I'm quite surprised there isn't a general thread yet...

Interesting results today, some examples:

France beat Italy 3-1
Northern Ireland beat Spain 3-2
Finland drew with Portugal 1-1

I watched the Germany match in San Marino, very entertaining for a match with such different team stengths. 0-13 it ended, Germany's highest away win ever, beating a record set in the 30s.

There defnitely should be a pre-qualifying tournament for teams like San mario, Andorra etc.... Maybe you could do a poll on this to get the general opinion on a pre- qualification stage.
I would love to talk about Northern Ireland beating Spain all night but i'm afraid im going to the bar now for a night of celebrations

Scotland beat the Faroe Isles last week! And Lithuania today. We BEAT someone. We're TOP of the table for now!

Erm, Italy are next though...

Erm, Italy are next though...
I think it's us first, Kan boy. :evil: Mwahaha. :D

Man, we beat the world champions 3-1 tonight !! Woohoo !!! :goodjob: Yes, you know, the new world champions, Italy... Yeah I know, it should have been France, that would have been the logical outcome in Germany, but sometimes something weird happens... Kinda convinced now ? :scan:

More seriously, I loved the way we played tonight. Full of confidence, full of envy, full of strength. And full of goals, for once. :D True fact : as the Italian player was preparing to shoot the free kick that lead to their goal, I was telling my friends that Italy were still dangerous on set pieces... :mischief:

I think it's us first, Kan boy. :evil: Mwahaha. :D

True, true. I missed that we had Georgia.

Good work on beating Italy though, must have been a welcome victory :p

Edit: Mmm, Scotland v France - the Auld Alliance at odds? Should be great :D

krys, don't you think it's time to move on instead to keep on harping about the WC loss? Italy was the best team of that tournament. Now you beat them in a qualifier, that's great, but it is still only a qualifier...

That said, I agree very much that there should be some kind of pre-qualifiers. I mean this sort of games is just ridiculous and there are too many minnows now. Matches such as Germany - San Marino or England - Andorra do not interest me at all, since the outcome is clear before the game. What is the thrill to watch them being slaugthered?

Congrats to Northern Ireland though, hope I can see a replay today.

What is the thrill to watch them being slaugthered?

You usually get to see some nice goals, and some players that usually don't get to play that often.

You usually get to see some nice goals, and some players that usually don't get to play that oftenI gave up watching friendlies ages ago and this is no different. maybe I am too competitive, but a game without real competition is lame for me....just my personal preference.

And to read in our local papers that England was 5 star due to the 5-0 against Andorra makes we want to sleep as well...newspaper always need to write some rubbish to sell...

The Lithuanian goal in the Scotland game was quiet spectacular, if you get a chance to see it.

I was reasonably impressed with the Scottish team - best I've seen us play for a long time. Still virtually no hope in this group, however.

I gave up watching friendlies ages ago and this is no different. maybe I am too competitive, but a game without real competition is lame for me....just my personal preference.

And to read in our local papers that England was 5 star due to the 5-0 against Andorra makes we want to sleep as well...newspaper always need to write some rubbish to sell...

I definetly see where you're coming from, but I like to watch friendlies, better than the nothing we get in the States.

I watched the game Finland-Portugal in the olympic stadium - the house was full (~38 000 spectators).

It was a fine game - I think that Finland had more chances on scoring, but it turned out to be a draw... Portuguese were lucky.

Interesting sidenote: Christiano Ronaldo is not very popular (for acting like such a cry-baby). But he has a terrific/terrible kick. When he learns not to fall down everytime someone runs beside him, he'll be a great player.

We beat Armenia with 0-1. Not a spectacular scoreline but after the 0-0 against Kazachstan at home, the result is all that counts. And since Portugal only managed a 1-1 against Finland and another draw between Azerbeidjan and Kazachstan, this group is still wide open.

I'm beginning to fear Finland a bit: 1-3 against Poland and now 1-1 against Portugal. Those are not bad results, not bad at all! :eek:

krys, don't you think it's time to move on instead to keep on harping about the WC loss? Italy was the best team of that tournament. Now you beat them in a qualifier, that's great, but it is still only a qualifier...
I'll answer you straight : it's exactly time to move on NOW. :D Yesterday we proved that the final in Berlin was a mistake (eck, even some Italian guys say we played better !). And even without yesterday's match, I keep on saying we were better overall. It's only a qualifier, you're right, Italy are still the world champions, but we are better than them. I urge you to go watch yesterday's match, this may have been the best match France have played for years. :) I think I'm even gonna download it if I can, it was really that awesome.

BTW, my opinion reflects the majority here in France, just so that you know. Yesterday, to my irritation, the crowd still booed the Italian players and a bit of their anthem. The bottom line is that we don't get to see such a high-skilled, highly emotional match everyday in qualifiers, and last night I felt like the WC was still on. :D We had our shirts on and screamed like this was a Cup match.

That said, I agree very much that there should be some kind of pre-qualifiers. I mean this sort of games is just ridiculous and there are too many minnows now. Matches such as Germany - San Marino or England - Andorra do not interest me at all, since the outcome is clear before the game. What is the thrill to watch them being slaugthered?
Sometimes you have a surprising result...

Congrats to Northern Ireland though, hope I can see a replay today.
Oops. What I said. :goodjob: See ?

I'll answer you straight : it's exactly time to move on NOW. :D Yesterday we proved that the final in Berlin was a mistake (eck, even some Italian guys say we played better !).


I can vaguely see the logic in the following statement that France are now the better team. Saying the final was a mistake is idiotic though since most people would agree that Italy were the best team in the World cup. The world cup match was the important one and you have to learn to live with the result. Trying to claim 'revenge' does no good when they have a different manager and it only being a qualification match where France were at home.

Quote:
Congrats to Northern Ireland though, hope I can see a replay today.

Oops. What I said. See ?
I think it would be an insult to put Northern Ireland in the same category as San Marino/Andorra

As for France being the true champion, I understand that French would claim that, I guess. However, the results are all that count in a tournament. Germany is usually pretty good at that and Spain isn't. Italy was the best team overall, everyone agreed. Well, everyone but French.
The revenge thing is really tiring...

I think it would be an insult to put Northern Ireland in the same category as San Marino/Andorra
Also an insult to put Northern Ireland (not even a nation proper) in the same category as Spain. At least San Marino and Andorra are nations. But a more interesting question : where do you draw the line ? Be careful, there was a huge scandal about the planets recently, and that was just that : planets. Not football.

As for France being the true champion, I understand that French would claim that, I guess. However, the results are all that count in a tournament. Germany is usually pretty good at that and Spain isn't. Italy was the best team overall, everyone agreed. Well, everyone but French.
The revenge thing is really tiring...
As I said, not only the French claim it. ;) In football, the "best team" doesn't necessarily win the match or the tournament. I've been there already, but here it is again : if Trézéguet doesn't miss his penalty and then France win, do you claim France were the best team overall, just because they won the WC over a stupid penalty in the end ? Hard to believe.

So that it's clear : the revenge was only in the supporters' minds, and only aimed at living an excellent match, and we were not disappointed. Italy are world champions for 4 years, everyone agree. What that really means for the 4 years to come is left to be seen (already full of doubts). We tried to learn with that over the summer. And now we're full of confidence for the future, even without ZZ. In the meantime, Italy haven't statistically won a match since their SF against Germany, that's 4 non-wins in a row...

I'm pretty happy France's team did not win the PKs during the final, I would've not stand people saying seriously "France was the best team of the World Cup", because :
1. It was not
2. PKs are random
Though I agree making overall superiority statements on a PK result is fun. ;)

I think it's us first, Kan boy. :evil: Mwahaha. :D
Just to letyou know, if you didn't, but the evil laugh smilie is back. :mwaha:

I'm pretty happy France's team did not win the PKs during the final, I would've not stand people saying seriously "France was the best team of the World Cup"
Don't say that. Nothing replaces a World Cup in football, even if it wasn't won through a clear and astonning victory. It's like saying that we should have lost to Brazil in QF, so that there is no regret, we lost to the ex-WC, etc... No. Every bit towards the best is good. :)

1. It was not
So who was ?

Just to letyou know, if you didn't, but the evil laugh smilie is back. :mwaha:
Didn't know it had been away until I saw it in Perf's sig. But the evil smiley was the one I wanted, and also "mwaha" or "mwahaha" or "mwahahaha" written in letters is über cool. :D

In WC, portugal was the best team, but they didn't (unfortunately) play too well in the end of the tournament. But that's WC, over and gone. This thread is about Euro 2008.. :rolleyes:

Well, Krys, I can understand that you may feel a tiny bit annoying to some people in this forum. On last July 9th, Italy did what it had to do, we didn't. We all agree on this, and you agree too.

For this reason, I fully understand ThERat, Hitro or Dell19 when they remind you that Italy hasn't stolen its title. They are totally right. It's France which has screwed up. No matter how much you can annoy everyone in saying the opposite, Italy has 4 stars, we have only 1. Nothing will change about this. Our personal opinion about who had shown the best quality side during last world cup is utterly irrelevant.

