retired_ashleyamber

Darn, that irritating Crespo-dude... Who does he think he is

2008 here we come....

retired_amyslack

Sky Sports
Wednesday July 12, 2006
Richard Keys and Andy Gray are sitting in the Sky Sports studio.

RK - Well Andy, after a pretty eventful World Cup let's take a look back at how the knockout phase progressed.

AG - OK Richard. Well as we know in the Second Round Scotland lost out 4-2 to Argentina with Hernan Crespo scoring all four goals. In the other games the Czech Republic beat Denmark 2-0 and Spain defeated Russia 3-1 with two goals from Diego Tristan and one from Raul. In the Far East showdown China had an excellent 2-1 win over South Korea, coming back from a goal down after 20 minutes. An early goal from Thierry Henry was enough for France to ease past England 1-0 with Sven's team not managing a single goal attempt in the entire 90 minutes. However, Ireland gave us something to cheer about with a terrific 3-1 win over Germany in a cracking contest. Michael Ballack put the Germans ahead after just 8 minutes but Robbie Keane equalised two minutes later. Sean Coyle and Steve Finnan both found the net in the second half to put David O'Leary's boys into the Quarter Final. In one of the biggest upsets of the round Holland lost 2-1 to the USA with Greg Vanney scoring the winner with a couple of minutes remaining. In the final game of the round Finland sneaked past Mexico 2-1 win an extra time golden goal.

In the Quarter Finals France overcame China 4-1 with Henry scoring twice but they had Patrick Vieira sent off near the end. The Czech Republic had a narrow 1-0 win over Spain with young keeper Petr Cech playing a blinder to keep the Spanish attack at bay. Ireland's dream came to and end when they lost 2-0 to Argentina with goals in the first and last minute and Shay Given repelling all comers in between. Finally Finland gave the USA a taste of their own medicine, winning 2-1 with an 87th minute decider.

In the first Semi Final a very even game between France and the Czech Republic was settled by a single goal from David Trezeguet to put Les Blues into the Final. They were joined by Argentina who beat Finland 3-1. The Czechs won the Third Place Playoff on penalties after the game ended 1-1. In the Final France played some superb football to beat Argentina 3-1 thanks to two goals from Trezeguet and one from Henry.

RK - Thanks Andy. Henry and Crespo finished as top joint scorers with 7 goals each. And there has been quite some fallout on the mangerial front with Portugal, Italy, Germany, Uraguay, Brazil, Yugoslavia, England and Romania all seeking new managers. We hope that you've enjoyed the coverage provided by Sky Sports and that you'll join us later in the year for the Euro 2008 qualification programme.

retired_amyslack

Sky Sports
Saturday September 2, 2006
Richard Keys and Andy Gray are sitting in the Sky Sports studio.

RK - Good afternoon and welcome to our coverage of Scotland's first Euro 2008 qualifying game, a home tie against Estonia. A win today would get their campaign off to a great start and the U21s gave a great example to the seniors last night Andy.

AG - They did indeed as they demolished the Estonian youngsters 4-0. John Slaven of Rangers and Kevin Hughes of Man City both scored twice in the first half.

RK - What's the Scotland's team news for today's game?

AG - Well Neil Sullivan has been withdrawn from the squad because of injury so Jamie Langfield plays in goal. McGuire and Wilkie are the back two with Stephen Crainey coming into the left wingback position. Barry Ferguson is back to full fitness and the captain is partnered by Darren Fletcher. Kiegan Parker plays behind a front two of Steven Hampshire and Steven Milne with the Inverness Caledonian player gaining his first full cap.


<pre class="ip-ubbcode-code-pre"> Steven Hampshire Steven Milne Stephen Pearson Barry Ferguson (C) Darren FletcherJim Paterson Michael Stewart Robbie Neilson Lee Wilkie Phil McGuire Jamie Langfield SubstitutesPaul GallagherMartyn CorriganChristian DaillyShaun MaloneyStephen CosgroveJim PattersonCharlie Miller</pre>

RK - Can you see them getting a win this afternoon?

AG - I certainly can Richard, in fact I'm sure that they will. Confidence is high after a good World Cup and I can see no reason why we shouldn't get a good result here today.

RK - We'll certainly be keeping our fingers crossed then. First a short break and then it's over to Hampden Park for the first half live and we'll be back with you at half time.

retired_michman524

6-0 win coming up

retired_amyslack

Could be Jambo

Euro 2008 Qualifying Game 1
Half Time
Scotland 2 (Milne 2, 30) Estonia 0

RK - A fairy tale start for the new boy up front Andy.

AG - Unbelievable Richard, you couldn't write this script could you? Less than two minutes on the clock and he scores the opening goal. Let's take a look. Nice build up from the back here, Stewart to McGuire to Wilkie, patient play, looking for the opening. Now on to Ferguson, he plays it on to Hampshire, a lovely ball in and a firm header from Milne. Simple but effective. Here's the second one now. It starts at the back again with Michael Stewart providing that all-important link between defence and attack. He finds Fletcher, on to Ferguson, then Hampshire. Now look at Stewart, that's an intelligent run and Hampshire finds him with a neat pass. Stewart with the cross and Milne with the header.

