retired_amyslack

Sky Sports News
Saturday July 7, 2001
And the main news in Scotland today concerns the announcement of the new national team manager. There were scenes of confusion at the SFA headquarters in Glasgow earlier today as the new man was introduced. After weeks of speculation we were expecting to see German legend Berti Vogts. Instead, due to an unfortunate typing error, we were introduced to a different Berti entirely - Berti Wogts. Herr Wogts has until very recently managed Ansbach, a German semi-professional team, and seemed every bit as surprised as the assembled press. When asked for comments Herr Wogts had this to say.

A slightly puzzled looking gentleman, tall and slim and wearing half moon spectacles, is seen facing a battery of reporters and microphones

"It vas a big surprise to be offered der Schottland job und I have great honour to be here in Edingburg. I cannot vait to be arriving at Murrayfield and to be starting vork. I haff of course a much deep knowledge about Schottland football. Denis Law, Kenny Dalglish, Joe Jordan - all much fine players here."

Later our reporter spoke with Hughie McScrooge, the SFA Chairman.

A small, wrinkled man with a very concerned expression appears on the screen.

"The contract was all signed before we noticed the mistake. He's got non-refundable plane tickets and everything and it would just be too expensive to change now."

I believe that we can go live to Germany where the real Berti Vogts is standing by to speak to us. Hello Berti, can you hear me OK?

"Ja, I can hear you vell."

Tell me Berti, what is your reaction to the news from Glasgow?

"Vell, I am very sorry that such an error has been made but there seems to be nothing that can be done now."

Have you heard of the other Berti before?

"Nein, I haff not knowing him at all."

Well do you have a message for the man that’s taken your job?

"I haff no hard feelings to him as it vas not his fault at all. I vish him vell und he can call me if I may be of help. In fact I have various tartan clothes that he may be interested in and a nice kilt that I will sell at a good discount."

Berti, thanks for taking the time to talk to us.


Author’s Note
This is my first attempt at an International Story. I’m sticking with CM01/02 at present and I’m also experimenting with a somewhat different format - it’ll probably be rubbish but we’ll see.

retired_amyslack

Sky Sports
Saturday August 31, 2002
Richard Keys and Andy Gray are sitting in the Sky Sports studio.

RK - Good afternoon and welcome to our live match this Saturday, Scotland’s opening game in their Euro 2004 qualifying group against Albania in Tirana. So Andy, this is Scotland’s first competitive match since Berti Wogts took charge and it promises to be an interesting one. But before we talk about that, what do you make of the team’s performance in the friendlies over the past 12 months.

AG - Not too bad Richard. A win, 2 draws and a defeat is a reasonable record. Berti has taken an incredible amount of stick and that’s not surprising given the circumstances of his appointment. But all in all he’s done very well.

RK - He started off with a match against Ireland at Hampden last September.

AG - Yes, and a good start it was too. There were a few surprises in his squad. Young Craig Dargo was included on the back of his excellent form for Kilmarnock, Charlie Miller the Dundee United midfielder was included and West Brom forward Scott Dobie was called up. But perhaps the biggest shock was the recall of Colin Hendry as captain, although the inclusion of Derek McInnes from West Brom came a close second.

RK - The game itself wasn’t a thriller but the Scots had a good result.

AG - Yes, a 1-0 win but it could easily have been more. Scotland dominated the game and the Irish didn’t manage a shot on target. Hendry was faultless at the back. Derek McInnes was outstanding in the crucial midfield holding position and Barry Ferguson controlled much of the game from midfield.

RK - Let’s take a look at the goal.

AG - Well Scotland had been on top for the whole game and had created lots of chances. The goal finally came just after the hour mark. We see Hendry playing a nice pass out from the back to Colin Cameron. Cameron brings it forward and sees Barry Ferguson free. Nice control and turn from the Rangers player there. He spots Steven Hampshire making a darting run and just squeezes the ball through to him. Lovely play from the young Dunfermline forward as he shimmies past Doherty and a great finish into the top corner. A class goal, and it had to be to beat Dean Kiely who was in super form.

RK - The next game was in Greece in October when some careless defending denied them a really good win.

AG - Yes, that was a real disappointment. But that apart it was an excellent performance. If you remember, the Middlesborough man Allan Johnston was outstanding playing just behind the front two. McInnes had another good game guarding the defence and actually got the first goal from a Johnston corner.

RK - Yes, let’s take a look at that.

AG - This was just a few minutes before half time. It had been pretty even up until then, with the closest thing to a goal being a terrific shot from Johnston that hit the bottom of the post. Here we’re just leading up to the corner. It’s Johnston in possession, a neat pass to pick out Craig Burley and a terrific first time shot from the Derby man that the Greek keeper does awfully well to get a hand to. Johnston whips the corner in and there’s McInnes rising above the Greeks to power the ball home.

