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Republic of Ireland 1 – 0 Scotland

Posted in Uncategorized with tags , , on May 31, 2011 by Tartan Army Soldier

Scotland suffered its only defeat in the Carling Nations Cup on Sunday, finishing tournament runner-up. The deciding Republic of Ireland v Scotland match finished 1-0 in favour of the hosts.

Both teams started the match with an unbeaten tournament record. With 2 victories each, both needing a victory to secure victory in the inaugural tournament.

Compared to previous matches the Irish were stronger and the Scottish weaker. Ireland added the experienced Darren O’Dea, Keith Fahey, Stephen Hunt and Liam Lawrence. Meanwhile Scotland had lost the in-form James Morrison and the experience of Gary Caldwell to injury.

Both teams started well. The ball was sent towards goal nets at both ends. However it was the Irish who broke the deadlock after some unfortunately loose playing by Scotland.

Robbie Keane was the man who broke the deadlock. Advancing from the centre of the field he kicked from the edge of the penalty box sending the ball under McGregor giving Keane his 49th goal for Ireland. 23 minutes gone and Scotland were a goal down. Despite some shots at the Irish goal from Adam and Naismith that was how the first half ended.

Envigorated by their lead the Irish started the second half enthusiastically. The hosts continued to pressure Scotland who held off further advances.

Play picked up when Barry Bannan replaced an injured Adam. However it was not enough an the match ended Republic of Ireland 1 – 0 Scotland.

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Wales v Scotland result – Wales 1 – 3 Scotland

Posted in Uncategorized with tags , , on May 26, 2011 by Tartan Army Soldier

Scotland are only one match away from winning the Carling Nations Cup. After a 3-1 victory over Wales, there is now only one game left to play, and it could lead to some nice silver.

We were back at The Three Kings. The atmosphere wasn’t exactly electric, but we had beer and we were were hopeful that Scotland could continue their recently improved form.

Scotland’s recent history against the Welsh hasn’t been good. The last two meetings have ended with Wales victorious. Added to the fact that we haven’t got the better of Wales since 1984, there wasn’t an overwhelming expectation for Scotland to win. Fortunately the 27 drought was about to end.

The game started a bit slowly but it soon picked up. Both teams had chances, coming close to scoring on a number of occasions. Unfortunately, it was Wales who broke the deadlock. After pressing hard against the Scotland team captain Earnshaw earned himself what was surely an inevitable goal. Taking advantage of a dire header by left-back Crainey past he seized the ball and sent it flying past Allan McGregor to put Wales into the lead.

The second half saw a much improved Scotland effort. Having been booed off at the end of the first half they seemed fired up and had certainly upped their game. An it paid off. Only 10 minutes in and James Morrison send the ball into the Wales netting, bringing the score level.

Wales made some changes, but Scotland were on a roll. Morrison set up a second goal, pulling the ball back to allow Miller to put Scotland into the lead. It was 2-1 in Scotland’s favour. But more was to come.

Only a further six minutes had passed when Scotland moved further ahead. Whittaker’s struck a pinpoint cross that connected with Christophe Berra, who headed the ball past the far post. 3-1! Fantastic! And that was how it ended. Superb result.

The scene is now set for Scotland to play the Republic of Ireland on Sunday. If they win the Carling Nations Cup will be heading to Glasgow. I’ll be in Scotland then, and intend to find somewhere to watch it with my brother and other fans.

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Scotland v Iceland tickets go on sale to public

Posted in Uncategorized, World Cup 2010 with tags on March 12, 2009 by Tartan Army Soldier
Hampden Park

Hampden Park

Been waiting to get your hands on a ticket for the Scotland v Iceland game? Now’s your chance. The sale of tickets to the Scotland Supporters Club has closed and a public ballot has been opened for remaining tickets. Registration for these tickets can be found at http://www.ticketlink.co.uk/scotlandballot, and you ca sign up until the end of Sunday 15 March.

I’ll be on holiday then. I’m still looking for somewhere to watch this and the Holland match. Being that I’m going to the USA where they (or their TV stations) are still light years behind in appreciating ‘soccer’ it’s not been easy to locate somewhere I might watch the games. I’ll keep looking, but any input would be very welcome.

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Norway v Scotland rescheduled – the plans begin

Posted in FIFA, Tartan Army Abroad, UEFA, Uncategorized, World Cup 2010 with tags , on December 8, 2008 by Tartan Army Soldier

I just got back from my hoidays to find that the Norway v Scotland game has been rescheduled to 19 August instead of the original 12 August. Because of Champions League dates, UEFA made a request to FIFA to move the date forward. They were happy to agree.

Apparently the SFA made ‘repeated attempts’ to have the date changed to Ocrtober, after the start of the SPL season. As seems to be usual, the SFA was “disaapointed”.

Anyway, now we can start making plans. We have flights to Oslo in mind and are hoping to book some accommodation for 4 days. Oslo is meant to be expensive for beers, so if anyone knows of some cheap venues, we have would welcome a reply.