Now, we are playing the qualifications of the Euro 2008. And it's now that France must not screw up again. Currently, here are the results: Teams P W D L GF GA Pts
1. Scotland 2 2 0 0 8 1 6
2. France 2 2 0 0 6 1 6
3. Georgia 3 1 0 2 8 6 3
4. Ukraine 1 1 0 0 3 2 3
5. Lithuania 2 0 1 1 2 3 1
6. Italy 2 0 1 1 2 4 1
7. Faroe Islands 2 0 0 2 0 12 0Now, I think our mission is rather simple... We must avoid Italy to qualify for the Euro so that they will ever be remembered as that pathetic team who had an easy path at the World Cup 2006 and who won miserably the final at the penalty shoot outs. :lol:

Scotland beat the Faroe Isles last week! And Lithuania today. We BEAT someone. We're TOP of the table for now!

Erm, Italy are next though...

no it's France man, and I'll be there WOOOOOO!!!!

I had a ticket to the Fareo Islands game but I'd promised to take my girlfriend shopping. It broke my heart to give my ticket away. I was in New Look and I saw the onyl other man in there and i asked him the score. he said it was 3-0 and I was depressed. I asked how many minutes there was left to go thinking it was almost time, he said 'about 70' hurt and depression has a name and it is Steven :cry:

The France game should kick ass though, the last time a big team came to Hampden we drew (Italy, 1-1, a repeat performance maybe ;) )

As I said in another thread, If the French think they can come to Hampden and win then they can come and try, or to translate into my native Glaswegian tongue, 'MO'AN THEN!!!'


Marla: Honestly, as a France supporter. What do you think of us Scots? Has-beens? Lucky? or do you think that given our record at home we 'might' have a chance?

As I said in another thread, If the French think they can come to Hampden and win then they can come and try, or to translate into my native Glaswegian tongue, 'MO'AN THEN!!!'That's a big "if"...

I've seen yesterday's game with my boyfriend and one of his best friend who has a Scottish girlfriend. He hopes that Scotland and France would qualify for the Euro and, even if that will be tough for both teams, I guess that in the end I would also be happy if this turns out as true. :)

Scotland and France, allied again, as in the good old days ! :D

Heh, it'll be alot more challenging for us, but, as a true follower of the Tartan Army, I think we can sneak it. and until the final whistle on the last game of the group stages, I will continue to believe it.

Conversation with my girlfriend via text last night-
Me- Scotland won again :)
Her- thats cool, what does it mean it Scotland keep winning
Me- Er.... I'm not exactly sure, it's been a while since it happened.... I think something good

no it's France man, and I'll be there WOOOOOO!!!!

Ooh.

That may just be worth a trip to Glasgow just for the atmosphere :D

Well, we tend to see Scotland as a team that used to be good and hope they'll wait a bit before they confirm they're good again. ;)
Anyway playing in Scotland can't be a peace of cake for any team.

heh, I'd settle for a draw in all honesty. a draw against Italy and France and beat the rest (heh :crazyeye: here's hoping eh?) and hope one of you (probably Italy cause France seem really strong atm) slip up.

Italy is on the floor even before the real thing started in this group. My opinion is that anyone playing Italy must take this as an opportunity and don't waste it. FINISH THEM ! :D

As if you didn't all know already, but Northern Ireland beat Spain 3-2 :cool:, this result leaves the group very tight indeed, with 4 teams on 3 points including Iceland, Denmark, Spain and N.I.

Italy is on the floor even before the real thing started in this group. My opinion is that anyone playing Italy must take this as an opportunity and don't waste it. FINISH THEM ! :D

LOL + Are you meaning we missed a good occasion to leverage our goal average more ?

Yeah you did.

Only scoring 3 against Italy pft, I guess the French strike force isn't as good as you make out :p

ulsterman88, your signature is like... 5 rows too long. Read the rules of this forum.

Well, Krys, I can understand that you may feel a tiny bit annoying to some people in this forum. On last July 9th, Italy did what it had to do, we didn't. We all agree on this, and you agree too.

For this reason, I fully understand ThERat, Hitro or Dell19 when they remind you that Italy hasn't stolen its title. They are totally right. It's France which has screwed up. No matter how much you can annoy everyone in saying the opposite, Italy has 4 stars, we have only 1. Nothing will change about this. Our personal opinion about who had shown the best quality side during last world cup is utterly irrelevant.
Please, don't play with semantics on me. ;) I didn't say Italy had stolen the WC, I even said they deserved their WC. I don't know how you came up with such a post, honestly. And if I want to give my opinion on who played better, that's my right, and if others think the opposite, then fine. There have been countless threads about the planets of the Solar System recently, and people commenting that this was an irrelevant debate were told to shut up. So why don't you do the same and ignore me OR add your opinion, instead of putting wrong words in my mouth ?

To end this : I'm sorry if it revives the ashes from the WC, but it was all hot until yesterday. :D Now that both Italy and France have their victory, I guess this will all settle down. Plus, for any additional remark about it, there is the other thread, there... ;)

So : Are you feeling lucky this year, Scots ? :cool: Ready to beat some world champions ? As for us, we will travel to Scotland to win, of course. Why ? Because you're a good team, a very good team. And France tend to perform well against good teams.

Somehow we got to win 3-0 against Belorussia.. a normal score.. but don't ask me how. And does someone know what the hell happened to Portugal?? It seems that Finland wants to seriously try to qualify for a big tournament.. after all those years. First a win in Poland, then a draw against Portugal. Not bad!

And does someone know what the hell happened to Portugal?? It seems that Finland wants to seriously try to qualify for a big tournament.. after all those years. First a win in Poland, then a draw against Portugal. Not bad!
Must be the Lordi/Eurovision effect. :D

Don't worry, I'm sure it's just some sort of hiccup. Team Finland will start playing sooner or later on their standard level (somewhere around san marino and andorra...) :lol: ... :sad:

So : Are you feeling lucky this year, Scots ? :cool: Ready to beat some world champions ? As for us, we will travel to Scotland to win, of course. Why ? Because you're a good team, a very good team. And France tend to perform well against good teams.

It's the curse of the Scots that, despite the teams in the group, be it France, Italy, Brazil or Argentina, we'd feel lucky right up until the last final whistle is blown. We're like...... the Lemmings of the footballing world

Somehow we got to win 3-0 against Belorussia.. a normal score.. but don't ask me howHow did your team actually perform? I am asking cos I saw the replay of their first qualifying game and it was absolutely terrible and a straight continuation of the WC performances. Van Basten doesn't know his job I feel, which is in such stark contrast to Rijkard's awesome job at Barcelona.

Don't worry, I'm sure it's just some sort of hiccup. Team Finland will start playing sooner or later on their standard level (somewhere around san marino and andorra...) :lol: ... :sad:
Well, then I hope this hiccup is over by the time they have to play against Belgium. :p
But one could also argue that Belgium is at the moment somewhere near the level of San Marino and Andorra... :sad:

Now, I think our mission is rather simple... We must avoid Italy to qualify for the Euro so that they will ever be remembered as that pathetic team who had an easy path at the World Cup 2006 and who won miserably the final at the penalty shoot outs. :lol:

Best way of doing that is to let Scotland beat you then - that'll make things really hard for Italy. :goodjob:

It's the curse of the Scots that, despite the teams in the group, be it France, Italy, Brazil or Argentina, we'd feel lucky right up until the last final whistle is blown. We're like...... the Lemmings of the footballing world

Actually, I feel Scotland fares fairly well against the big teams - I think it's the effect that we feel we're gonna lose, so the players steel themselves for a tough match.

The smaller opponents though, that's a different story. :blush:

Heh, I'm all for France letting letting us win, if you want to pass that message along to Henry and Co then that'd be just super.

Scotland have always been weird like that. I'm just glad that Smith now seems to have a team which can beat the smaller teams (sounds weird I know) but the true test will be when we play the biggest teams.....

How did your team actually perform? I am asking cos I saw the replay of their first qualifying game and it was absolutely terrible and a straight continuation of the WC performances. Van Basten doesn't know his job I feel, which is in such stark contrast to Rijkard's awesome job at Barcelona.

It was better than the game against Luxemburg, but especially the first part of the second half was a huge drama..against teams like Luxemburg and Belorussia Holland can get away with it, but next are some more serious opponents like Slovenia, Rumania and Bulgaria. In the past we have faced far greater threats in qualifications, like Portugal and the Czech Republic.. this qualification they are absent, so I'd expect nothing less than to win this group.. but if we keep performing like this...:rolleyes:

Big highlight was Schaars though.. he brought back something that resembled fire in the game.

Just thought I'd post the current standing in the groups.:)
(I missed it as reference for the discussion.)

Sweden has started well (1-0 Latvia, 3-1 Lichtenstein) in the sense that the necessary results have been obtained. The team just looked like rubbish in the process.

The biggest upset is Ibrahimovic, Mellberg and Wilhelmsson getting kicked off the team the day before the Lichtenstein game.

There's even a new game plan for the Swedish team (seeing how they were totally readable to everyone with eyes in the WC). But nothing is really working at the moment. Which will be necessary to prevent Spain and Denmark (most likely) from qualifying from group F.