RK - As you said, Allan Johnston was at the heart of everything for the Scots in that match and he scored their second.

AG - Oh he was on fire Richard. In fact let’s look at some action before the goal. We already mentioned that he hit the post in the first half. Look at that - picks up the loose ball, a first time shot, so unlucky. Now later in the second half. Burley picks out Jackie McNamara, nice knock down, good strike from Johnston and what a save. Two minutes later and Scott Dobie sets him up, he shots low and hard and another great stop by the young Greek keeper. Midway through the half now and its Burley the provider, Johnston on the volley but just too near the keeper. Honestly Richard, it just didn’t look like it was going to be his night. But then with about 25 minutes to go here he is. Look at him - he wants the ball all the time. Strong run, brushes the defender out of they way and what a finish - bottom corner, keeper no chance.

RK - Scotland 2-0 up and cruising. But then disaster.

AG - Aye, but the daft thing is we should have been three up. Take a look at this. It’s Johnston off on another rampaging run. Maybe could have squared it there but he keeps going, full of confidence. Great shot and great save. But young Craig Dargo picks up the loose ball now here’s where he shows a bit of immaturity. Probably should have gone for goal himself but he tries to set up Matteo instead. Big Dom gets blocked out and the Greeks get the ball back. One, two, three passes, the balls out wide, great cross but what was Rab Douglas doing? Came, stopped and came again and then it was an easy header for 2-1.

RK - And with what, 3 minutes to go things got worse.

AG - Terrible marking here. Now I don’t care what anyone says, that’s Matt Elliot’s man and he’s all alone in acres of space. Nothing Douglas could do about that one.

RK - So 2-2 then, but the Scots almost snatched a dramatic winner.

AG - That man Johnston again. It was built from the back though. Elliot and Hendry played it out nicely. McNamara to McInnes, back to McNamara - patient, looking for the opening. McNamara to Burley. Now he spots the run by Johnston, picks him out, rifles the shot in. It looks a goal all the way - but no. Hits the post and goes out. I’ll tell you, on another night Allan Johnston would have had a hat trick.

RK - Time for a break, but we’ll continue this discussion when we return.

retired_brinker317

I like a good International story :thup: - nice start.

retired_amyslack

Thank you d_s

Back in the Sky Sports Studio

RK - Then on to Slovenia in mid-November. There were a few changes for that game Andy.

AG - There were indeed. Steven Pressley from Hearts replaced Elliot, Colin Cameron came in to midfield in place of Burley and Craig Dargo started up front instead of Dobie.

RK - Scotland started well but again seemed to lose concentration later in the match.

AG - Spot on Richard. They had half a dozen good chances in the first half but only managed to tuck one away. Young Dargo had a good game. This is in the first minute, a lovely shot on the turn but just over the bar. On the half hour now, a great low cross from Matteo behind the defence. Dargo first to it - how did the keeper stop that? But Dargo gets the rebound and another great block by Simeunovic. But here’s the goal now. McNamara frees up Dargo who beats his man, slips it to Matteo and continues his run. Good vision from big Dom to pick out the youngster - what a finish, keeper no chance. And now, just before half time, it’s a good run by Ferguson, he lays it off to Dargo who shoots first time but the keeper gets a hand to it. Johnston takes the corner, good header by Hampshire and another good save.

RK - So 1-0 at half time and it should have been more. But in the second half Slovenia really came back into the game.

AG - They sure did. Here’s there first goal. Beautiful passing and movement - no doubt they are technically gifted. But for me there’s still a question mark about the marking here. Ribaric has no one within yards of him. OK, good finish but he just had too much time. Now this is just sheer bad luck for their second goal. About 20 minutes to go and McInnes gets a great block on the shot there. Could have gone anywhere but straight to Koren. He does finish it well though, I must admit.

RK - Scotland 2-1 down now but still pressing.

AG - Och aye, their heads never dropped. And they had some good chances, Hampshire just couldn’t hit the target. But then 10 minutes to go, Scotland pushing forward and the move breaks down. A fast counter attack and bang - in the back of the net, 3-1. But it’s not all over yet. Craig Winter, the young Dundee midfielder, had come on as a sub and he gets a goal back - Ferguson the provider, well finished by Winter. Then right at the death they almost nicked an equaliser. Huge pile of bodies in the area, Dargo shoots but a good block by the defender.

RK - So a 3-2 defeat in Slovenia. But still some positives Andy?

