 Author Share Posted January 22, 2004 I hope you're right Terk! Sky Sports Thursday June 8, 2006 Richard Keys and Andy Gray are sitting in the Sky Sports studio. RK - Good evening and welcome to Sky Sports coverage of Scotland’s first group match in the final stages of the 2006 World Cup Finals as they take on Ghana in the AOL Arena in Hamburg. The tournament got off to a terrific start yesterday Andy. AG - It sure did. The opening game between World Cup holders Argentina and European Champions Denmark turned out to be a stormer. After a quiet opening 45 minutes the game burst into life in the second period as Ebbe Sand scored a spectacular hat trick in 14 minutes. Hernan Crespo pulled a goal back for Argentina but the game finished 3-1 to the Danes. RK - And Colombia repeated that scoreline in the second game in Group A. AG - Yes, they had a good 3-1 win over South Africa. So next week’s game between Colombia and Argentina will be critical - another defeat and the Argentines will be going home very early. RK - Do you think that the Scots can get through to the knockout stages? AG - I’d like to think so. This first game against Ghana is critical - we have to win it and win well. RK - What team is going out against Ghana? AG - Well here’s Berti’s lineup. <pre class="ip-ubbcode-code-pre"> Steven Hampshire Steven Craig Kiegan Parker Charlie Miller © Stephen Cosgrove Stephen Crainey Michael Stewart Jim Paterson Lee Wilkie Steven Caldwell Neill Sullivan Substitutes Rab Douglas Martyn Corrigan Jamie Buchan Stephen Pearson Barry Ferguson Mark Kerr Kenny Miller</pre> RK - Thanks Andy. We’re going to take a short break new and we’ll return to the studio here at half time to review the action. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jambo Posted January 22, 2004 Share Posted January 22, 2004 Here we go Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
BobBev Posted January 22, 2004 Author Share Posted January 22, 2004 World Cup 2006 Group B Game 1 Half Time Scotland 3 (Miller 17, Parker 20, Hampshire 21) Ghana 1 (Amoah 18) RK - What an extraordinary first 20 minutes Andy. AG - Breathtaking stuff Richard. Actually the first 15 minutes or so were fairly quiet as the teams sounded one another out but then we had 4 goals in a manic 4-minute spell. As we can see, captain Charlie Miller started the ball rolling. Michael Stewart sends in a good ball for Cosgrove and the Man City players makes a great volley that’s well saved by Nanor but Miller is quickest to the loose ball and it’s 1-0. But Ghana advance straight from the restart as Aidoo shows good control, picks out Matthew Amoah and the Vitesse player takes it past Caldwell and then Crainey before he fires home. But Scotland go back up the other end and win the corner. Paterson takes it and Kiegan Parker rises highest to head home. No sooner had the dust settled after that one and it’s Parker again, picking up a poor clearance by Nanor, he spots Hampshire and the Everton striker makes it 3-1. RK - That wasn’t the last of the chances either. AG - Far from it. Twice in a minute Charlie Miller had headers really well saved by Nanor and Ghana also threatened a couple of times. RK - Well it’s a good scoreline for Scotland at present - can they keep this up in the second half. AG - I certainly hope so Richard. RK - OK, time for another break and we’ll see you back here at full time. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jambo Posted January 22, 2004 Share Posted January 22, 2004 Good first half there Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
BobBev Posted January 22, 2004 Author Share Posted January 22, 2004 Nearly blew it in the second half though Jambo World Cup 2006 Group B Game 1 Full Time Scotland 3 (Miller 17, Parker 20, Hampshire 21) Ghana 2 (Amoah 18, Boateg 66) RK - Well that was a lot closer than Scotland would have wanted. AG - Too close for comfort really. We can thank Neill Sullivan for the three points there I think. Ghana came out very positively after the break but the Scottish defence kept then at bay for 20 minutes or so. But then they pulled a goal back as we can see. This is a determined run from Derek Boateg of PSV and he gets past Crainey a bit too easily for my liking. But no doubting the quality of the finish - blasted into the top corner and Sullivan with no chance. RK - And