retired_michman524

Good first half there

retired_amyslack

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 Ghana9 Shots on Goal 88 On Target 41 Off Target 45 Corners 111 Free Kicks 105 Offsides 92 Yellow Cards 00 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.

retired_michman524

A win in the next game will do :thup:

retired_amyslack

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 (C) Stephen CosgroveStephen Crainey Michael Stewart Jim Paterson Lee Wilkie Steven Caldwell Neill Sullivan SubstitutesRab DouglasMartyn CorriganJamie BuchanChristian DaillyBarry Ferguson Mark KerrSteven Craig</pre>

RK - Thanks Andy, now it’s time for a break and we’ll rejoin you at half time.

retired_bbcarr

get an early goal and then eleven man defending for the remainder of the game sounds good

retired_amyslack

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.

retired_amyslack

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 Scotland10 Shots on Goal 66 On Target 44 Off Target 22 Corners 25 Free Kicks 1814 Offsides 32 Yellow Cards 00 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.

retired_bbcarr

excellent comeback, mr wogts :thup:

retired_amyslack

Thanks Terk

Sky Sports
Tuesday June 20, 2006
Richard Keys and Andy Gray are sitting in the Sky Sports studio.

RK - Good evening everybody as you join us for what promises to be a nail-biting encounter between Scotland and the Czech Republic as Berti’s boys try to make history by reaching the knockout stages of the World Cup for the first time. Will they make it Andy?

AG - I think they will. Don’t forget, this is a team that was good enough to get to the Euro 2002 final where they just lost out to Denmark in extra time. I fancy that they’ll get a result against the Czechs tonight.

RK - So do we all I’m sure. But let’s start with a look back at the other group games that have been played since we were last with you.

AG - There’s been a lot of action. In Group C Russia beat the Ivory Coast 1-0 and Germany overcame Uruguay 3-0. Mind you that game turned on a sending off. Germany had a narrow 1-0 lead when Paolo Montero was dismissed when he picked up a second yellow card in the 77th minute. Germany scored twice more before the end to put a gloss on the final score. So Germany and Russia both have 4 points and Uruguay have 3. In Group D, Ireland had a good 2-0 win over Senegal and Spain beat Japan 2-0. So again we have Ireland and Spain on 4 points and Senegal on 3 with everything still to play for.

AG - Group E saw Brazil get back on track with a 3-1 defeat of China and the USA shocked Portugal by winning 3-0. All 4 teams now have 3 points in an incredibly tight group. Holland had their second straight win in Group F, beating South Korea 3-1 and look sure to go through. Yugoslavia still have a chance after a narrow 1-0 defeat of Morocco and it will all depend on their last match against the Koreans. In Group G a 2-1 win for Mexico has virtually eliminated Romania and England look sure to go through after Robbie Fowler gave them a 1-0 victory over Saudi Arabia. In Group H, France look home and dry after a 3-0 defeat of Paraguay and Finland recovered from their opening mauling by the French to beat Costa Rica 5-2.

RK - And now on to Scotland’s game tonight. What does the team look like Andy?

AG - Berti has rung the changes for this one Richard. Phil McGuire replaces Lee Wilkie, maybe because Wilkie is a booking away from a suspension. Christian Dailly is in for Michael Stewart with Berti going for experience there. Robbie Neilson replaces Jim Paterson, the Tottenham man just being rested I think. Kiegan Parker comes in for Stephen Pearson and Steven Craig starts in place of Kenny Miller.


<pre class="ip-ubbcode-code-pre"> Steven Hampshire Steven Craig Kiegan Parker Barry Ferguson (C) Stephen CosgroveStephen Crainey Christian Dailly Robbie Neilson Phil McGuire Steven Caldwell Neill Sullivan SubstitutesRab DouglasMartyn CorriganJamie BuchanChristian DaillyBarry Ferguson Mark KerrSteven Craig</pre>

RK - Right we are Andy, thanks for all that. We’ll take a break now but please rejoin us at half time for the first half action.

retired_embartl

Terrific win over the Italians Bob, I'll predict a 2-2 draw vthe Czechs. Cosgrove and Steve H with the goals. Group E looks a bit mad . Brazil, Portugal China and USA on the same points :o

Good luck