BobBev

Euro 2004 Qualifying Game 1
Full Time
Albania 1 (Tare 30) Scotland 3 (Ferguson 38, Dailly 45, Dargo 54)

RK - So Andy - a much quieter second half but a good win for Scotland nonetheless.

AG - Yes. A very good three points in the bag. Playing against 10 men you might have expected a few more goals but let’s take a look at the one we did get. Ferguson plays a nice crisp pass to Hampshire. He shields the ball well and lays it off for Dargo’s run. Nice control from the youngster and a cracking finish. The Albanians defended deep and made it very hard for us to break them down. There were a few goalmouth scuffles but no very clear-cut chances.

RK - Let’s take a look at the final statistics.

(Sky Sports Whooshing Noise)

<pre class="ip-ubbcode-code-pre">Albania Scotland6 Shots on Goal 135 On Target 101 Off Target 33 Corners 48 Free Kicks 104 Offsides 33 Yellow Cards 11 Red Cards 0</pre>

RK - And Andy, your Man of the Match.

AG - I thought that Lala was excellent in midfield for Albania, but Barry Ferguson just shades it for me.

RK - I believe that we can get some reaction from Berti Wogts over in Albania. Over to Geoff Shreeves.


GS - Congratulations Berti, that was a solid display and a good win.

BW - Ja, it vas no an easy game but I am very pleased to haff won our first game with meaning. It vas a good team performance vis everyone playing zer part.

GS - Thanks for taking the time to talk to us. I like your tartan tie by the way.

BW - Ja, danke. I haff much tartan clothes now you know. I was sold many items by Herr Vogts at a much big discount.


RK - Well that’s about all we have time for but don’t forget to join us next Wednesday when we’ll bring you all the action from Hampden Park where Scotland take on Sweden.

BobBev

Sky Sports
Wednesday September 4, 2002
Richard Keys and Andy Gray are sitting in the Sky Sports studio.

RK - Good evening and welcome to our Wednesday night international where we are at Hampden Park to see Scotland play Sweden in their Euro 2004 qualifying group. Andy - Berti had a good win in Albania in his first competitive match in charge. How do you see this one going?

AG - Well Richard, I know it’s early in the campaign but this is a massive match for Berti’s boys. If they can get something out of this it’ll be a big boost to their confidence and to their chances of qualification.

RK - What they wouldn’t give for a repeat of the Under 21’s result.

AG - You bet - a great 3-0 win for them last night. They dominated the match and Paul Di Giacomo, Keigan Parker and James McFadden all scored and if the Swedish keeper hadn’t played so well they would have had 5 or 6.

RK - Team news for tonight then Andy.

AG - The only change from the weekend is the replacement of Brian McAllister by Motherwell’s Andy Morrison.


<pre class="ip-ubbcode-code-pre"> Steven Hampshire Craig Dargo Don Hutchison Barry Ferguson Charlie MillerGary Naysmith Christian Dailly Jackie McNamara Andy Morrison Paul Richie Neil Sullivan</pre>


RK - Henrik Larsson is obviously the key danger man for the Swedes.

AG - For sure, he could do us a lot of damage if we’re not very careful.

RK - Final prediction?

AG - A draw, maybe 1-1 or 2-2.

RK - Thanks Andy. After a short break we’ll go straight to our commentary team at a very damp Hampden Park and Andy and I will be back with you at half time.

BobBev

Euro 2004 Qualifying Game 2
Half Time
Scotland 1 (Hutchison 27) Sweden 0

RK - A very even first half Andy but Don Hutchison giving Scotland a useful lead.

AG - All a bit cagey Richard and as you say, not much in it either way. Both sides started quite cautiously. Charlie Miller had a chance early on. Jackie McNamara with the cross and Miller does well to reach it but he can’t direct his header. Then on 25 minutes Larsson outjumps Richie at the corner but no real power on the header and Sullivan reaches it. Good hands though as the ball’s very slippery in these conditions. But Sullivan with the quick throw, finds Miller. Quick feet from the Rangers player and he gets in a good shot, skimming along the wet surface and Rami Shaaban does well to hold on to that. But here’s the goal now. Jackie McNamara making good progress on the right flank. Does ever so well to get his cross in. That’s great control from Hutchison and a lovely finish.