that brilliant double-save by Neil Sullivan. AG - Let’s take a look at that. It’s Boateg who starts the move, he knocks it wide to Augustine who gives a lovely cushioned knockdown for Amoah. Struck first time and Sullivan does really well to parry it. We’re a little static at the back though as Amoah is allowed a second chance and I still don’t know how Sullivan got a hand to that - brilliant save. RK - There was a lot of pressure for the Scots defence to withstand. AG - There was but we did defend well and Ghana never had another clear opportunity. Sullivan dealt really well with anything hit high into the area and the whole back five really dug in to deny them time and space. RK - So mission accomplished - three points in the bag. AG - Exactly what we needed but not the relatively easy game that we nay have hoped for. RK - We’re going to go over to Hamburg now where Geoff Shreeves is waiting to talk to Berti Wogts. GS - Well Berti you got the win you wanted. Was that because you’re wearing the lucky tartan lederhosen again? BW - No Geoff, I zink zat ve got ze vin because ve ver a better team zan our opponents. GS - Right Berti, just joking there. Was that a tougher game than you expected. BW - Nein, zer is no easy games in ze Volrd Cup I zink. Ze important zing is zat ve got ze points. I am very pleased vis ze boys und I look forward to ze next game. GS - Thanks Berti and good luck against Italy. RK - And now for the match statistics. (Sky Sports Whooshing Noise) <pre class="ip-ubbcode-code-pre">Scotland Ghana 9 Shots on Goal 8 8 On Target 4 1 Off Target 4 5 Corners 1 11 Free Kicks 10 5 Offsides 9 2 Yellow Cards 0 0 Red Cards 0</pre> RK - And who would you pick out as the Man of the Match Andy? AG - I’m going for the Scotland captain Charlie Miller. He was at the heart of the performance today and I was very impressed with his contribution. RK - Now a quick check on the other game in Group B as the Czech Republic played Italy in Hannover. AG - That one ended 1-0 to the Italians with Vincenzo Montella of Roma getting the only goal of the game on the stroke of half time. To be honest this was a pretty dull affair. The Czechs didn’t get a shot on target in a disappointing performance and Italy weren’t much better. On this evidence we’ve got a great chance of making progress. RK - Well we all hope so Andy. So Scotland’s next match in the group takes place next Wednesday when they take on Italy in Dusseldorf so please join Andy and I then. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jambo Posted January 22, 2004 Share Posted January 22, 2004 A win in the next game will do Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
BobBev Posted January 23, 2004 Author Share Posted January 23, 2004 Sky Sports Wednesday June 14, 2006 Richard Keys and Andy Gray are sitting in the Sky Sports studio. RK - Good evening everyone, you join us tonight as Scotland take on Italy in their second World Cup group game knowing that a victory would probably see them progress to the knockout stages. But before we get to that, Andy will take us through the other games that have taken place over the last few days. AG - Thanks Richard. Well Group C got underway on Friday and Germany and Russia, my tip for the top two, played out a 1-1 draw. Germany dominated play but struggled to break through a defiant Russian defence. The Russians actually took the lead 10 minutes after half time but Michael Ballack found a crucial equaliser 20 minutes from time. In the other game Manchester City’s Kolo Abib Toure, the Ivory Coast captain, went from hero to villain as he opened the scoring in the first half but was sent off in the second. However, Uruguay struck back with goals either side of the break to get a 2-1 win. AG - Senegal got off to a great start in Group D with a 4-1 win over Japan with Liverpool’s El-Hadji Diouf scoring a hat trick. Group favourites Ireland and Spain fought out a 1-1 draw in an eventful game. Spanish keeper Jose Molina was red-carded after 20 minutes and Clint Morrison converted the penalty. Unfortunately for Ireland both Steve Finnan and Morrison suffered injuries - Finnan’s a minor knock but Clint has a damaged knee that will almost certainly rule him out for the rest of the tournament. Despite being a man short, Spain dominated the game and found a deserved equaliser after