retired_amyslack

Euro 2008 Qualifying Game 2
Full Time
Sweden 2 (Ibrahimovic 62, Larsson 65) Scotland 2 (Ferguson 4, Parker 73)

RK - An exciting 45 minutes and a fair result overall Andy.

AG - Aye, a draw was probably just about right on the balance of play. Sweden started the second half very positively. Zlatan Ibrahimovic tested Langfield early on and Jesper Blomqvist went close with a half-volley that went just over. But then they scored twice in three minutes to send Scotland reeling. A nice interchange between Kallstrom and Larsson who times his pass to Ibrahimovic perfectly and he finishes really well. Parker had a good chance straight from the kickoff but his header was well saved by Hedman. A quick throw out from the keeper and some slick passing carved open the Scotland defence before Larsson scored his 30th goal for his country. Now this is a key moment. A free kick to Sweden in a dangerous position. Kallstrom sends the ball in, a great header by Ibrahimovic and what a save by Langfield. If that one had gone in it was game over. Now talk about an inspired substitution. Mark Kerr comes on for Stephen Cosgrove and within a minute of his introduction he sets up the equaliser. He picks up the loose ball and makes a first time pass to Parker who volleys home. Langfield made two more important saves from Ibrahimovic and Selakovic and Hedman saved well again from Parker before the end.

RK - So all in all a good result. We can go over to Stockholm where Geoff Shreeves is waiting with Berti Wogts.

GS - A little disappointed with the draw Berti?

BW - Not at all Geoff. I zink zat on balance it vas a fair result und Sweden are a very difficult team to beat.

GS - Barry Ferguson had a fine game in midfield for you..

BW - Ja, Barry is our captain und he always plays very vell for us.

GS - Another game in a month at home to Northern Ireland. You must be confident of winning that one.

BW - I am sure zat ze Irish boys vill vork hard und it vill not be an easy game but I hope zat ve vill get a good result.

GS - Thanks Berti and good luck in the next game.

RK - And now for the match statistics.

(Sky Sports Whooshing Noise)

<pre class="ip-ubbcode-code-pre">Sweden Scotland15 Shots on Goal 129 On Target 86 Off Target 40 Corners 216 Free Kicks 116 Offsides 81 Yellow Cards 00 Red Cards 0</pre>

RK - And what about Man of the Match Andy?

AG - Well as Geoff said Barry Ferguson had an excellent game in midfield but I'm going to go with Swedish left back Erik Edman. He did a lot of hard work for Sweden in defence but was always on hand to give them an outlet down the left.

RK - Thanks Andy. And as Geoff also said, Scotland's next game is in a months time at Hampden against Northern Ireland. The Irish had a good 2-2 draw at home to the Czech Republic tonight. That result means that Scotland still head the group on goal difference over Sweden. We hope to see you all again in October for the game at Hampden but until then goodnight from Andy and I.

retired_amyslack

Sky Sports
Saturday October 7, 2006
Richard Keys and Andy Gray are sitting in the Sky Sports studio.

RK – Hello and welcome to our coverage of Scotland’s Euro 2008 qualifier against Northern Ireland at Hampden Park. Andy, the U21 result last night was a good omen for today’s encounter.

AG – I hope it was Richard as they had a very good 4-0 win. Andy Fisher of Rangers was impressive up front, scoring twice in the first half before retiring with a groin strain. John Slaven, also of Rangers, and Stoke’s David Christie added two more in the second half.

RK – And what about the lineup for the seniors today?

AG – Martyn Corrigan of Coventry comes into defence with Stephen Pearson of Aston Villa coming into midfield. Barry Ferguson is being rested and takes a seat on the bench. Likewise Parker is absent and Darren Fletcher plays behind the front two. Up front Steven Milne is out injured so Steven Craig comes in and Paul Shields is preferred to Steven Hampshire.


<pre class="ip-ubbcode-code-pre"> Paul Shields Steven Craig Darren Fletcher Stephen Pearson Stephen CosgroveStephen Crainey Michael Stewart Robbie Neilson Martyn Corrigan Phil McGuire (Captain) Jamie Langfield SubstitutesPaul GallagherLee WilkieBarry FergusonMark KerrJim PatersonJames McFaddenCharlie Miller</pre>


RK – On paper this should be quite an easy game for the Scots.

AG – It should be Richard but as we know the game won’t be played on paper. The Irish had a good result last time out against the Czechs and they’ve one or two decent players in the team. Owen Morrison of Sheffield Wednesday is a good striker and Stuart Elliot of Newcastle is always dangerous out on the left.

RK – But you still expect Scotland to win.

AG – I expect them to win comfortably Richard.

RK – Well thanks for the moment Andy. We’ll take a short break and then we’ll be back at half time for a review of the action.

retired_amyslack

Euro 2008 Qualifying Game 3
Half Time
Scotland 1 (Craig 23) Northern Ireland 0

RK – A lot of possession for the Scots Andy but not much to show for it.

