EC footballA historic draw? Well, go ahead. What a game by the Scots… or however a 0-0 could be epic.
High voltage at Wembley, where the long-awaited ‘oldest rivalry’ came to life again. For the first time since 1996, little Scotland faced the ‘Auld Enemy’ – outsider England in a final tournament, which, provided a victory, could go straight to the next round.
Gushing rain, booing and whistle concerts during the ‘Flower of Scotland’ and ‘God save the Queen’. 25,000 ecstatic British fans in the stands of the mythical home of our football. Much more in the inner city of London, taken for the occasion by an impressive infantry of the Scottish Tartan Army. England vs. Scotland was ‘the game they’ve all been waiting for’. Different cake than the previously played seed parties. One in which KVO defender Jack Hendry had to watch: he had to give way to strong holder McTominay, who was pushed back a row.
“We respect England, but we don’t fear them,” said Scotland manager Steve Clarke ahead of the 115th derby. No empty words, as it turned out. After four minutes, Adams should have opened the scoring in a blistering start, but Stones’ leg got in the way. The English also had their beckoning opportunity – the same Stones hit the post from close range after ten minutes.
It was a lot of fun: Kane again for England and McTominay and O’Donnell for Scotland came close to a goal in the opening half hour. The Scots were not inferior to the big brother, on the contrary. They did a fantastic job. Under the approving eye of Sir Alex Ferguson. ‘Fire in the belly, ice in the brain’. Clarke’s plan was correct, only a deserved goal was missing. On the other side, the stars and the Yorkshire Pirlo didn’t give up.
England shifted up a gear at the start of the second half, but the Scots held their own. Under the impulse of captain Robertson, they also continued to set up. Dykes and Adams were getting closer and closer – electricity in the air over Wembley. Not the 22,500 Englishmen made themselves heard, but the 2,500 Scots did.
Southgate intervened: Foden out, Grealish in. Moments later, an invisible Kane off for Rashford. It didn’t work. Sterling claimed a penalty after a light contact with Robertson, but the ref made the right decision. In the spirit of the competition. With thirteen minutes on the clock, the next big chance was again for the Scots – Adams missed his escape shot at the far post. Clarke swapped a striker for a striker. In the absolute final phase, an extremely hot stan
Scotland impressively grabbed the last straw last night – a win against Croatia is a must. The English, in turn, have to work hard against the Czech Republic with a view to group win. In that case, they will stay at Wembley, albeit against the number 2 in the group of death, that of France, Germany and Portugal.
Free unlimited access to Showbytes? Which can!
Log in or create an account and never miss a thing from the stars.