Group A Pld Pts
FIN 2 4
FSS 2 4
BEL 2 4
KZK 2 2
POR 1 1
AZE 2 1
POL 2 1
ARM 1 0

Group B Pld Pts
SCO 2 6
FRA 2 6
UKR 1 3
GEO 3 3
LIT 2 1
ITA 2 1
FAR 2 0

Group C Pld Pts
NOR 2 6
HUN 2 3
TUR 1 3
GRE 1 3
BHZ 2 3
MOL 2 0
MLT 2 0

Group D Pld Pts
GER 2 6
CZE 2 6
SVK 2 3
WAL 1 0
IRL 1 0
CYP 1 0
SMR 1 0

Group E Pld Pts
ENG 2 6
ISR 2 6
MKD 2 3
CRO 1 1
RUS 1 1
EST 2 0
AND 2 0

Group F Pld Pts
SWE 2 6
DEN 1 3
ISL 2 3
NIR 2 3
ESP 2 3
LAT 1 0
LIE 2 0

Group G Pld Pts
HOL 2 6
BUL 2 4
ROM 2 4
ALB 2 1
BLS 2 1
LUX 1 0
SLO 1 0

Sweden has started well (1-0 Latvia, 3-1 Lichtenstein) in the sense that the necessary results have been obtained. The team just looked like rubbish in the process.


I must admit I laughed when I heard Liechtenstein had equalised....

I must admit I laughed when I heard Liechtenstein had equalised....
A match where Sweden holed Lichtenstein in 50 seconds, and should have breezed to a clean 6-0 or so victory (considering the number of scoring opportunities Allbäck somehow kept managing to miss), turned into a tied 1-1 game with a real prospect of ending like that until the 70th minute.:cringe::help::dubious:

I think the Portuguese posters can confirm the threat Liechtenstein poses.

Scotland have always been weird like that. I'm just glad that Smith now seems to have a team which can beat the smaller teams (sounds weird I know) but the true test will be when we play the biggest teams.....

Nono, that makes perfect sense. I just hope the performances recently are more the par for the course stuff, and not just a hopeful early hope to impress rating. It would be nice to have Scotland back in one of the big competitions again, if only to have the supporters back in proper action :)

It would be nice to have Scotland back in one of the big competitions again

Realistically, I think the best we can hope for here is to sneak a third place, and try to get a more reasonable draw for future competitions. It can be very difficult to qualify once you're in the 4th pot or lower....

Who says? :p

Our best case scenario here would be to have a very open Group. Have France run away with it, if we can get a draw against them at Hampdem then we're in a good position. Georgia and Lithuania are no mugs. If they can get draws against Italy (as Lithuania have already done) and maybe even beat Ukraine while we done the same, then who says it's not possible?

Come on guys, we're Scots, the day we stop believing that we can do it....... well, what would become of us :)

I'm older than you, Steviejay - my lifetime's suppy of endless optimism has been used up. :(

heh, I shall be optimistic for all of us. Just remember to cheer when we go 1 up against France ;)

I second Stevie's youthful optimism. We have many years to become disenchanted ;)

All you Scots have to do to wipe away your pessimism is to hold the World Cup once. That did the trick for us, the eternal losers. :)

Oh, and you need a Zidane too.

Oh, and you need a Zidane too.

Why? So he can head-butt the entire opposing team into submission. :p

We have a Zidane in Darren Fletcher

and believe me, we've tried to host it. many many times heh

We have a Zidane in Darren Fletcher


I am a Man Utd fan and I have got to laugh at that. You were joking weren’t you?

OTOH I would say Scotland had a ZZ in the form of Kenny Dalglish. :thumbsup:
Well he would have been a ‘ZZ’ if he wasn’t playing for Scotland. ;)
Likewise George Best and Northern Ireland.

I am a Man Utd fan and I have got to laugh at that. You were joking weren’t you?


heh yes I was, but he is a good player for us :p

I am a Man Utd fan and I have got to laugh at that. You were joking weren’t you?

OTOH I would say Scotland had a ZZ in the form of Kenny Dalglish. :thumbsup:
Well he would have been a ‘ZZ’ if he wasn’t playing for Scotland. ;)
Likewise George Best and Northern Ireland.

Hmm. I agree.

And arguably John Charles and Ryan Giggs for Wales. And Kevin Keegan and Gazza for England. If only they all didn't play for such second rate national teams, eh ? :mischief:

Hmm. I agree.

And arguably John Charles and Ryan Giggs for Wales. And Kevin Keegan and Gazza for England. If only they all didn't play for such second rate national teams, eh ? :mischief:


Umm no. I don’t think Gaza was as good as Dalglish who was not as good as Best.

Not that we can be sure of that as neither Kenny nor Gerogie ever cried played in a World Cup semi-final.

Or even came close... ;)

Why? So he can head-butt the entire opposing team into submission. :p
Maaaybe. But can win you a World Cup and a Euro before that. Still not interested ? :D

I don’t think Gaza was as good as Dalglish who was not as good as Best.

I'd tend to agree.

Raul is out of the Spanish team, so he is not playing against Sweden next week. It happens after scoring twice in the Champions with Real Madrid.

I don't follow football too much, so I am asking the experts, specially those who like to go to the capital of the Iberian peninsula to enjoy the tapas and "la movida" (oh my, that is so eighties :old: ) Is Raul too old to play in the spanish team? Has he been displaced by better players? Or is just a lockerroom fight, where Raul tried to lead a mutiny against Aragones (the spanish coach) and the latter kick Raul out of the Spanish team?

I would go for the last option.

I'm suddenly getting a feeling of dread...like something important is about to happen.

g'luck Scotland.

We're gonna have a tough time against Bulgaria.. that's for sure.

Hmm.. Finland SHOULD win Armenia because we won Poland and draw with Portugal. But before this qualification we have won small countries but got beaten badly by big boys. Hope this year and next year all goes well.

I'm suddenly getting a feeling of dread...like something important is about to happen.

g'luck Scotland.


The way the Press and Radio is playing this up it seems like the Scots are going to war. I'll be there, oh yes, I'll be there. MO'AN THE SCOTS!!!!!!!!!!!!

I won't, but I am suitably...prepared...for the match. Just as long as the pizza is delivered on time :D

:eek: WE DID IT! :woohoo:

I don't think I've been as tense as I was in those last 15 minutes in a long time.

:eek: WE DID IT! :woohoo:

I don't think I've been as tense as I was in those last 15 minutes in a long time.

Yep, well done Scotland, 1-0 against France.

I saw England v Macedonia, England peformed quite badly in comparison to their other matches, the Macedonian defence was doing very well and Robinson had to make a few saves, game finished 0-0. One thing, I can't wait for Joe Cole to return, Downing's performance was mediocre at best. Shaun Wright-Phillips on the other hand performed much better when put on for Downing and almost scored about ten seconds after coming off the bench.

At least I can brag to my welsh friends at school on Monday, Wales lost 5-1 to Slovakia.

Downing didn't seem to play that badly considering that several other players were pretty ineffective.

:cry: :cry: Finland-ARMENIA 0-0 :cry: :cry:

This is disappointing. Damn you, Shefki Kuqi! Even my granny would scored from those places that you missed.

Bulgaria - Holland 1-1

Not a bad result although we should have won the game. The pitch was an absolute mess for it had been raining for two days and it was still raining all game long. Nonetheless Holland played one of its best and most attractive games under command of Marco van Basten. Holland dominated for the greater part of the game, and especially in the second half Bulgaria was nowhere to be found. In the first half Bulgaria had something to say, although it wasn't much. A fast break and bad decissions in defence lead to the 1-0 though, and despite the pressure and various attempts to equalize, that was also the half-time score. In the 7th minute Dirk Kuyt got injured and therefor Robin van Persie had to play in the striker position, Ryan Babel coming in the field taking Van Persie's spot as a right winger. In the second half Holland dominated the game and produced a few chances, until Van Persie headed in the equalizer. Two minutes later has also scored the 1-2, but the goal was cancelled for unknown reasons. Van Persie was certainly not off-side and did not commit a foul (as a matter of fact, he was fouled)... Deep in the second half Van Persie also got hit in the face, intentionally, by a Bulgarian defender, but no foul nor card was given. In the end Bulgaria got two chances for the win, but Van der Sar proved to be a save goalie. In the second half the Bulgarian goalkeeper repeated his performance from the first half by stopping many shots from Sneijder, Babel and others.

I'm just glad I'm typign this because I have no voice.

Officially amazing, it comes with a stamp of supreme awesomeness. The crowd were amazing, everytime Henry got the ball 30,000+ fans kept singing 'who are you? who are you? who are you?' Singing our hearts out. I was so glad we kept it all square at half time. France looked like they were gonna score (and did twice) but it's all good. After the break the first thing that France did was walk right up the park and have a pop on goal, so I thought 'oh.... god.... it's coming apart' but NO we fought on, defending like crazy and keep taking pops with Faddy running after ball like a German Shepard on acid. And then we scored........... was........ I was....... excited. Danced and sang and got hugs from god knows who (I shook the hand of my brother's friends because I know he doen't like physical contact) The goal went in, we celebrated, we checked, no it wasn;'t offside, we celebrated some more, we looked at the clock, 66 minutes..... oh dear GOD. 26 minutes of pure undiluted terror. Those minutes went........... slow, I've been waiting to get into exams and the time has went quicker than that. it was crazy but we kept the heid and DEAR GOD did we pull it off. WE WON. When the final whistle went it was truely crazy. I was screaming so much I swear I tasted blood in my throat.... crazy indeed. So with my last few precious words I could speak normally, I sang along to Status Quo 'Rocking All Over the World' and then the obvious Proclaimers 'I'm Gonna be (500 Miles)' We refused to leave the stadium and those ten minutes were spent singing our asses off, and then leaving but not before singing to the Frenc supporters 'easy easy easy easy easy easy etc...' I can assure you, it so wasn't easy but DAMN, no one can take that away from.