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Tickets for Scotland v Argentina now available to public

Posted in Uncategorized on October 29, 2008 by Tartan Army Soldier

The SFA have just released general sale tickets for the Scotland v Argentina match. Tickets can be bought over the phone by calling the SECC ticket hotline on 0844 481 1818 or by logging onto www.ticketlink.co.uk/scotlandtickets.

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SFA Report Scotland 9-1 victory in Macedonia

Posted in Scotland Squad, Tartan Army Abroad, Uncategorized, World Cup 2010 with tags , , on September 20, 2008 by Tartan Army Soldier

The SFA have reported on the recent Macedonia v Scotland match. It turns out that, rather than losing 1-0, Scotland actually romped home to a 9-1 victory.

Scotland win 9-1 in Macedonia

Scotland win 9-1 in Macedonia

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Holland beaten 3-1 by Russia in Euro 2008. Good result for Scotland?

Posted in Euro 2008, Uncategorized, World Cup 2010 with tags , on June 22, 2008 by Tartan Army Soldier

Holland were looking unstoppable. Winning their way to the Euro 2008 quarter finals in ultimate style, it seemed they were the team most likely lift trophy on June 29. Russia, however, had other ideas. Winning 3-1 in extra time the Russians have ejected the Dutch and progressed to the semi-finals. Unfortunately for Holland, but possibly good for Scotland.

Could this upset give Scotland an edge in the World Cup 2010 qualifiers? Not to underestimate the Holland side, but going up against the Euro 2008 quarter finalists will be a lot less daunting than had the Dutch progressed further.

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Tickets for Czech Republic v Scotland available to SSC members

Posted in Uncategorized on April 26, 2008 by Tartan Army Soldier

Tickets for the Czech Republic v Scotland’s friendly in Prague have been made available to members of the Scotland Supporters Club. Well, some of them.

For now, only fans with at least 4 away points will be allowed to apply for tickets. Because Scotland fans have been allocated a paltry 2000 tickets (at £10 and £20) only some of the SSC will be able to apply. The plan is to open up application to other fans if tickets remain after the initial offering.

I’m unable to go, but my brothers with3 point each will be in Prague. Right now they are hoping like mad that there isn’t a full uptake of tickets. I wish them luck.

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Scotland robbed of Euro 2008 qualification?

Posted in Euro 2008, Uncategorized, World Cup 2010 on November 19, 2007 by Tartan Army Soldier

What a weekend! I’m gutted, but Scotland have done us proud.

Hampden Park, Saturday, 5.00 pm, after a few preparatory beers, we stood waiting for the teams to take the field. One way or another, Scotland’s Euro 2008 qualification was going to be decided. With a capacity crowd, 48,000+ Tartan Army footsoldiers were looking forward to a memorable Scotland victory.

It all started badly. No sooner was the game underway than our defence were under attack. And, after a mere 70 seconds Italy’s Luca Toni scored! Tragedy! And, despite Scotland efforts to equalise that was how the first half ended. I’m not sure what half-time entertainment they provided, but I’d lost any interest in anything but the match at hand and the dire situation that existed. Could Scotland turn it around?

Barry Ferguson scores for Scotland

The second half kicked off. Scotland were transformed. They seemed to have stepped up a gear and compared to the first half, this time Scotland were the more commanding team. Scotland had most of the possession and it seemed they were almost definitely destined to score. And they did. In the 65th minute Barry Ferguson fired the ball into the net to equal the result. Now Scotland had a chance! Could they finish the job?

Manuel Enrique Mejuto González - Man in need of an opticianScotland played magnificently. The continued to play the better football, firing the ball at the Italy goal numerous times. Unfortnately, the ball refused to go in the net. Then came the final tragedy and last insult of what had seemed, to me at least (and a few thousand others?), a catalogue to questionable decisions. Referee Manuel Enrique Mejuto González awarded Italy a free-kick, for what was blatantly an Italy offence (WTF!), and Christian Panucci converted it to give the Italians the victory they needed.

Manuel Enrique Mejuto González
Corrupt, blind or just stupid?

We were gutted. Scotland had come so close. And to lose in such questionable circumstances was even worse. That said, Scotland are now a much more-respected side and no country is going to look on a clash with Scotland lightly. Plus we are now second seeds for the World Cup 2010 draw that is to take place later this month. We’re not going to Austria, but let’s get ready for a trip to South Africa in 3 years time!

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Tommy Burns leaves Scotland No. 2 job

Posted in Uncategorized on January 19, 2007 by Tartan Army Soldier

Tommy Burns has resigned from his position as Scotland’s Assistant Coach. Apparently unhappy about not being considered for the top job, Burns was not prepared to be assistant to a third successive Scotland coach.

Burns’s only comment so far is “I have thoroughly enjoyed my time with the Scottish national squad and have made a lot of good friends in the process,… I would like to take this opportunity to wish everyone involved with Scotland every success for the future.”

This is a nightmare! To leave Tommy Burns, who has put so much time and effort into Scotland, out of consideration for the top job is crazy! I wonder if the SFA are set on Alex McLeish as replacement to Walter Smith, and that they are stalling purely to give the impression they put a lot of thought into the decision.

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