RK - How do you see the second half Andy?

AG - Well the Swedes have got to open the game up a bit now as they’ve got to find a goal from somewhere. Freddie Ljunberg has been very quiet so far but I expect him to see a lot more of the ball in the second half.

Jambo_4eva

Excellent story, excellent results, excellent choice of team, and all written by an excellent writer!

But you don't seem to be playing Steven Pressley that often, which is a bit of a bummer!

BobBev

Thanks Jambo. Elvis has had a few injuries and also he has been out of favour at Hearts. But he will get a run out at some point though.

Euro 2004 Qualifying Game 2
Full Time
Scotland 2 (Hutchison 27, McNamara 89) Sweden 1 (Allback 76)

RK - Well Andy, that was a close run thing but the Scots did it in the end.

AG - What a finish Richard - full marks to the lads.

RK - But they had to withstand a lot of pressure from the Swedes.

AG - Didn’t they just. Here’s the first chance of the half. Larsson picks up the ball, beats Richie and a lovely bit of skill to get past Dailly. Unleashes a wonderful shot that just clips the bar and goes over. It’s Ljunberg now, great vision as he spots Neil Sullivan off his line but good footwork from the keeper and he just gets a fingertip to it. This is another dangerous move. It’s Jesper Blomqvist this time, skins McNamara and that’s a great ball in. He picks out Anders Svensson but he blasts his shot just over. He really should have got that on target. The two wingers combining now as Ljunberg puts in a low cross behind the defence. Blomqvist takes it first time and that’s world class from Sullivan - save of the night. But it’s Svensson with the corner and that’s a good header by Ljunberg, instinctive save by Sullivan and then he does really well to get down and smother the rebound. Now here’s the substitute Allback with a good header and that’s another great save by Sullivan.

RK - At this point a goal for Sweden was looking inevitable.

AG - And it came from Allback. He’s made a great start to the season with Aston Villa and he finished off a very neat passing move with an unstoppable shot, in off the underside of the bar.

RK - But Scotland weren’t done yet.

AG - No. This is a nice move. Naysmith finds Dailly, good ball to Hutchison. Threads it to McNamara who’s spotted Dargo’s run but the youngster’s closed down quickly and he can’t keep his shot on target. But quick thinking from Hutchison here as he latches on to a poor goal kick. Craig Winter is on for Charlie Miller and Don picks him out. Winter hits it early and he’s really unlucky to see it hit the post. Only seconds left now and Barry Ferguson makes that ball his. Sends it down the left hand channel for Naysmith to chase. The Everton man does really well to get that and he sends it in hard and low to the far post. And there’s Jackie McNamara to get the winner. He must have made up about 50 yards there - brilliant stuff. And that’s his first ever goal for Scotland.

RK - A great finish and three invaluable points for Scotland. Let’s take a look at the final statistics.

(Sky Sports Whooshing Noise)

<pre class="ip-ubbcode-code-pre">Scotland Sweden6 Shots on Goal 83 On Target 63 Off Target 21 Corners 44 Free Kicks 10 Offsides 20 Yellow Cards 00 Red Cards 0</pre>

RK - I believe that we can go over to Hampden Park now where Berti Wogts is talking to Clare Tomlinson.


CT - Berti, congratulations on a very valuable win - that’s two out of two in the group so far.

BW - Danke Claire. I am very happy mit der result und it gives us a very good feeling to have 6 points. It vas a hard game und the boys played good to get ze vin.

CT - Well done again Berti and thanks for taking the time to talk with us. I like the tartan scarf by the way.

BW - Ja, I vasn’t sure if it vas quite my colour but I zink zat it vorks vell mit zis tracksuit.


RK - In the other group match played tonight Albania had a shock 2-1 win in Israel, so after two games Scotland head the table.