MO'AN THE SCOTS!!!

I love the French, just want to say that. I would be more than happy for them to beat us to top of the group and let us take the second spot and I support them in any game that doesn't involve Scotland (heh) but I just want to post this link because the person who said it is, in my opinion, a complete muppt. I just dislike the guy profusely.

GALLAS BOASTS OF FRANCE'S THREAT (http://www.sportinglife.com/football/overseas/france/news/story_get.cgi?STORY_NAME=soccer/06/10/04/SOCCER_France_Gallas.html&TEAMHD=france)


France defender William Gallas believes Scotland will be "quaking in their boots" when the two sides meet at Hampden Park in their Euro 2008 qualifier on Saturday


sure we are..... we never fear anyone.

Oooh, the hold-up ! :D And once again on a set piece... :blush: Last in-the-game goal against us was scored by South Korea during the WC (a very stupid goal BTW).

Congrats Scotland, enjoy it while it lasts. :) For me, it was just a depressing afternoon, and some "once again we dominate like never before, but can't manage to score the damned ball" rants... :(

You hero Stevie, you HERO! We still be celebrating here :D

We do not fear anyone...we just love to make a good time of it all :)

I will say again, France were incredibly unlucky, in the first half they were on us like a rash, but they just couldn't get past the defence, and Caldwell had possibly the best game in a Scotland Top you could possibly have so it's all good with that. Also, we may be technically inferior to the French (I'm not even going to suggest otherwise ;) ) but we have the drive to fight for it, and fight we did! Ukraine next...... hmmm..........

Jack Daniels soothes the throat aaaaaaah..... :)

Also, in a post-'oh dear GOD I can't believe we beat France'/I've been celebrating thus kinda drunk' sort of mood, I post the following, for the world to read and cringe, and us Scots to revel


I awoke in the night with a fever
And the sky was the darkest blue.
And a still, small voice was calling to me,
"Your country is needing you"
(Aye, aye jist lik that!)
And away, away in the distance,
I can just make out this ball
Comin in from the left.
And I'm startin to run,
Tae run like hell!
And the voice is gettin louder,
And louder, and louder, cryin..
"HEY BIG YIN, GAUN YERSEL!!!"
I have a dream, if dreams come true
Then Bonnie Scotland, I'll play for you.
I hope and pray that if i do,
Then Bonnie Scotland,
I'll score the winning goal for you.
Then the next thing i know,
Someone's gone and tripped me
and I've fallen just inside the boax
(That's a penalty!)
The ref, he looks to his linesman,
And he's pointin straight at the spot!
(That's brill-yunt!)
Then John Robertson, who normally takes them,
is handing the ball to ME (you don't say)
Then I hear my old lady screamin blue murder,
She's sayin "IT'S NO THE BAW YER KICKIN,
YA EEJIT, IT'S ME!!!"
We have a dream, if dreams come true
then Bonnie Scotland, we'll play for you.
We hope and pray that if we do,
then Bonnie Scotland,
We'll score the winning goal for you...

Usual post-98 France match.
Congrats Scotland ! See you in Paris :)

Heh I wish I could see us finishing top of the group, but France are going to go crazy in their next match. Being serious about the other teams I'm hopeful for Scotlands Chances, Lithuania had to wait till the 89th minute to beat the Farao Islands and Italy obviously got beat at home by Lithuania and France. Notice I haven't mentioned Ukraine, thats to make sure I don't jinx Scotland ;)

In the 7th minute Dirk Kuyt got injured and therefor Robin van Persie had to play in the striker position, Ryan Babel coming in the field taking Van Persie's spot as a right winger.

Dirk Kuyt? Injured? Noooo! :cry: (I'm a Liverpool fan)

In other news, Latvia beat Iceland 4-0 which is good because i'm half Latvian.

Northern Ireland pulled another excemment performance out of the hat and got an away draw with the danes. Even better news Scotland beat the french!!!

Then again, the Republic lost 5-2 against Cyprus.

And Wales lost 5-1 at home to Slovakia.

Just a round up of the results


Armenia 0-0 Finland (HT 0-0)

Bulgaria 1-1 Holland (HT 1-0)
M Petrov 12, R Van Persie 62

Croatia 7-0 Andorra (HT 2-0)
M Petric 12, M Petric 37, M Petric 48, M Petric 50, I Klasnic 58, B Balaban 62, L Modric 83

Cyprus 5-2 Rep of Ireland (HT 2-2)
S Ireland 8, M Konstantinou 10,A Garpozis 16, R Dunne 44, M Konstantinou (pen) 50,C Charalambidis 60,C Charalambidis 75.

Czech Republic 7-0 San Marino (HT 4-0)
M Kulic 15, J Polak 22, M Baros 28, J Koller 43, D Jarolim 49, J Koller 52, M Baros 68

Denmark 0-0 Northern Ireland (HT 0-0)

England 0-0 FYR Macedonia (HT 0-0)

Faroe Islands 0-1 Hearts (HT 0-0)
A Skerla 89

Greece 1-0 Norway (HT 1-0)
K Katsouranis 33

Hungary 0-1 Turkey (HT 0-1)
T Sanli 41

Italy 2-0 Ukraine (HT 0-0)
M Oddo (pen) 71, L Toni 79

Kazakhstan 0-1 Poland (HT 0-0)
E Smolarek 52

Latvia 4-0 Iceland (HT 3-0)
G Karlsons 14, M Verpakovskis 15, M Verpakovskis 25, A Visnjakovs 52

Moldova 2-2 Bosnia-Herzegovina (HT 2-0)
S Rogachiov 13, S Rogachiov (pen) 32, Z Misimovic 62, I Grlic 68

Portugal 3-0 Azerbaijan (HT 2-0)
c. Ronaldo 25, AS Ricardo Carvalho 31, C. Ronaldo 63

Romania 3-1 Belarus (HT 2-1)
A Mutu 7, C Marica 10, S Kornilenko 20, D Goian 76.

Russia 1-1 Israel (HT 1-0)
A Arshavin 5, A Ben Shushan 84

Scotland 1-0 France (HT 0-0)
G Caldwell 67

Serbia 1-0 Belgium (HT 0-0)

Slovenia 2-0 Luxembourg (HT 2-0)
M Novakovic 30, R Koren 44

Sweden 2-0 Spain (HT 1-0)
J Elmander 10, M Allback 82

Wales 1-5 Slovakia (HT 1-3)
D Svento 14, M Mintal 32, G Bale 37, M Mintal 38, M Karhan 51, R Vittek 59

Tuncay`s goal was a total fluke. The match against Moldova will be very hard.

:sad: :sad: :cry: :cry:

Well, at least Alonso has the Formula 1 world championship in his pocket. :sad:

And Barcelona pwned Philadelphia 76ers, Pau Gasol is not the only gold class basket player in Spain.

Faroe Islands 0-1 Hearts (HT 0-0)
A Skerla 89


:lol:

I didn't post on Saturday because there didn't seem much to add to Stevie and Kan's posts, but it was a great result for Scotland, and probably as good a performance as the current team can manage.

I can't help but regret how long the SFA put up with the disasterous reign of Vogts, now that we can see what can be done by a reasonable manager, with a decent degree of tactical acumen and an an awareness of the capabilities and limitiations of the players. I hope Berti is watching. (Do I still sound bitter...?)

The Swedish 2-0 against Spain is the biggest scalp they've bagged in the last decade.

Sweden can often make an even game even with football superpowers, but rarely win. This was the third victory over what must be considered a major team in that time-frame, and the other two were England and Turkey. I rate Spain well above both.

There's a bit of confusion in Sweden over the national team. The discipline problems don't seem over, but things have changed. Ex-captain Mellberg can sit beside the coach at press-conferences while being all venom about him.

The coach keeps bringing up what a Great Match the team made against Trinidad&Tobago in the WC when talking to the press.

Kim Källstrom, bristling with self-confidence after his move to Toulouse, got bumped from the team against Spain, and in an historic first, the coach gave him his reasons in private. Still VERY disappointed. Instead of Källström the thought over-the-hill Anders Svensson walked on and did great.

Johan Elmander finally played as it has been hoped/expected he would in the end.

How long will Markus Allbäck, 33, last?

Ibrahimovic is still boycotting the national team. Though Mellberg and Wilhelmsson have turned up, doing well. Mellberg clearly happier when looking out for Nr One, not having to worry about the bloody team. And Wilhelmsson looked better than he has in ages.

Of the four midfielders against Spain, three will be missing against Iceland next (Ljungberg injured, Linderoth on leave for personal reasons — first baby on the way, Svensson 2nd yellow card exclusion).

Quoting the leftwing defender Erik Edman: "I'm happy we're rid of that glamour sh!t!"

Finally the Swedish team did play as a team. Got a bit lucky too in the end. Trick now will be to win against the teams weaker on paper (six games) and at least tie the three remaining games with Denmark and Spain.

Now we know why France lost...

France coach Domenech took a verbal swipe at the Hampden ball boys when he said: "I know what the Scottish fans and the team are like, it is a country that believes in fair play.

"However, I am disappointed with the attitude of the ball boys who slowed down the game and stopped the flow of the game.