AG - Very much so. Dargo looked good up front and Dominic Matteo was a revelation. He was played almost as a left side wingback and he was very effective.

RK - And after a winter break it was back into action at Hampden Park in April with another match against Greece.

AG - And a pretty poor game it was too. Neither side played well but once again there were problems in the Scottish defence. Berti made some changes for this match and brought in Motherwell’s central pairing of Brian McAllister and Andy Morrison. It was Morrison’s first cap at the age of 31 and he lasted all of 23 minutes before going off injured and being replaced by Paul Richie. Richie has been out of favour at Man City this season and has only made 2 first team appearances. Gary Naysmith played on the left of defence and Leicester's Billy McKinlay was recalled in the defensive midfield role. Scott Booth partnered Craig Dargo up front and Neil Sullivan was preferred to Douglas in goal.

RK - It wasn’t the most exciting of matches Andy.

AG - Certainly not for the home fans Richard. A pretty dire first half ended scoreless but Greece took the lead just after the break. If you watch the goal here you can see that the fullback was allowed freedom to run with the ball - where were the tackles? He puts in a decent cross but frankly McAllister should have dealt with it. Good header though.

RK - Sullivan had a good game Andy.

AG - He needed to. The Greeks had half a dozen good chances.

RK - Not many attacking ideas from the Scots though.

AG - No, very few. Ferguson had a quiet game and was eventually replaced by Craig Winter and he played well when he came on. But the key substitution was the appearance of Don Hutchison with 12 minutes remaining. He replaced Allan Johnston and it proved to be an inspired move by Berti. Have a look. Winter gets the ball from McKinlay, makes progress through the middle and spots Don in the area, Neat pass - great finish. His first touch and its 1-1.

RK - The previous night had featured a B international instead of a game for the Under 21s.

AG - The least said about that the better Richard. Not that Scotland played too badly but the Greek strikers were on fire - 4-1 to Greece and it could have been more.

RK - Did anyone impress you in that game?

AG - Young Kevin McNaughton of Aberdeen had an excellent game. Only 19 but played well on the left of defence. Paul Gallagher did OK in goal when he replaced Jamie Langfield and Jim Lauchlan played well in the centre of defence.

RK - After the break we’ll take a quick look at how the Under 21 team has performed.

crazyvols@comca

Yay. more from BobBev, a superb writer who just happens to be a newcomer to CMS, not that I'm subliminally suggesting a voting pattern or anything...

Great start, Bob.

shannon2007

Oh yeah, I see what you're getting at Cait, but will the rest of the voters... erm I mean, nice start Bobbev

retired_embartl

Don't worry Bob, rubbish and BobBev are two words that certainly don't go together Nice start :thup:

retired_amyslack

Oh guys, you're making me blush!! Thanks for your support.

Back in the Sky Sports Studio

RK - Welcome back. Andy, the Under 21s, how have they been doing?

AG - They’ve had some very encouraging results Richard. They beat Ireland 2-1 in their first friendly. Celtic’s Shaun Maloney and Mark Kerr of Hibs got the goals. Stephen Crainey of Celtic excelled in the left wingback position and Aberdeen’s Ross O’Donoghue played very well in midfield.

RK - And then a good result in Greece.

AG - Oh yes, another 2-1 win there. They went a goal down early on and trailed for most of the match. But St.Johnstone scoring sensation Kiegan Parker found the net twice in the last 8 minutes to seal the win.

RK - And then Slovenia.

AG - They outplayed them there Richard, but poor finishing was to blame for not getting the win. The Slovenians took the lead after 32 minutes but a minute later Motherwell’s James McFadden scored the goal of the game, a wonderful solo effort. But they gave away another goal with less than 20 minutes to go and it took an injury time strike from another Motherwell youngster, Stephen Pearson, to get the draw. Pearson was very impressive in midfield and Jamie McCunnie of Dundee United had a storming game at wingback

RK - We’ll just take a short break and then we’ll be back to take a look at Scotland’s qualifying group.

retired_amyslack

Back in the Sky Sports Studio

RK - Well then Andy, Scotland have a fairly tough group in their attempt to qualify for Euro 2004.

AG - Well it’s an interesting one isn’t it? Sweden, Ukraine, Israel and Albania.

RK - Sweden, of course played in the World Cup finals this summer.

AG - Indeed they did, in England’s group of course. They had a poor Finals though - last in their group with just 1 point. Still, they’re always a tough team to beat. The Ukraine can be devastating on their day - Shevchenko and Rebrov would give any defence nightmares. Israel are a bit of an unknown quantity to be honest, but they could well be a handful. And Albania aren’t the whipping boys that they used to be.

