retired_amyslack

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.

retired_amyslack

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 Scotland6 Shots on Goal 223 On Target 163 Off Target 70 Corners 125 Free Kicks 31 Offsides 30 Yellow Cards 00 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.

retired_amyslack

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 (C) Stephen CosgroveStephen Crainey Michael Stewart Robbie Neilson Lee Wilkie Maurice Ross Neill Sullivan SubstitutesJamie LangfieldPhil McGuireBrian McAllisterDarren FletcherStevie NicholasStephen HughesCraig 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.

retired_michman524

Come on boys. Win this and the groups ours \o/\o/

retired_amyslack

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.

retired_amyslack

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 Russia13 Shots on Goal 78 On Target 35 Off Target 45 Corners 015 Free Kicks 74 Offsides 122 Yellow Cards 10 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.

retired_michman524

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.

retired_amyslack

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 (C) Stephen CosgroveStephen Crainey Michael Stewart Robert Malcolm Lee Wilkie Scott Walker Neill Sullivan SubstitutesJamie LangfieldPhil McGuireBrian McAllisterDarren FletcherStevie NicholasStephen PearsonCraig 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.

retired_amyslack

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.

retired_amyslack

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 Scotland13 Shots on Goal 1010 On Target 83 Off Target 25 Corners 414 Free Kicks 127 Offsides 51 Yellow Cards 30 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.