"It is regrettable in a country like Scotland which is known for its fair play."

:rotfl:

Some surprising results have been recorded in this qualification campaign! The results of Northern Ireland in particular have been impressive.

The results of Northern Ireland in particular have been impressive.

Especially losing 3-0 at home to Iceland....

Now we know why France lost...

France coach Domenech took a verbal swipe at the Hampden ball boys when he said: "I know what the Scottish fans and the team are like, it is a country that believes in fair play.

"However, I am disappointed with the attitude of the ball boys who slowed down the game and stopped the flow of the game.

"It is regrettable in a country like Scotland which is known for its fair play."

:rotfl:

:lol: I just read about that today. Along with other brilliant quotes such as "because they won" when asked why France lost.

Edit: If I were the British press, I'd run with the story. Full Headline: "France boss admits his team were beaten by 13 years old Scottish boyboys"

Go Scotland! I had quite a few glasses of Bowmore (12 yo) to celebrate your victory.

Norway played poorly though. :sad:

So if scotland somehow makes it through, that means that two nations from the WC will not be at the EC. :wow:

5-2 against Cyprus. I've never in my whole life seen a worse performance from an Irish team. And Czech Republic on Wednesday. I am fearful!
I just don't know what to say. We were second best to Cyprus in every part of the pitch, something I'd never thought possible.

Cyprus have beaten Spain in the past, although that was 3-2.

So if scotland somehow makes it through, that means that two nations from the WC will not be at the EC. :wow:

I have a feeling that Italy may not make it as they currently have (IIRC) 4 points. Wheras France have 6 and Scotland have 9! On the other hand only 3 games have played out of 12 and a lot could happen in 9 games!

So if scotland somehow makes it through, that means that two nations from the WC will not be at the EC. :wow:

IIRC the top two teams of the group qualify for the final rounds. :)

Cyprus have beaten Spain in the past, although that was 3-2.

Cyprus is one of those teams that's not as bad as it looks, and they have a good striker in Konstantinou. Normally they should lose to teams that are fighting for qualification, but if the opponent doesn't acknowledge that Cyprus isn't like Malta or Luxembourg, they're in for a surprise. Maybe Ireland (despite the mandatory statements of respect towards the opponent and that it's gonna be a tough game, etc.), didn't really think there was any danger in this fixture...

IIRC the top two teams of the group qualify for the final rounds. :)

Yes, but as well as Italy and France, we have the WC quarter-finalists Ukraine in our group. So at least one of the three won't make it through, and c_h is quite right to suggest that if Scotland qualifies, then two of WC qualifiers won't make it to Euro 2008.

How do we rate Slovakia, people ? Their result over Wales was impressive, and the 6-1 over Cyprus suddenly looks very good indeed.

Can they really qualify in a group which contains Czechia and Germany, however ?

Didn't they lose 3-0 at home to the Czechs?

Yes, but as well as Italy and France, we have the WC quarter-finalists Ukraine in our group. So at least one of the three won't make it through, and c_h is quite right to suggest that if Scotland qualifies, then two of WC qualifiers won't make it to Euro 2008.

Ach, quite true. Misinterpretation on my part .

Cyprus is one of those teams that's not as bad as it looks, and they have a good striker in Konstantinou. Normally they should lose to teams that are fighting for qualification, but if the opponent doesn't acknowledge that Cyprus isn't like Malta or Luxembourg, they're in for a surprise. Maybe Ireland (despite the mandatory statements of respect towards the opponent and that it's gonna be a tough game, etc.), didn't really think there was any danger in this fixture...

They did fail to beat the Faroe Islands in the last qualifying campaign! But I think that you are right. If it wasn't for Shay Given's performance in goal Ireland would have lost the World Cup Qualifier against Cyprus last year.

I think that Ireland's failure to play a single midfielder who can tackle says something about how seriously Steve Staunton took the Cypriots.

Everyone looks at Cyprus and goes 'pft, 3 points. Ireland thought it and got burnt. badly.

If Scotland get through to the WC I'll go quite, quite mad. And yeah, top two teams go through, no knock out stage for runners up.

Playing Ukraine tomorrow. With the win against France...... I just dunno what the score will be.

Playing Ukraine tomorrow. With the win against France...... I just dunno what the score will be.
Ukraine will win. And France will pwn Faroe Islands to death. ;)

France will pwn Faroe Islands to death. ;)

yes.... yes they will....... horribly. France will go down in Faroe folk lore as something parents scare their children with, 'Tidy your room or Henry and Co. will come and get you'

Ukraine will win.
and no... no they won't.....




hopefully

How do we rate Slovakia, people ? Their result over Wales was impressive, and the 6-1 over Cyprus suddenly looks very good indeed.

Can they really qualify in a group which contains Czechia and Germany, however ?

Personally, I don't think so, I think the best they can hope for is 3rd......... although in saying that, people were probably saying the same about France and Italy.....

Slovakia had a not bad game, but Wales are still rebuilding their team, so I think Slovakia will be unlucky this time round but maybe they will do well enough to get themselves put in a higher pot next time round....

I'll be working tomorrow and therefor miss the classic between Holland and Albania :p

Playing Ukraine tomorrow. With the win against France...... I just dunno what the score will be.

As I've said before, Scotland have a horrible history with this sort of thing. They steeled themselves for France, and were mentally prepared for a very difficult game. Ukraine are a good side too, don't get me wrong, but there's a worrying possibility that the Scots won't fight as hard against them tommorow.

That said, hopefully the lesson has been learnt (especially since '04's destruction after beating the Dutch) and we'll have a great match. And ultimately, we came into these games hoping for at least a draw against the Ukraine, and a distant hopeful thought of drawing against France. We have three points, any more will at least put weight to the thought that Scotland are back.

Looks like Croatia may get the boot

http://www.thesun.co.uk/article/0,,2002390000-2006470092,00.html

CROATIA could be kicked out of Euro 2008 if fans abuse England’s black players tomorrow.

Soccer chiefs fear trouble after 200 of their supporters formed a human swastika at a friendly in Italy.

Belgium started this qualifying campaign badly (1-1 against Kazachstan :rolleyes: ), but the defeat against Serbia was unlucky (1-0). A draw would have been fair.
I hope they will do better tonight against Azerbeidjan or it's by by EC...

Looks like Croatia may get the boot

http://www.thesun.co.uk/article/0,,2002390000-2006470092,00.html

Yeah and England may win a major competition. ;)

How do we rate Slovakia, people ? Their result over Wales was impressive, and the 6-1 over Cyprus suddenly looks very good indeed.

Can they really qualify in a group which contains Czechia and Germany, however ?

Slovakia is a decent side, with a couple of interesting players. Against better opposition, it shows that they're techically limited but try to overcome that by playing a more direct and physical type of play, wich might work against a less athletic team, but as far as I recall, in recent years it hasn't worked that much against really top teams. So, although the Czech Republic itself is going through a renovation, I don't think they can hope of qualifying ahead of either the czechs or the germans. If Ireland composes herself after the Cyprus débacle, I don't think they're better than the irish either.

Remember the 2-0 win against Germany before the World Cup?

Okay, in games that count. ;)

Well that was awful. Squad sellection? Awful. England's player performance? Awful. Diving Croatians? Awful. Refs performance? Awful. Luck with the first goal? Awful. Comedy second? Maybe the worst for a decade. Subs timing? Awful. Subs choice? Only poor. Ah well, could have been worse...

Oof, you too? Ukraine 2-0 Scotland :(

I think we deserved at least a goal, and Kenny Miller nearly got it for us. While I'm dissapointed, we got far more from these two games than what may have been predicted, or even hoped for back home. I just hope this wasn't a sign of Scotland's luck coming to an end. But I believe there is still a lot of optimism now.

I'll leave Stevie to actually talk proper stuff about the match :)

Wait til you see croatia's second. Honestly...

Well we both have next time.

Sob

I've read a description of it and it sounds comical. At least Gary Neville has scored for England now. ;)

Hmm, group A looks messy now. Portugal lose to Poland:eek: and Finland won Kazakhstan :woohoo: :woohoo: and Serbia won Armenia. So Serbia leads, Finland, Portugal and Poland coming hard from behind. Looks interesting, but I guess we all know that Finland wins the group. :rolleyes:

Bad result for Scotland - no points was always quite likely, but losing McFadden, Fletcher and Pressley for the next game is going to make it awfully tough.

From what the radio told me in the last two minutes of the game, Holland played like crap.. a 2-1 win against Albania.. SHAME ON THEM! How long for things to escalate? I think agitation has reached its maximum level..

Ukraine will win. And France will pwn Faroe Islands to death. ;)
Bingo. :goodjob: I'm afraid it'll be France and Italy (in that order).

BTW, we won 5-0, after messing so many opportunities.

We finally pulled off a result worth mentioning: 3-0 against Azerbeidjan
The opponent was very weak, however, so I don't know if this result tells much.
On the up-side, finally a Belgian striker scored a goal. The last few months we scored only three goals and none was scored by a striker.
So Serbia leads, Finland, Portugal and Poland coming hard from behind.
You're forgetting Belgium. We stand third with 7 points

does anyone have a link with the Robinson howler, I would really like to see that one.

Germany seems to be still on a steam roller, they seem to be really very strong.

does anyone have a link with the Robinson howler, I would really like to see that one.