RK - How do you see the group panning out?

AG - Well you’ve got to fancy Sweden to win the group and I think it’s between Scotland and Ukraine for the runner-up spot and a chance of a playoff.

RK - And Scotland start their campaign with a tricky trip to Tirana.

AG - No easy task in my opinion. The Albanian crowd can be pretty hostile and the conditions certainly won’t be favourable. But it’s very important that we get off to a good start and nothing less than a win will do.

RK - And then they face Sweden in Glasgow just 4 days later.

AG - That’s right, so there’s not much time to recover. Once again I feel that this is a game that we must get something out of.

FK - So a draw at Hampden would be OK.

AG - A win would be better but a draw wouldn’t be a bad result.

RK - Of course last night the Under 21’s played their fixture last night and the seniors can take some encouragement from their performance.

AG - They certainly can as the youngsters won 2-0 with both goals being scored by Kilmarnock’s Paul Di Giacomo. Frankly the home side were never in the game and Scotland pinned them back in their own half for most of the 90 minutes. The young Albanian keeper had plenty of practice that’s for sure. He made some fine saves to keep the score respectable.

RK - Well let’s hope that the full squad can get the same kind of result tonight. Time for a quick look at the teams then Andy.

AG - Well Scotland will probably use a modified 5-3-2 formation like this

<pre class="ip-ubbcode-code-pre"> Neil Sullivan Brian McAllister Paul RichieGary Naysmith Christian Dailly Jackie McNamara Barry Ferguson Charlie Miller Don Hutchison Steven Hampshire Craig Dargo</pre>

RK - Having recalled Colin Hendry for the warm matches it must have been a disappointment to Berti Wogts when Colin announced his retirement in the Summer.

AG - Yes, I think that Berti had hoped to use Colin’s experience at the back. It’s probably the weakest part of the team and Christian Dailly will have an important role to play guarding the back two. With Berti’s formation there’s also a lot of responsibility on the wingbacks to get forward and support the midfield and the advanced midfield position filled tonight by Don Hutchison is also critical.

RK - So Andy, what’s your prediction?

AG - Scotland to win 3-0.

RK - Well let’s hope your right. And now we’ll hand you over to our commentary team in Albania and Andy and I will be back at half time for some further analysis.

retired_amyslack

Euro 2004 Qualifying Game 1
Half Time
Albania 1 (Tare 30) Scotland 2 (Ferguson 38, Dailly 45)

RK - Welcome back. Well that was quite a first half Andy.

AG - You’re not kidding Richard. Having allowed Albania to take the lead the Scots came back well to go into the break ahead.

RK - Let’s take a look at the key moments.

AG - Scotland were out of the blocks quickly. A bit of head tennis here between Hampshire and Ferguson before Dargo latches on to the ball. Nice effort from the youngster that the keeper just manages to touch round the post. Here’s the corner and that’s a good header from McAllister and another good save from Beqaj. Here’s Hutchison trying his luck now, keeper doesn’t take it cleanly but the defender tidies up. Dailly sends it back into the danger area. Nice interplay here - Dargo to Miller to Hampshire. Ferguson now, sees the gap, shoots, and that’s another fine save. All of that was inside the first 5 minutes.

RK - But then Albania began to see a bit more of the ball.

AG - Yes, here’s there first opening. Lovely bit of skill there as he nutmegs Naysmith. Well hit shot too - Sullivan had to be alert there. They had another couple of half chances before the goal. But I felt that the Scottish midfield weren’t working hard enough at this point of the game and the Albanians were allowed to run at the defence too much. See, Murati makes a lot of distance and Sullivan makes another good save. But it’s just asking for trouble letting them run like that. Here’s the goal. It’s Tare this time on the ball. We’re backing off, backing off and then he lets fly and Sullivan’s beaten.

RG - But Scotland responded well.

AG - Och no doubt about that. Christian Dailly here making good progress, sends in a nice cross and Barry Ferguson scores with his head - you don’t see too many of those!

RK - And here’s the red card incident.

AG - Just silly isn’t it. Vata was booked very early on for kicking the ball away. So now just before half time, he’s tangling with Ferguson, gives the Rangers player a bit of a shove and the ref’s reaching for a card. Second yellow and off he goes. And of course it leads to the second goal. Ferguson takes the free kick, lovely delivery and there’s Dailly to head home.

RK - So definitely advantage Scotland now.

AG - Definitely.

RK - Do you see any changes at half time Andy?

AG - Well Brian McAllister hasn’t looked too clever at the back so we might see Matteo coming on to play in the centre of defence.

RK - We’ll be back after the break with the second half, so don’t go away.