<pre class="ip-ubbcode-code-pre">Group 1Pos Team Pld Won Drn Lst For Ag Won Drn Lst For Ag Pts-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------1st Scotland 2 1 0 0 2 1 1 0 0 3 1 6 -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------2nd Sweden 2 1 0 0 2 0 0 0 1 1 2 3 -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------3rd Albania 2 0 0 1 1 3 1 0 0 2 1 3 4th Israel 1 0 0 1 1 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 5th Ukraine 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 2 0</pre>


RK - And Andy, your Man of the Match.

AG - Freddie Ljunberg had a great second half and was a real danger. Jackie McNamara worked tirelessly and scored the winning goal. But I’m going with Neil Sullivan. If it hadn’t been for him we would have lost this by 2 or 3 goals.

RK - Thanks Andy. And well done to Berti Wogts and his team for a great win. Don’t forget to join us for Scotland’s next match in the Ukraine on October 5th.

HD

Shove Craig Dargo up yer arse

Otherwise :thup:

Peacemaker7

Bobbev proving once more that us oldies are truly the goldies

BobBev

HD, I don't think he would fit but thanks for the suggestion
PM - Age, like beauty, is in the eye of the beholder. And in the same way that ugly people have an inner beauty, I have an inner youth :eek:

Sky Sports
Saturday October 5, 2002
Richard Keys and Andy Gray are sitting in the Sky Sports studio.

RK - Good afternoon and welcome to Sky Sports coverage of Scotland’s Euro 2004 qualifier against the Ukraine in Kiev. Andy Gray is with me in the studio as always to provide expert analysis of the game. How do you see this one going Andy?

AG - I think that this’ll be a hard game today Richard. Ukraine will be desperate for the win as they have lost their previous qualifying game and if they don’t get a result here then they’ll really be struggling to qualify.

RK - As we know, Scotland head the group currently - how do you think they’ll approach the game?

AG - They’ll want to keep it tight and not give away an early goal. If Shevchenko and Rebrov get the bit between their teeth they’ll take some stopping. Frankly, a point would be quite acceptable in this one.

RK - The Under 21’s had a great result last night.

AG - Aye that was a great win - 4-0 finally but the Ukraine did have two men sent off. Nevertheless, two goals from Paul Di Giacomo of Kilmarnock, a penalty from Ranger’s Rob Malcolm and a brilliant solo effort from Motherwell youngster James McFadden made for a great evening.

RK - Could you see the senior’s getting a similar result?

AG - Well we can dream, but no I can’t see that. As I say, a draw would be very satisfactory.

RK - OK, let’s take a look at the Scotland line up.

AG - Well, Steven Pressley and Gavin Rae have both been withdrawn because of injury and Dundee’s Barry Smith and young Southampton defender Robbie Neilson have been called up. Smith starts in central defence and gets his first cap whilst Craig Burley is preferred over Charlie Miller for this match. Berti opting for experience there.


<pre class="ip-ubbcode-code-pre"> Steven Hampshire Craig Dargo Don Hutchison Barry Ferguson Craig BurleyGary Naysmith Christian Dailly Jackie McNamara Barry Smith Paul Richie Neil Sullivan</pre>


RK - Thanks Andy. After the break we’ll go straight to Kiev and Andy and I will rejoin you at half time.

BobBev

Euro 2004 Qualifying Game 3
Half Time
Ukraine 1 (Shevchenko 15) Scotland 0

RK - Well Scotland have had a bit of a torrid time in the first half Andy.

AG - No kidding Richard. We’re very lucky just to be one goal behind. We just haven’t been able to get into the game and we’ve looked none too solid at the back either. The first 15 minutes or so were quiet but then Ukraine scored with their first shot on target. Smalko makes a good run, holds off McNamara. That’s a decent cross but Paul Richie should have done a bit better there - it’s an easy header for Shevchenko and we’re 1-0 down. Two minutes later and it’s Shevchenko again with a run and shot but a good save from Sullivan. Now it's Smalko again, setting up Rebrov this time and I can’t believe that Neil Sullivan saved that - world class again. But look, we only half clear the corner and Zubov forces another great save from Sullivan. At this point we were in serious trouble. We just couldn’t get a grip at the back and Naysmith and Richie were floundering. So Berti brings on Matteo on the left, drops Dailly back into central defence and brings McInnes in to the holding position. Now that did make a difference. We tightened up quite a bit at the back but we still couldn’t deal with Shevchenko. Here he is again, makes himself half a yard and gets his shot away and that’s as good a save as you’ll ever see.