RK - So 2-0 up and looking comfortable.

AG - Yes. Estonia haven't threatened at all so far and we're controlling the midfield very well.

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.

retired_brinker317

Hey, at least you lost to the winners...

Still superb

retired_amyslack

Thanks d_s

Euro 2008 Qualifying Game 1
Full Time
Scotland 4 (Milne 2, 30, 61, Parker 57) Estonia 0

RK - Another two goals in the second half Andy and an excellent win to start the campaign.

AG - A terrific performance all round Richard.

RK - And a hat trick from Steven Milne - has Berti found the solution to his goalscoring problem?

AG - It's a bit early to say that Richard but the signs are encouraging. We'll see the goals now. Good build up play between Wilkie and Stewart again as the ball is moved on to Fletcher. He picks out Hampshire who spots Parker's run and plays a perfect pass, Parker takes it in his stride and finishes superbly. Milne's third goal now and it was the best of the bunch too - a great solo effort. Lovely control to bring the ball down and go past the defender in a single move. Easily beats the second defender and he gives Mart Poom no chance with the finish.

RK - Right, let's go over to Hampden and get the reaction of Berti Wogts who is talking to Claire Tomlinson.


CT - What a great start to the Euro 2008 campaign Berti.

BW - Zank you Claire, it is indeed a much good win for us I zink.

GS - And a hat trick for Steven Milne on his debut.

BW - Ja, Steven played very vell but of course he vas very vell supported by ze rest of ze team.

GS - You must be confident about the trip to Sweden on Wednesday.

BW - I am alvays confident about my team und I am sure zat zey vill not let me or ze Scotchland people down.

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">Scotland Estonia8 Shots on Goal 35 On Target 23 Off Target 14 Corners 24 Free Kicks 31 Offsides 20 Yellow Cards 10 Red Cards 0</pre>

RK - And what about Man of the Match Andy?

AG - It's just got to be Steven Milne. What a debut - a hat trick on your first appearance for your country. It doesn't get any better than that.

RK - Let's have a check on the other group game.

AG - The only other game in this group saw Sweden gain a narrow 1-0 win in the Czech Republic. The goalscorer - Henrik Larsson of course. Scotland head the group at present and Wednesday's game in Stockholm could be one of the most critical in the group.

RK - Thanks Andy and of course you can see that game live and exclusive only on Sky Sports so join us then.

retired_bbcarr

stevie milne is :cool: always brings back memories of my wonderful 99/00 days :thup:

retired_amyslack

I wish that I'd picked him sooner Terk

Sky Sports
Wednesday September 6, 2006
Richard Keys and Andy Gray are sitting in the Sky Sports studio.

RK - Good evening and welcome to our tonight's big game as Scotland travel to Stockholm to take on Sweden in an important Euro 2008 qualifier. Let's hope that they have more luck that the U21s did last night Andy.

AG - Let's hope so Richard. They lost a very even game 2-1 and considering that keeper John Orr was sent off after 38 minutes they did very well. He was dismissed for bringing down a forward in the area and Sweden converted the penalty to take the lead. The influential Kevin Hughes was missing through injury but his replacement Gary Mitchell of Fulham did well in his place. Partick Thistle player Stuart Hughes came on as a substitute and grabbed an equaliser with 20 minutes remaining. Then with just two minutes left on the clock Sweden scored a dramatic winner but we were definitely a bit unlucky.

RK - So how does the Scotland team look for the game tonight?

AG - Steve Caldwell is in for Lee Wilkie in defence and Stephen Cosgrove replaces Darren Fletcher in midfield


<pre class="ip-ubbcode-code-pre"> Steven Hampshire Steven Milne Kiegan Parker Barry Ferguson (C) Stephen CosgroveStephen Crainey Michael Stewart Robbie Neilson Steve Caldwell Phil McGuire Jamie Langfield SubstitutesPaul GallagherMartyn CorriganJim PatersonShaun MaloneyMark KerrJames McFaddenCharlie Miller</pre>

RK - This will be a tough game for them tonight.

AG - It will Richard. Sweden are tough to beat and with players such as Kim Kallstrom, Freddie Ljungberg, Henrik Larsson and Zlatan Ibrahimovic they're not short on talent.

RK - So a draw wouldn't be a bad result then.

AG - A draw would be a very good result I think.

RK - Well thanks for the moment Andy. We'll take a short break and then join our commentary team in Stockholm.

retired_amyslack

Euro 2008 Qualifying Game 2
Half Time
Sweden 0 Scotland 1 (Ferguson 5)

RK - An excellent start for Scotland Andy.

AG - A great start yes and a very well contested 45 minutes. Scotland started brightly and were rewarded early on. Stephen Crainey puts in an excellent cross to the far post, Hampshire with a header back across the keeper. Hedman does well to get a hand to it but Barry Ferguson is first to the lose ball and it's 1-0. But Sweden didn't take long to create openings. Larsson and Ibrahimovic both had chances that they should have done better with and Langfield made good saves from Kallstrom and Ibrahimovic. And then right on half time Milne had a shot well saved for a corner and then got his head to the set piece to force Hedman into another fine save.

RK - So an even first half and we look forward to an entertaining second period. Time for a quick break but please rejoin us at full time.