FUTBLOG: Scotland vs. Moldova in World Cup Qualifying
Scotland finally win a World Cup qualifier,
leaving the slight chance they could book their trip to Germany next
year.
Scotland desperately need points in their abysmal
World Cup Qualifying campaign. They stand tied for last place in their group
with Moldova, who they play at home today. They must win, not only against
Moldova, but probably against Belaruss next
week.
Scotland press early, Moldova seem content to play for the draw. Kenny Miller shoots from 20 yards out in the 7th minute, but the goalie holds. Fletcher shoots just wide in the 12th, but Scotland look a bit predictable up front. Moldova finally come forward in the 17th through Ivanov. Christian Dailly replaces McNamara, slightly injured, in the 26th. Scotland's long balls and through passes are just not getting past the Moldovan defense. The air goes out of the game a little at the end of the first half, but Scotland come alive in injury time, with two close efforts.
In the second half, Kenny Miller gets a head to a 51st-minute free kick, but nods it just wide. Two minutes later, McCulloch presses on the left sideline, goes down, and then scrambles to his feet to slip the ball past a second defender. He crosses, and 'keeper Hmaruc slaps at it, diverting it behind him and goalward. An onrushing Dailly gets to the ball virtually on the goal-line and pushes it in. Hampden Park erupts. Just minutes later, Gordon is almost surprised by a turn-and-volley, but pushes the shot wide. Pressley's mistake gives Moldova a dangerous free kick just outside the area in the 66th but the kick bounces off the wall. In the 78th, nervous Scotland almost gives away a goal, but the shot is once again wide. Scotland is playing a dangerous game, sitting on the ball in their own area, while Moldova are coming forward with more finesse. Scottish fans used to disappointment are spared, however, when in the final minutes of the game, Miller exchanges passes on the right and - mercifully - crosses (although to be honest I think he was just pushing it out to himself but got tangled up in a defender.) McFadden knocks it wide to his left foot and fires past Hmaruc. The team, and the country, can breath a little easier. Scotland win 2-0, and get their crucial three points. If they can win again on Wednesday, they will be in the hunt for a place in Germany next summer, although they still face pretty long odds since Italy are on top of the group and Norway are looking good for the number two spot. The top team and some second-best squads earn a direct place in the World Cup, the remaining second-place teams enter a play-off system to earn a ticket to the finals.
For a wrap-up of European qualifying action today see this Soccernet story
Scotland press early, Moldova seem content to play for the draw. Kenny Miller shoots from 20 yards out in the 7th minute, but the goalie holds. Fletcher shoots just wide in the 12th, but Scotland look a bit predictable up front. Moldova finally come forward in the 17th through Ivanov. Christian Dailly replaces McNamara, slightly injured, in the 26th. Scotland's long balls and through passes are just not getting past the Moldovan defense. The air goes out of the game a little at the end of the first half, but Scotland come alive in injury time, with two close efforts.
In the second half, Kenny Miller gets a head to a 51st-minute free kick, but nods it just wide. Two minutes later, McCulloch presses on the left sideline, goes down, and then scrambles to his feet to slip the ball past a second defender. He crosses, and 'keeper Hmaruc slaps at it, diverting it behind him and goalward. An onrushing Dailly gets to the ball virtually on the goal-line and pushes it in. Hampden Park erupts. Just minutes later, Gordon is almost surprised by a turn-and-volley, but pushes the shot wide. Pressley's mistake gives Moldova a dangerous free kick just outside the area in the 66th but the kick bounces off the wall. In the 78th, nervous Scotland almost gives away a goal, but the shot is once again wide. Scotland is playing a dangerous game, sitting on the ball in their own area, while Moldova are coming forward with more finesse. Scottish fans used to disappointment are spared, however, when in the final minutes of the game, Miller exchanges passes on the right and - mercifully - crosses (although to be honest I think he was just pushing it out to himself but got tangled up in a defender.) McFadden knocks it wide to his left foot and fires past Hmaruc. The team, and the country, can breath a little easier. Scotland win 2-0, and get their crucial three points. If they can win again on Wednesday, they will be in the hunt for a place in Germany next summer, although they still face pretty long odds since Italy are on top of the group and Norway are looking good for the number two spot. The top team and some second-best squads earn a direct place in the World Cup, the remaining second-place teams enter a play-off system to earn a ticket to the finals.
For a wrap-up of European qualifying action today see this Soccernet story
Posted: Sat - June 4, 2005 at 03:38 PM
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Published On: Jun 13, 2006 12:00 AM
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Published On: Jun 13, 2006 12:00 AM