Scotland lost. Again.
I’m not exactly over the moon. Once again the Scotland team has ended a match with a worthless result. There were some good moments, but that doesn’t earn any points unless the ball finds the goal net. So, we sink to 3rd place in Group I while the Czech Republic move into second place after a decisive victory over Liechtenstien.
As I said there were some sparks of possibility in the match. Scotland did have their share of possession in the first half, much more so that on Friday. A first minute Scottish corner unfortunately bore no fruit, but even though the Spanish pressed hard and forced many saves, Scotland pressed on and almost scored with a James Morrison shot at goal. And the Scottish goal remained empty. But it couldn’t last. Hand ball by Whittaker in the 44th minute allowed Spain a penalty which Villa sadly converted. Scotland finished the first half 1-0 down.
There were more goals in the second half. Scotland started respectably, but Spain weren’t taking it easy. After initially unsuccessful efforts Iniesta put Spain further into the lead with a 55th minute goal. Tragedy!
But Scotland weren’t in the mood to give up. The responded immediately, quickly sending the ball up to the Spanish end of the pitch where Miller directed a cross between defenders Pique and Ramos and keeper Casillas, for Naismith to intercept and head the ball into the net from six yards. Scotland seemed to be on the way back.
Then,amazingly, Spain gifted Scotland an equalizer, Pique putting the ball into the Spanish net. Was this going to be a shock victory for Scotland.
We could hope, but hat was all it was going to be. With less than 11 minutes to go McManus inexplicably misjudged the ball, giving substitute Llorente the opportunity to side-foot the ball past McGregor to score the final goal of the evening, Spain finishing deserved victors.
All said, Scotland played a better game than on Friday. Unfortunately this still wasn’t enough.