an hour through Juan Carlos Valeron. AG - In Group E, Brazil suffered a surprise 3-1 defeat at the hands of Portugal and China shocked the USA, also winning 3-1. In Group F South Korea played superbly to beat Morocco 2-0 and a Ruud van Nistelrooy goal in stoppage time gave Holland a deserved 1-0 win over Yugoslavia. England got off to a great start in Group G, beating Romania 3-0. Michael Owen, Robbie Fowler and substitute Alan Thompson provided the goals. Saudi Arabia outplayed an off-colour Mexico to win 2-0 to provide a bit of a surprise. In Group H, France overran Finland 4-1 with all of the goals coming in the first 30 minutes and Costa Rica shocked Paraguay with a 2-1 victory. And finally in last night’s games, Argentina kept their hopes alive with a 2-0 win over Colombia with both goals coming from Javier Saviola and Denmark beat South Africa 1-0 thanks to an Ebbe Sand goal. Barring freak results the Danes will qualify and South Africa will be going home early. RK - So now on to Scotland’s game tonight. It’ll be a tough one Andy. AG - It really will be difficult, but these are the kind of games that you have to get a result from if you seriously want to be a contender. RK - What does the team look like tonight? AG - Well the only changes are the inclusion of Kenny Miller instead of Steven Craig and Stephen Pearson who replaces Kiegan Parker. <pre class="ip-ubbcode-code-pre"> Steven Hampshire Steven Craig Stephen Pearson Charlie Miller © Stephen Cosgrove Stephen Crainey Michael Stewart Jim Paterson Lee Wilkie Steven Caldwell Neill Sullivan Substitutes Rab Douglas Martyn Corrigan Jamie Buchan Christian Dailly Barry Ferguson Mark Kerr Steven Craig</pre> RK - Thanks Andy, now it’s time for a break and we’ll rejoin you at half time. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Terk Posted January 23, 2004 Share Posted January 23, 2004 get an early goal and then eleven man defending for the remainder of the game sounds good Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
BobBev Posted January 23, 2004 Author Share Posted January 23, 2004 Terk - was that advice for Berti or the Italian Manager?!? World Cup 2006 Group B Game 2 Half Time Italy 1 (Baiocco 15) Scotland 0 RK - Well Andy, Italy certainly had the better of the first half. AG - They did Richard and we’re a wee bit lucky just to be one down. RK - It was a very quiet opening by both teams. AG - Yes, the first 10 minutes or so were very cagey but the Italy began to put some pressure on. Here’s their first chance. A quick throw out by Buffon, Tommasi chips it forward to Montella who heads on for Doni and continues his run. Doni finds him well with the low cross and Montella hits it first time but it comes back off the bar. Scotland trying to work an opening now but the attack breaks down and Italy are so fast on the counter. We’re short handed at the back here as Doni picks out Davide Baiocco and he finishes really well. RK - The conditions aren’t helping either team though. AG - It’s very heavy rain and the surface is really quite wet and slippery and it’s definitely a factor in the game. This is another great chance for the Italians. Again a Scottish attack breaks down as Pearson loses control in the wet. Zambrotta plays the ball long looking for Doni, he’s broken the offside trap and he’s clean through. He takes the shot early and Neil Sullivan makes a very good stop. But he can’t keep hold of the ball in the slippery conditions and Doni gets another chance but Sullivan makes a great block. He may be 36 but in my book he’s still out first choice keeper. RK - Scotland worked hard but the Italian defence is very difficult to break through. AG - Oh they’re a tough nut to crack, no doubt about that. We saw a fair amount of the ball but as you say, no sign of a goal at this point. RK - Well let’s hope that they can turn that around in the second half. Please rejoin us at full time for the rest of the action. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