AG – Indeed Richard. We dominated the half but just have Steven Craig’s goal as a reward. Ireland have packed the midfield and are obviously intent on defending deep and in numbers. There haven’t been many chances but we have been guilty of not hitting the target when there has been an opening. Paul Shields, Robbie Neilson and Stephen Crainey have all failed to hit the target from good positions. Maik Taylor has pulled off one stunning save from a Shields header and we had a good penalty claim turned down when Morrison slid through Pearson. But let’s take a look at the goal. A simple build up really, McGuire brings the ball out and is given plenty of time to pick a pass. Good ball over the top and we turned the Irish defence for once, Craig show a good turn of pace and a nice finish.

RK – How do you see the second half shaping up Andy?

AG – More of the same from both teams I expect. Scotland will need to build on their possession more effectively but need to look out for Ireland hitting them on the break.

retired_amyslack

Euro 2008 Qualifying Game 3
Full Time
Scotland 1 (Craig 23) Northern Ireland 1 (Morrison 53)

RK – That’s a disappointing result for Scotland Andy.

AG – Very poor Richard. The game should have been killed off but we were left wanting in front of goal I’m afraid. Let’s take a look at the Irish goal. The veteran Neil Lennon picks up the ball in midfield and immediately spots Morrison’s run. Nice control in the wet conditions but the marking was bit poor and he’s taken full advantage. He keeps his shot low and the ball seems to pick up pace on the wet surface. A poor goal to concede from Scotland’s viewpoint though.

RK – And a lot of chances went begging in the second period.

AG – There were. Fletcher, Shields and Craig all came close with efforts that just shaved the top of the bar but they really should have hit the target and worked the keeper – especially in these wet conditions.

RK – Not a good result then. But let’s go over to Glasgow where Geoff Shreeves is waiting with Berti Wogts.

GS – A very disappointing result today Berti in a game that you should have won.

BW – A little disappointing Geoff Ja, but zumtines zese zings happen in football. Und today was just not our day.

GS – The strikers were poor today and they cost you two points didn’t they?

BW – Nein, I cannot agree vis zat. Zey played vell und ver not haffing any luck. On anozer day zey vould haff scored 3 or 4.

GS – So how do you view Wednesday’s game in Czechoslovakia after this result.

BW – It is a big game, but zen all of ze group games are important. I am confident zat ve vill get a good result

GS – Thanks Berti and good luck in the next game.

RK – And now for the match statistics.

(Sky Sports Whooshing Noise)

<pre class="ip-ubbcode-code-pre">Scotland Northern Ireland9 Shots on Goal 12 On Target 17 Off Target 01 Corners 018 Free Kicks 96 Offsides 132 Yellow Cards 20 Red Cards 0</pre>

RK – And what about Man of the Match Andy?

AG – To be honest nobody really took the game by the scruff of the neck and controlled it but Robbie Neilson had a good performance at the back, always looking to come forward and make chances.

RK – But the good news of course is that Sweden were held to a 2-2 draw in Estonia. In fact their equaliser came from the penalty spot in the 90th minute so they had a luck escape there. That leaves the table looking like this.

<pre class="ip-ubbcode-code-pre">Pos Team Pld Won Drn Lst For Ag Won Drn Lst For Ag Pts--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------1st Scotland 3 1 1 0 5 1 0 1 0 2 2 5 --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------2nd Sweden 3 0 1 0 2 2 1 1 0 3 2 5 --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------3rd N.Ireland 2 0 1 0 2 2 0 1 0 1 1 2 4th Czech Republic 2 0 0 1 0 1 0 1 0 2 2 1 5th Estonia 2 0 1 0 2 2 0 0 1 0 4 1</pre>

AG – It could be a lot worse that’s for sure. But the game in Czechoslovakia on Wednesday is a big one and a defeat there could really open up the group.

RK – Well we’ll be back with you for that encounter in just 4 days time so until then, goodnight from Andy and I.

retired_amyslack

Sky Sports
Wednesday October 11, 2006
Richard Keys and Andy Gray are sitting in the Sky Sports studio.

RK – Good evening. Nice of you to join Andy Gray and myself as we look forward to coverage of Scotland’s Euro 2008 qualifier against the Czech Republic in Prague. The juniors showed the way last night then Andy.

AG – Didn’t they just – an impressive 4-1 win and a very strong team performance. John Slaven found the net again with Scott Johnston of West Ham adding the second before the break. Then Aberdeen’s Calum McHattie scored twice in the second half.

RK – Well fingers crossed that the seniors can repeat that sort of scoreline tonight. What does the teamsheet look like Andy?

AG – Lee Wilkie is restored to central defence, Rangers pairing Charlie Miller and captain Barry Ferguson are in central midfield, Kiegan Parker is back in his favourite spot behind the front two and Steven Hampshire replaces Paul Shields up front.


<pre class="ip-ubbcode-code-pre"> Steven Hampshire Steven Craig Kiegan Parker Charlie Miller Barry Ferguson (Captain)Stephen Crainey Michael Stewart Robbie Neilson Lee Wilkie Phil McGuire Jamie Langfield SubstitutesPaul GallagherMartyn CorriganMark KerrJim PatersonDarren FletcherJames McFaddenKenny Miller</pre>


RK – How do you see this one panning out Andy?