Sure! here (http://www.wesearch.5gigs.com/) you go. :D

Germany seems to be still on a steam roller, they seem to be really very strong.

Indeed, the first half of yesterdays match was pretty close to the best the team can do. Moreover, it is fun to watch them play their offensive and aggressive style, which is quite an improvement compared to what Germanys game was like in the last decade or so. :)

Sure! here (http://www.wesearch.5gigs.com/) you go. :D
What an awful fluke! :lol:

You're forgetting Belgium. We stand third with 7 points

Umm... sorry. Everybody(yes, even I) make mistakes.

Sure! here (http://www.wesearch.5gigs.com/) you go. :D

:lol: And I love his quote:

"You don't expect things like that to happen - I'd gone to kick the ball as usual and it wasn't there."

Portugal played one of the worst games it ever did in the past decade. We were outplayed by the poles everywhere and the final result is quite flattering actually, because it should have been 3 or 4 to be fairer.
Scolari went there to draw, didn't get tired of saying that the draw was good and chose a team to defend, with two-past-it-out-of-form-clueless DMs like Costinha and Petit. Then add to that the terrible Nuno Valente, the embarassing Ricardo Rocha at center back (because he plays at Benfica where he's not even a regular starter he's worthy of the spot right? :rolleyes: ), that total NT failure called Simão Sabrosa (okay, but he's the Benfica captain so he has to play right? :rolleyes: ), Nuno Gomes, the striker that creates the illusion that he's on the pitch when in reality he must be in some distant planet, and the likes of Deco, Ronaldo, Carvalho and Miguel who must have had a lobotomy performed on them before the game.
You can still add the clueless Scolari, great motivator and rallier of troops and whatever he may be, but tactically mediocre, who left Maniche and Tiago on the bench, only had one forward on the bench, Nani, who only came in 18 minutes to the end, and there you have it, an ass kicking session.

Where were Moutinho, Quaresma, Meireles, Tonel, Caneira, J. Tomás, H. Almeida?

The consolation comes from the fact that we're in good company. Appart from Germany, prety much every top team has had embarassing performances during this qualification campaign with just 3 or 4 games played...

Indeed, we need the young players, they are faster and more motivated.

32 games without loosing in qualifications broken yesterday.


@McDread: Nice to meet your brother, didnt had the chance to tell you :)

@McDread: Nice to meet your brother, didnt had the chance to tell you :)

I had to clear that out, he didn't tell me either. What a coincidence! And all this time we were colleagues from the same university. :)

Que coincidencia heim.. is it fate?

Bingo. :goodjob: I'm afraid it'll be France and Italy (in that order).

BTW, we won 5-0, after messing so many opportunities.

More importantly, Trezeguet scored twice! He needed that.

I had to clear that out, he didn't tell me either. What a coincidence! And all this time we were colleagues from the same university. :)

And I think we joined university in the same year :)


Que coincidencia heim.. is it fate?


No I think is not Fado :p but it makes the world seem small.

I was talking with McDread´s brother and for some reason civilization game was brought by, I was telling that was my favorite game, and he said his brother was a civfanatic, and I thinking for my self, "civfanatics?! I only know one Portuguese there that is reallly a civfanatic, McDread?". he confirmed in next instant... and I was surprised :)

Sorry for the off topic folks, but think as in football, the best player can live in the neighbourhood ;)

Oof, you too? Ukraine 2-0 Scotland :(

I think we deserved at least a goal, and Kenny Miller nearly got it for us. While I'm dissapointed, we got far more from these two games than what may have been predicted, or even hoped for back home. I just hope this wasn't a sign of Scotland's luck coming to an end. But I believe there is still a lot of optimism now.

I'll leave Stevie to actually talk proper stuff about the match :)

heh unfortunately I cannot talk in depth about this match as I did not see it all. I was on a conference for my ISEB exam which was the day after. From what I can say about the team it's pretty much what has been said about our game against Holland in 2004. Against the big teams, everyone wants to win, no matter who you are, if Brazil or France or Argentina come to play you, all you can think about is how good it would be to beat them and show the world. So, when France came we threw everything we had at them, and we beat them, but that then left us rather vulnerable to the next game and we were simply outplayed.

One thing I will rant about is the way some member of the press have now said the 'bubbles burst' 'it's all over' etc and I have to disagree. Ukraine were the the last few stages of the World Cup and aren't exactly mugs. Yeah ok we beat France, but that doesn't mean we're now unbeatable. we will loose games, every team will loose games. I mean when you looked at the fixture list and say Scotland playing France, then Ukraine, how many points did you think Scotland would walk away with? 1 if we were lucky maybe? Well we walked away with 3 and o[k sure we lost a game but it is not as if we will ever go without loosing again, it all depends on us 'keeping the heid' and staying focused. now, we're playing Georgia next and if we can beat them then I believe we're on course, but the game against Italy will be something else.

On a lighter note, I finally found fame in the Daily Record.... they had to pick the only moment in the entire France game where I'm coughing.....

http://img148.imageshack.us/img148/5976/scotlandiv2.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

Steviejay......(Cough) it looks like you are stuffing your face with a pie.... (/cough) ;)

Heh that was the first thing my mum thought when she noticed it but I hadn't eaten anything at the match. I was too nervous and REALLY didn't want to miss any of the action standing in a queue

I didn't see the match, so I can't tell how accurate it is, but at least it's an entertaining read:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/dna/606/A16178961

Turkey 5 Moldova 0

Strange match. Hakan Sukur scored 4 times after not scoring for exactly 2 years.

Here a striker not scoring for 2 years would've been long gone..:p then again, we are really bad at treating our heroes right.

@Stevie: :lol: Unlucky timing with the pic. Hopefully not your 15 minutes of fame :p

Completely agree with your analysis, but there is a bit of truth there with the defeatism. My biggest worry is that the team will see these two games as a lucky fluke and a deserved defeat, which will hit morale. Our manager is a bit of a realist, and quite happily warned us of the danger of becoming too optimistic against Ukraine. I like that, and I will agree with you - we just played two WC teams and came out with 3 points. Given the past record, we would have been lucky with one draw!

In my opinion, Scotland are brilliant at defence, as they proved. And I'm glad that they seem to know that they are not among the greatest teams, and certainly not among those who put on a show, but they know how to play football. One of my biggest gripes of the post-France match press was that the French players (and the manager!) was complaining about how Scotland were playing so fortified and were just trying to fight for a draw. Yes we were...because we were against France!

There's a strange thing about being a Scotland fan - maybe it's because we're so used to being the losing team, but I utterly love the fact the Tartan Army will go to every county and cheer along with the opposing team and have a good time of it all. To me, modern football can seem a bit bureaucratic at times. I just love seeing fans - from any country - forgetting all that and having a good laugh. It's what it should be about.

Rant over, back to normal. Bring it on Georgia. :p

Stevie, that pic, or at least the part where ye are coughung, could be a cool avatar!

heh don't want to embarass myself. I suppose that picture is alot better than the whole 'Have you seen this man' I tend to expect ;)

I do love the fans, I've never been to an away game but I'm planning on going to the France game (when I find out where it is) Anything we do tends to be a little light hearted rivalry but we tend to get on well with everyone, you tend to see that at away games when half the tartan army has the other teams scarfs heh

Georgia should be good, I can't recall seeing them play so it'll be interesting. not till next year though.

Can someone PLEASE tell me what's going on with Spain? I don't mean generally because I know that Spain do have problems when it comes to the WC or EC but they seem to be having a bad time in the Qualifiers as well

In my opinion, Scotland are brilliant at defence, as they proved. And I'm glad that they seem to know that they are not among the greatest teams, and certainly not among those who put on a show, but they know how to play football. One of my biggest gripes of the post-France match press was that the French players (and the manager!) was complaining about how Scotland were playing so fortified and were just trying to fight for a draw. Yes we were...because we were against France!

There's a strange thing about being a Scotland fan - maybe it's because we're so used to being the losing team, but I utterly love the fact the Tartan Army will go to every county and cheer along with the opposing team and have a good time of it all. To me, modern football can seem a bit bureaucratic at times. I just love seeing fans - from any country - forgetting all that and having a good laugh. It's what it should be about.
Here is some contradiction. I'm all for each team to play as they want. We lost to Greece, the ultra-defensive team, in the Euro 2004, and here we're losing to Scotland, a really defensive team (at least against us !). No problem from a pure football point of view. Up to us and our Art Football ( :D ) to find the way to pwn such opponents. Now, you're talking about having a good time and stuff. Well, don't tell me that Scotland puts on a good show, that's quite pathetic actually. Unless you love it when a team plays like that, in which case I blame it on cultural differences. ;) Don't get me wrong, I like it a lot when some players defend so well, when the team as a whole makes the effort to defend (France in the WC 2006, or Italy), but doing just that is annoying for the show. I hope that in the near future, big teams will find the way to screw such defensive style anytime. There is something too easy about it.

Scotland beat the Faroe Isles last week! And Lithuania today. We BEAT someone. We're TOP of the table for now!

Erm, Italy are next though...
Funny Scotland, they won against France with an incredibly smart coaching (full defense in 1st half ... defense??? like an Italian team for a British team???!!!... then burst France's defense in 2nd half), and just fall in front of a team that they should eat alaive...
Anyway, as a French, I was amazed to see how well they did against my team...

In my opinion, Scotland are brilliant at defence...
...and certainly not among those who put on a show...