RK - So the Ukraine in the ascendancy and Scotland struggling. Do you see any way back into this game Andy?

AG - Absolutely - it’s only one goal after all. But we’re really gonna have to work much harder in midfield and close down the supply to Shevchenko at the source.

RK - Right then, time for a short break and then back to Kiev.

BobBev

Euro 2004 Qualifying Game 3
Full Time
Ukraine 1 (Shevchenko 15) Scotland 0

RK - A better second half from the Scots Andy, but they couldn’t find an equaliser.

AG - It was better but to be honest, we didn’t really deserve any more than we got. We were outplayed for most of the match even though we created a few openings towards the end. But here’s just after the restart and Matteo makes a great tackle on Shevchenko but the ball breaks to Rebrov. He hits it first time and that’s yet another outstanding piece of goalkeeping. Here’s our first chance. Hutchison spots Hampshire’s run and that’s a slide rule pass into his path. Hit well by the youngster but a comfortable save in the end. But Ukraine get control again - we have got to keep hold of the ball better. It’s given away far too cheaply on occasions. It’s Tymoschuk this time with the shot - turned behind by Sullivan. Now look at this piece of skill. Parfenov I think it is, what a turn to get away from Ferguson and how about that for a shot. Sullivan had to make the save ‘cause that was bending inside the post. Funnily enough our best chances came late on. Ferguson with a nice turn, oh that was close, just the wrong side of the post. Ferguson again, picking up the loose ball and shooting from distance - only just over. Now Steven Thompson who has replaced Hampshire, did well to get his head to that but the keeper does well. It’s Thompson again as the corner’s only half cleared, oh snatched at it as the defenders closed him down.

RK - Who was choice for Man of the Match today Andy?

AG - Neil Sullivan had another outstanding game but I’m going with Andriy Shevchenko Richard. He was a constant menace and the Scottish defence just had no answer for him today.

RK - Now quicly over to Kiev for a word from Berti Wogts, talking to Geoff Shreeves.


GS - Berti, your first competitive defeat in charge - how do you feel.

BW - Zis vas a big disappointment but ve just did not play very well at all und maybe ver lucky just to lose by a goal. Although we almost get an equaliser at ze end of ze game.

GS - Well good luck in the remaining games Bertie. Nice tartan bunnet by the way.

BW - Danke Ian. I vould not normally vear a hat but zis is a much nice one I zink.


RK - A quick look at the stats now.

(Sky Sports Whooshing Noise)

<pre class="ip-ubbcode-code-pre">Ukraine Scotland11 Shots on Goal 39 On Target 12 Off Target 25 Corners 15 Free Kicks 129 Offsides 21 Yellow Cards 10 Red Cards 0</pre>

RK - So a disappointing result for Scotland, and with Sweden having a comfortable 3-0 win at home over Israel, Group 1 now looks like this.

<pre class="ip-ubbcode-code-pre">Group 1Pos Team Pld Won Drn Lst For Ag Won Drn Lst For Ag Pts-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------1st Sweden 3 2 0 0 5 0 0 0 1 1 2 6 -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------2nd Scotland 3 1 0 0 2 1 1 0 1 3 2 6 -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------3rd Albania 2 0 0 1 1 3 1 0 0 2 1 3 4th Ukraine 2 1 0 0 1 0 0 0 1 0 2 3 5th Israel 2 0 0 1 1 2 0 0 1 0 3 0</pre>


RK - Well that’s all from Andy and I but we’ll look forward to seeing you in the new year when Scotland’s qualifying campaign continues.