AG – Very tough I feel. The Czechs really have to get a win to get their qualifying campaign going and I think that we’ll really be up against it tonight. Tomas Rosicky is one of the best midfielders in the world and young keeper Petr Cech will be difficult to get past, especially with our notorious weakness in front of goal.

RK – So would a draw be a decent result.

AG – If I was Berti I wouldn’t look for the draw but if that’s how the game ends then I wouldn’t be too disappointed.

RK – Well thanks for the moment Andy. We’ll take a short break and then we’ll be back at half time for a review of the action.

retired_amyslack

Euro 2008 Qualifying Game 4
Half Time
Czech Republic 1 (Rosicky 36) Scotland 2 (Craig 24, 27)

RK – Well Steven Craig got the Scots off to a terrific start Andy.

AG – He certainly did Richard. Two goals in three minutes just before the half hour mark. Here’s the opener. It’s a free kick to Scotland in a dangerous position. Stephen Crainey sends the ball in and that’s a great leap by Craig to get to the ball before Petr Cech. Now his second goal. Parker picks out Hampshire in the area but Cech is off his line quickly to make the block and the ball goes out for a throw in. Quick thinking by Robbie Neilson as he takes the quick throw and finds Craig. The defence hesitate as he was standing in an offside position but of course you can’t be offside from a throw in. Just the keeper to beat and he hits it low across his body and that’s a lovely finish.

RK – But what about the Rosicky goal?

AG – Simply brilliant. As good a goal as you’ll see in my opinion. He receives the ball with McGuire tight on his back but what a piece of skill as he nutmegs the big defender. Then he goes past Stewart and Parker as though they’re not there and that’s an unstoppable shot. Marvellous goal.

RK – Can Scotland hold on in the second half Andy?

AG – I don’t see why not. We’ve looked pretty solid at the back and I fancy that we could nick another goal.

RK – Well let’s hope so. We’ll take a short break and see you all at full time.

retired_amyslack

Euro 2008 Qualifying Game 4
Full Time
Czech Republic 2 (Rosicky 36, Heinz (pen) 65) Scotland 2 (Craig 24, 27)

RK – That’s a real shame about the Langfield sending off Andy.

AG – It is Richard. I thought that he was a little unlucky but let’s have another look and see what you think. Ulrich I think it is with the through ball for Jankulovski and as Langfield rushes off his line he does seem to make some contact. But to my mind the player never had the ball under control and he certainly went down in dramatic fashion.

RG – You may have a case their Andy but the referee saw it differently. And having awarded the penalty then Langfield had to go.

AG – Deemed to be the last man, yes. So off comes Hampshire and on comes Paul Gallacher in goal. It’s Marek Heinz with the spot kick – no mistake there and it’s all square. Then Scotland shut up shop and held on for the draw. And I suppose in the circumstances it’s not a bad result.

RK – Yes, but still a shame to be pulled back from two ahead. Anyway, we can now go over to Prague where Geoff Shreeves is waiting with Berti Wogts.

GS – A great start for you Berti with Steven Craig putting you two goals ahead.

BW – Ja it vas very nice to score twice in three minutes..

GS – But then a wonderful individual goal from Rosicky before half time.

BW – Vell you know he is vun of ze best midfielders in ze vorld und he can score such goals.

GS – Did you feel that the penalty decision was a bit harsh.

BW – Maybe a little, but zen you haff to respect ze decision of ze referee as he is ze man in charge.

GS – Well thanks for talking to us Berti and we wish you all the best in you remaining games.

RK – And now for the match statistics.

(Sky Sports Whooshing Noise)

<pre class="ip-ubbcode-code-pre">Czech Republic Scotland5 Shots on Goal 52 On Target 43 Off Target 12 Corners 19 Free Kicks 117 Offsides 50 Yellow Cards 00 Red Cards 1</pre>

RK – Who would you select as Man of the Match Andy?

AG – Rosicky didn’t do an awful lot apart from his goal so I’m going for our own Steven Craig.

RK – In the other game played in Scotland’s group Northern Ireland had an excellent 5-1 win at home to Estonia to leave the table looking like this.

<pre class="ip-ubbcode-code-pre">Pos Team Pld Won Drn Lst For Ag Won Drn Lst For Ag Pts--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------1st Scotland 4 1 1 0 5 1 0 2 0 4 4 6 --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------2nd N.Ireland 3 1 1 0 7 3 0 1 0 1 1 5 --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------3rd Sweden 3 0 1 0 2 2 1 1 0 3 2 5 4th Czech Republic 3 0 1 1 2 3 0 1 0 2 2 2 5th Estonia 3 0 1 0 2 2 0 0 2 1 9 1</pre>

AG – Scotland top of the group for the moment but having played a game more than both Northern Ireland and Sweden that position certainly won’t last.

RK – Well Scotland’s next game isn’t until March of next year when they take on Estonia in Tallinn and of course we’ll be bringing you exclusive coverage of that encounter. So until then it’s goodnight from Andy and I.