Well, don't tell me that Scotland puts on a good show, that's quite pathetic actually.

Sorry, Krys, but what part of Kan's mail suggested he thought Scotland put on a good show ? I think you just mis-read it, to be honest.

Funny Scotland, they won against France with an incredibly smart coaching (full defense in 1st half ... defense??? like an Italian team for a British team???!!!... then burst France's defense in 2nd half), and just fall in front of a team that they should eat alaive...
Anyway, as a French, I was amazed to see how well they did against my team...

Scotland should eat Ukraine alive ?! Is this the same Ukraine who made the quarter-finals of the World Cup ? Or is it a different Ukraine which is actually made up of 3 uninhabited islands just off Rockall ? I'm only asking because the idea of Scotland eating anyone alive away from home is a bit of a shock to me, never mind devouring a team which made the last 8 of the World Cup....

In all honesty we were incredibly lucky against France the problem was France went out expecting to play football and we just refused to play. It's like attacking a city in RTW. If you're outnumbered sitting behind a huge stone wall you're not going to come out to fight them in open combat. no you're gonna sit there and let them come to you and take any advantage you can. and if that means 8-1-1 then thats whaty you're going to do.

But now we've got Georgia and Italy to look forward to, if we beat Italy heh, that'd be awesome. weird on a collossal scale..... but awesome ;)

and France, don't worry, it's not as if you're not going to get through to the next round, it all depends on who you go with :)

Scotland should eat Ukraine alive ?! Is this the same Ukraine who made the quarter-finals of the World Cup ? Or is it a different Ukraine which is actually made up of 3 uninhabited islands just off Rockall ? I'm only asking because the idea of Scotland eating anyone alive away from home is a bit of a shock to me, never mind devouring a team which made the last 8 of the World Cup....

yeah I'd have to agree. I mean, Ukraine are no mugs, they've shown that.

yeah I'd have to agree. I mean, Ukraine are no mugs, they've shown that.
I agree, but after seeing your Scottish coach displaying so much talent in organizing the chess game against the French, and with the confidence added to the team, this SHOULd have been a piece of cake. Almost... At least for a draw...

Sorry, Krys, but what part of Kan's mail suggested he thought Scotland put on a good show ? I think you just mis-read it, to be honest.
Sorry, mis-read that part. :blush: I sticked to the part where he talked about cheering fans and stuff, and so I forgot about the rest. So at least we agree about the show, that's one thing. I hope you guys someday know the thrill of watching a ZZ doing one of his magical tricks. Really. We were blessed with this guy.

Sorry, mis-read that part. :blush: I sticked to the part where he talked about cheering fans and stuff, and so I forgot about the rest. So at least we agree about the show, that's one thing. I hope you guys someday know the thrill of watching a ZZ doing one of his magical tricks. Really. We were blessed with this guy.

Don't worry, the point would have been a valid one. We did have some gorgeous moments with Kenny Dalglish, and, of course, Archie Gemmell's goal against the Netherlands stands comparison with sex with teenage girls (pace Trainspotting). But the closest Scotland have been to a ZZ style performance in the last 10 years is on the receiving end in that friendly 5 or 6 years ago...

Friendly yes, but tonight (after what seemed to be a poor homage to the World champions of 1998 and European champions of 2000) France beat Greece 1-0, goal by Henry with his head ! ;) So this means we beat both the current World champions and European champions within a spantime of 3 months. Has this been done already ? :scan: I'm not sure if that means much though, considering the level of said teams... :D [/French_arrogance]

Greece lost 4-0 to England not that long ago so I wouldn't brag about it too much.

Greece lost 4-0 to England not that long ago so I wouldn't brag about it too much.
I guess you're right. I think we shouldn't brag about beating Italy either, not worth it... :D

YES!

We lead group A after 5 matches.

Wow.

Awful game against Armenia(1-0), but victory still tastes sooo sweet...

Friendly yes, but tonight (after what seemed to be a poor homage to the World champions of 1998 and European champions of 2000) France beat Greece 1-0, goal by Henry with his head ! ;) So this means we beat both the current World champions and European champions within a spantime of 3 months. Has this been done already ? :scan: I'm not sure if that means much though, considering the level of said teams... :D [/French_arrogance]

Let's not forget your 1-0 thrashing by Scotland in that same time period....

Let's not forget your 1-0 thrashing by Scotland in that same time period....
Sure, but Scotland is champions of what ? :confused:

Sure, but Scotland is champions of what ? :confused:

Beating France?

Beating France?
Yes, but you see, we're champions of nothing, just like Scotland. ;) So what ?

Sure, but Scotland is champions of what ? :confused:
Not a lot (well, the Kirin Cup...), but that underlines why your arrogance is somewhat misplaced...

Not a lot (well, the Kirin Cup...), but that underlines why your arrogance is somewhat misplaced...
I don't understand, I'm just glad we beat World and European champions within a limited timespan, that's all. :) I'm happy if you think we're a great nation of football and thus are happy to beat us in the Qualifiers, it would mean we still are something despite having no trophy right now.

Scotland is our current main opponent, and we'll have to make sure we beat you next year. One thing is sure, we'll take you as a tough team to beat. We also have a revenge to take in rugby in the Six Nations. ;) That's when you realize that Scotland owns us at the moment. :eek:

England is not going to EURO 2008, forget it. We are going, Russia probably.

:nuke: :nuke: :nuke: :nuke: :nuke: :nuke: :nuke: :nuke: :nuke:

I don't understand, I'm just glad we beat World and European champions within a limited timespan, that's all. :) I'm happy if you think we're a great nation of football and thus are happy to beat us in the Qualifiers, it would mean we still are something despite having no trophy right now.

Scotland is our current main opponent, and we'll have to make sure we beat you next year. One thing is sure, we'll take you as a tough team to beat. We also have a revenge to take in rugby in the Six Nations. ;) That's when you realize that Scotland owns us at the moment. :eek:

heh I'm really hoping to be in France for that game, thats the plan. Should be a blast :)

I don't understand
Don't worry, I'm just joshing really. However, I don't think it's unreasonable to see France as one of the top national teams in world football at the moment - certainly up there with Italy, Brazil and Argentina.

Oddly enough, England are still rated 5th in the world by FIFA. What on earth justifies that rating ? Surely not even the most rabid England fan would suggest that they've done enough to justfiy that elevated status ? (Actually, they have Scotland as 25th in the world, which also seems a bit on the generous side... :) )

up, NEWS: Today starts the Selling respectively registration for the lottery for the tickets of European Championship 2008 Switzerland/Austria. www.euro2008.com ;)

mick

It would be so cool to watch EC matches in the stadium, especially the first match of Finland in EC. :mischief:

Wrong thread. Sorry.

We'll be coming!! We'll be coming!! We'[l be coming down the road!!

OH yes it's that time of year again, the qualifiers. woooooo

Scotland is playing Georgia at Hampden on March the 24th and I've got my ticket. oh yes, it's gonna be good heh

maybe we stop by too

:bump:

Kazakstan 2-1 Serbia

Three hoorays to Kazakstan, the little helper of Roy's Boys!

Now Finland just has to beat Azerbaidzhan next Wednesday. (BTW, 3 guys will travel to Baku from Finland with a Lada. Now that is real football culture. :D)

Nah. Real football culture would be Baku to Finland in a Bentley Continental GT. ;)

Well, Bentley is much cooler than a Lada. :lol:

By a strange series of coincidences, I was watching today's Norway-Bosnia game on a friend's computer, when all of a sudden people started throwing what looked like flares on the field. Now, if you'll excuse a few ignorant American questions:

1) Is this game significant in any way or just a friendly? and

2) Does this stuff happen with any regularity?

It's a qualifier match, and it's pretty common that crowd gets wild and throws something to the field. Bottles, flares, paper rolls, coins.

Portugal beat Belgium 4-0 a couple of hours ago. I watched it live in the stadium. Boring game in the first half but the goals started flowing in the second. Quaresma was brilliant tonight and scored a fantastic goal. Ronaldo added a couple and thanks to the kazakhs, things are looking better now. Wednesday in Belgrade will be tough though, and Portugal can't sleep throught the first half like tonight.

On another note, what's happening to England? They seem to be in a rather unenviable position...

I missed most of the Holland - Romania game because I was feeling really bad and fell asleep during the match. The parts I did see though, were boring. Holland in possession, trying to attack, but a well constructed Romanian defence existing of all Romanian players but Mutu, succesfully stopped the Dutch attacks before they could get really dangerous. One off-side goal, from what I've heard, and other than that just shots from the second line.. 0-0

I missed most of the Holland

You didn't miss anything. It was an awfull match. The Dutch had 66% possesion, but only the defenders really had the ball, the rest of the team just stood there doing nothing. At a certain moment Huntelaar was defended by 4 Romanians. And then Van Basten with his brilliant substitutes, bringing in a Emanuelson for Landzaat.

MCdread@ England 0-0 Israel :rotfl:

Finland shall beat Azerbaidzhan on Wednesday. After beating Azers there's a break to June, and then match against Serbia. And there I will be, cheering Finland to win. I can't wait.

It was Israel 0-0 England so it wasn't on TV.

Well, not a big mistake. :rolleyes:

It wasn't on TV? So what was my dad watching? :confused:

It strikes me as odd that a group of players (England) that are individually so good can play so badly...