BobBev Posted January 25, 2004 Author Share Posted January 25, 2004 World Cup 2006 Group B Game 2 Full Time Italy 1 (Baiocco 15) Scotland 2 (Cosgrove 70, Hampshire 71) RK - Well that’s what you call a turnaround Andy. AG - Absolutely fantastic Richard. RK - It was a very subdued start to the second half though. AG - It was. Italy came out intent on closing the game down and the first 20 minutes or so of the half were very quiet. But then Scotland started to see some return for all the effort they were putting in. Christian Dailly had replaced Michael Stewart at half time and he picked out Pearson in the area. Gattuso gets in a good tackle but the ball squirts free to Cosgrove. First time cross from the midfielder and Kenny Miller with a sharp header that beats Buffon but just clips the top of the bar. RK - And then two goals in a minute and the whole balance of the game has changed. AG - And they both owed something to the conditions Richard. Here’s the first one. Pearson starts the move, trying to find Cosgrove. Oddo intercepts but the ball gets a bit stuck in some surface water. Hampshire reacts quickest and he digs it out to Cosgrove on the edge of the area. The Man City man tries the shot and look how it picks up speed on the wet surface. Buffon deceived and it’s all square. Italy restart but lose possession almost immediately. This is great work by Pearson as he controls the ball really well in the wet. Great footwork to get past Baiocco and then good vision to pick out Hampshire. A fierce first time shot and Scotland have the lead. RK - Italy were clearly stunned by the turnaround and struggled to get back into an attacking rhythm. AG - They did, and again the weather worked against them. Montella has a chance here but he’s well closed down by Caldwell and sends his shot wide. It’s Scotland on the attack now as Kenny Miller makes room for the shot, he sends it in low and hard and Buffon gets down well but he can’t keep hold of the wet ball. Luckily Coco is there to make the clearance. RK - The closing few minutes were quite frantic Andy. AG - Yes, Italy are really pressing now and this is probably the best move of the match. Nesta and Cannavaro show such composure on the ball as they calmly play it out from the back. And look at this run from Gattuso - he’s weaved his way past 4 or 5 Scottish players before he unleashes a shot for the top corner and how about that for a save from Sullivan - world class. But lots of pressure from Scotland in the last minute or so and it culminates in Buffon making a fine save from a Kenny Miller header. RK - So there we have it, a superb 2-1 win for Scotland over group favourites Italy. We can now take you over to Dusseldorf where Geoff Shreeves is with a wet but happy Berti Wogts. GS - Congratulations Berti, that was a terrific win. BW - Ja Geoff, danke. It vas maybe one of ze best results zat ze boys have produced und I am very pleased for zem. GS - At half time it didn’t look like you would find a way through the Italian defence. BW - Zey are of course some of ze best defences in ze vorld but I felt zat ve must keep trying und ve vould be rewarded. GS - So now you face the Czech Republic in the final game knowing that a draw will take you through. BW - Zat is ze case but it vill be a big task as zey haff a strong team, but I zink zat ze boys can do it. GS - Thanks Berti and good luck. RK - And now for the match statistics. (Sky Sports Whooshing Noise) <pre class="ip-ubbcode-code-pre">Italy Scotland 10 Shots on Goal 6 6 On Target 4 4 Off Target 2 2 Corners 2 5 Free Kicks 18 14 Offsides 3 2 Yellow Cards 0 0 Red Cards 0</pre> RK - Who would your Man of the Match be Andy? AG - Sullivan and Hampshire were the stars for Scotland but I thought that the best player on the pitch was the Italian left back Francesco Coco. RK - Now a quick check on the other game in Group B as the Czech Republic played Ghana in Nurnberg. AG - That was a pretty even game and it finished 2-1 to the Czechs. That means that Scotland head the table with 6 points from their 2 wins with Italy and the Czech Republic next on 3 points each. So a point for Scotland in the final game will guarantee qualification. But we can still be eliminated, depending on the other results. RK - Well let’s hope that doesn’t happen having come so close. We hope that everyone at home will join us next Tuesday for Scotland’s final game in the group against the Czech Republic in Nurnberg. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Terk Posted January 25, 2004 Share Posted January 25, 2004 excellent comeback, mr wogts Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
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