I hope Finland qualify, just so I can imagine the pained looks on the commentators' faces. 'And here's Jankaåvaoåaïviëkkoåkon on the ball...'

Sky or the highlights.

I hope Finland qualify, just so I can imagine the pained looks on the commentators' faces. 'And here's Jankaåvaoåaïviëkkoåkon on the ball...'

Yeah, I can imagine some German saying "And Jääskeläinen saves the ball." In German Jääskeläinen is written Jaeaeskelaeinen. :rotfl:

And Sjölund can be hard, if he gets to the team. Jeremenko(better known as Eremenko), Hetemaj and Kuqi aren't that bad.

Scotland 2 - Georgia 1

What can I say......... we were SO LUCKY!!!! I mean......... yeah..... we so didn't deserve to win that heh. Played rather badly. Good first half but let it go in the second. Georgia were unlucky and seemed to be playing for the draw and it came back to bite them I suppose. But in the end we needed the 3 points, and we got it, now just to get a draw against Italy.......... at Italy :cry:

You don't define Sky as television, Dell19?

steviejay: I'll be following my usual policy of ABI (Anyone But Italy). Bonnie Scotland all the way.

I define it as Sky rather than TV.

Northern Ireland march on to qualification by beating Liechinstein 4-1 with another Healy hat trick. Maybe the Northern Ireland and Scotland players can give the English players lessons in team work because the England team were very poor on Saturday.

Well this is odd. N-Ireland and Scotland are doing well, and even FINLAND is doing well.

Where is this world going? :shifty:

Well this is odd. N-Ireland and Scotland are doing well, and even FINLAND is doing well.

Where is this world going? :shifty:

Hopefully a very very nice place where teams like Scotland, N-Ireland and Finland get into major competitions :)

Yeah... THE UNDERWORLD!

So, StevieJay, do you reckon we should just sit back in Bari and settle for a point, play a counter-attacking game and hope for a lucky winner, or just press home our advantage with an unremitting attacking onslaught to make sure of the three points ?

I honestly don't know. I'm slightly worried. We're getting cocky now, we scraped a win against Georgia and now we think we can 'take it' to the World Champions so yeah I'm worried. The thing is, Italy NEED to win this game, I can see us playing a hugely deep defensive game and just nibbling at them, see if we can get any bites.

So who knows, I can't see us winning, but simply taking a point off them would be truely amazing

Come on Northern Ireland

:cry::cry:

Azerbaidzhan 1-0 Finland

A pathetic performance by Finland.

Hmm. Scotland were desperately inconvenienced by Italy putting out a team consisting solely of better players than we had. 2-0 looked pretty fair as a result, I'm afraid.

Hmm. Scotland were desperately inconvenienced by Italy putting out a team consisting solely of better players than we had.

:lol: Bloody underhanded tactic, if ever I saw one.

I agree about the result though. Italy were determined for the win, and we were completely outclassed. Nothing to be ashamed about though :)

Another stunning result for Northern Ireland. Is this really the same team who started their Euro campaign with a 3-0 home defeat by Iceland ?

Another stunning result for Northern Ireland. Is this really the same team who started their Euro campaign with a 3-0 home defeat by Iceland ?
The Swedish team has defensive weaknesses, I think is clear by now. The NI played like Sweden used to do a decade or two ago - underdogs playing for the shirt with some quality at the top. Pretty pathetic of Sweden, considering the potential that should be there.:(

Hmm. Scotland were desperately inconvenienced by Italy putting out a team consisting solely of better players than we had. 2-0 looked pretty fair as a result, I'm afraid.

it may have been a fair result, but... we virtually gift-wrapped the goals. i still sigh at the thought it could have been 0-0. :sad:

:worship: The Swedish team has defensive weaknesses, I think is clear by now. The NI played like Sweden used to do a decade or two ago - underdogs playing for the shirt with some quality at the top. Pretty pathetic of Sweden, considering the potential that should be there.:(

I was suprised how poor the Swedish side were on Wednesday night, Ibrahimovich was especially poor, even rubbish. The Swedish supporters were fantastic though, they were in full voice during the match and are the only supporters to have the nerve to come to Belfast in such numbers, considering its "reputation". All bow to Sir David Healy :worship::worship:

Well, shouldn't you put that victory in your sig? :)

My country beat Luxembourg with 3-0. :D

Here are the current stats from this group:
Holland 14 (8-2)
Romania 11 (10-3)
Bulgaria 9
Belarus 7
Slovenia 4
Albania 3
Luxembourg 0

Brazil beating Luxembourg with only 3-0? That's rather poor! ;)

It is amazing that Brazil are even playing in this tournament. ;)

Darn X-post.

My country beat Luxembourg with 3-0. :D

Here are the current stats from this group:
Holland 14 (8-2)
Romania 11 (10-3)
Bulgaria 9
Belarus 7
Slovenia 4
Albania 3
Luxembourg 0

With Bulgaria's draw, both Romania and the Netherlands will probably (hopefully) make it.

We got a 1-0 victory last Saturday in Lithuania in a very... country-yard stadium. :D I wasn't expecting a great match at all, all the more with so many injuries in our group. But we got to see how stupid we have been for all that time : Nicolas Anelka is a great forward, and I don't know why he has been put away from the team all that time...

On Wednesday, we got to play Austria in a friendly, we won 1-0 too. But the match was very special, as most of the players were (almost or total) newbies. In short, we got to see our future players, and one hint : beware the French youngsters ! ;) They're lacking experience and all, but they're very talented and very technical : Benzema (Lyon, forward, 1 goal already), Nasri (Marseille, Number 10, 1 decisive pass on free kick, already compared to a certain ZZ (born in Marseille, same position on the field) but he won't be ZZ just as ZZ wasn't Platini), Diarra (Chelsea, defensive midfielder), Diaby (Arsenal, defensive midfielder), etc... Anelka was great as well.

We receive Ukraine and Georgia at home in June, and I dread those matches, as this will be well after the end of the championship, and players may not be that fit for football.

I would like to take this opportunity to do a bit of boasting:
Northern ireland (13)
Sweeden (12)
Spain (9)
Denmark (7)
Latvia (3)
Liechtenstein (3)
Iceland (3)

We are top of the league!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

With Bulgaria's draw, both Romania and the Netherlands will probably (hopefully) make it.

Despite all the mockery towards Van Basten, we are very well set for qualification.

I would like to take this opportunity to do a bit of boasting:
Northern ireland (13)
Sweeden (12)
Spain (9)
Denmark (7)
Latvia (3)
Liechtenstein (3)
Iceland (3)

We are top of the league!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Thats really impressing considering the group your inn.......

You used to be so crap :p Norway is becomming the new New Northern Ireland!

Thats really impressing considering the group your inn.......

You used to be so crap :p Norway is becomming the new New Northern Ireland!
Belgium is also a good candidate... :(

Well, shouldn't you put that victory in your sig? :)

It's obviously business as usual to Northern Ireland now. ;)

^^

:rotfl:

Actually, that's true... :crazyeye:

Thats really impressing considering the group your inn.......

You used to be so crap :p Norway is becomming the new New Northern Ireland!

Very Impressive. Just watch yourself, Scotland were like that, and all it takes one game from people to be going WE'RE GONNA QUALIFY to 'awww crap, yet again'

Self-destruction in the face of total victory is a Scottish tradition, I have little doubt that the boys will do us proud there :salute:

*cough* 1978 *cough* :cry:

I am a realist and realise that no matter how hard we try, we've still got a LONG way to go before we get through, if at all. but if there's one feeling that does keep me warm, it's the idea that you can get all the French and Italians who looked at the group at the start laugh at how easy it was going to be and are looking now, with that little niggle at the back of their head going '...... oh...... what if they keep winning....' woo heh

I can't believe Spain is having such a hard time in their group. They have one of the best leagues in the World and still can't play well.

I can't believe Spain is having such a hard time in their group. They have one of the best leagues in the World and still can't play well.

Try living in England. :cry: At least Spain win sometimes.

I can't believe Spain is having such a hard time in their group. They have one of the best leagues in the World and still can't play well.

Don't Spain have 2 games in hand?

I can't believe Spain is having such a hard time in their group. They have one of the best leagues in the World and still can't play well.

Try living in England. :cry: At least Spain win sometimes.

The Spanish have one of the best leagues in the world, and have mostly Spanish players playing there. England has one of the best leagues in the world, and, err....

Ah, good point. Unfortunately. :cry:

The Spanish have one of the best leagues in the world, and have mostly Spanish players playing there. England has one of the best leagues in the world, and, err....

Sure that's the reason (is it true, even)? Two other possible reasons:

4 EPL teams are so much better than the rest of the league that they regularly grab the Champions League spots. This means that there are much fewer English players with Champions League experience. Top European clubs prefer to buy players with Champions League experience. Result is that other national teams can choose players with a wider amount of experience. How many English players play abroad compared to Spanish, Italian, German and French?

In short, the big fours' monopoly on Champions League football reduces the width of experience of players available to England.

Seecondly, I'd question the power of the English media. Ferdinand's good enough to make the English squad. he's not commited enough to hold down a first team place.

I can't believe Spain is having such a hard time in their group. They have one of the best leagues in the World and still can't play well.

They are, by far, in the easiest group of the qualifiers, and they are playing very badly. That is very, very, very depressing.