Super_Ally 0 Posted March 30, 2009 Share Posted March 30, 2009 So in a tie that would have been extremely difficult when George Burley had his first choice to call upon, a comprehensive 3-0 defeat for a severely injury depleted side was not entirely unexpected. Indeed the bookies seemed to be expecting such an occurrence. For around half an hour, Burley�s injury ravaged charges were just about holding their own, if not looking entirely comfortable. Indeed Rangers forward Kenny Miller was unable to take the best opportunity of the opening period. The inclusion of the ageing Alexander, whilst expected after Kirk Broadfoot�s withdrawal, was not met with universal approval. Especially with an improving Steven Whittaker and a fit again Alan Hutton included in Burley�s diminished squad. The fears of Alexander�s inclusion were realised after just half an hour into the fixture. Alexander allowed Huntelaar to run in on goal unmarked, with Caldwell having also lost his man, and they were queuing up at the back post to nod into the Scotland net. The Burnley stalwart was a useful servant when fullbacks were hard to come by, but his days in the dark blue must surely be numbered. Impressive results such as defeating the French home and away in the last campaign were built upon a solid defence and a stifling game plan that kept the opposition at bay. So losing a goal so early in the game will have been a hammer blow to our chances. Shocking defending again from Dutch delivery from out wide, this time a corner, effectively sealed the 3 points for Bert van Marwijk�s side. Darren Fletcher allowing Van Persie a free run and header past the stranded McGregor from point blank rage. A thumping Gary Caldwell would halved the deficit, but the French referee (suspended by his own association for poor performance) erroneously ruled out the goal. Almost immediately the Dutch were at the other end and Berra crudely chopped down Huntelaar in the box, before Kuyt put the final nail in the coffin from 12 yards. We will always wonder what might have been had the referee not imagined an infringement when Caldwell towered above the Dutch defence to score, but the truth is Holland were well worth the 3 points and we must instead look ahead to Iceland tomorrow. Alan McGregor did little wrong and had little chance with the Holland gaols and should retain his place in goal with first choice Craig Gordon not playing regular club football. Alan Hutton finished the game at right back and is one of the few players of genuine quality in the Scotland ranks. If Scotland are to retain hope of 2nd place, Burley has to gamble upon the Spurs� fullback�s fitness. McManus is expected to be fit again and will likely return at centre back beside club mate Caldwell for the visit of Iceland. Despite Berra�s rash challenge at the third I feel that may be a little harsh given the Celtic captain�s form this season, but Burley will rely on his greater experience. Naysmith will likely retain the left back spot, largely due to a lack of competition, however he cannot allow dangerous crosses to be fired in as easily as Holland managed at their second goal. This is the part where the match previewer has to read the tea leaves and try to second guess the manager. Will he stick with 4-5-1 or will he try a more adventurous outlook. Whilst watching Miller undertake a thankless task was not unexpected and the right call against the third ranked team in the world. However if we are to achieve second place these are the game we should be looking to win, so a bolder 4-4-2 should be the way forward. After a cynical challenge by De Jong, Ferguson failed to live with the company with which he is so usually comfortable amongst. One wonders if that was the Dutch team�s intentions all along. The captain will be looking for a more commanding display in the engine room at Hampden. Manchester United star Fletcher is still struggling to reproduce club form on the national stage, he too will have something to prove when he takes to the field beside his captain. Gary Teale flitted between both wings on Saturday, but never really produced a telling contribution. I would start the industrious Scot Brown on the right of midfield. His combative style can upset his opponents, but his lack of positional sense and poor distribution would make him a liability when playing as part of only a central pair. On Saturday we were afforded the luxury of Brown in a central role with the craft and ability of Fletcher and Ferguson. However, with the midfield reduced to four we need greater discipline that his team mates will provide. Ross McCormack, one of the few Scotland players to emerge with much credit on Saturday would ideally play upfront after his encouraging attacking display. However, the previously mentioned injury situation may force Burley into deploying the diminutive hitman on the left. Miller had a thankless task as the lone striker and had we been able to deploy McCormack upfront I would have given the no doubt fatigued forward a rest. Unfortunately, the lack of depth in the squad means Miller should retain his place, with substitute Steven Fletcher a likely partner. The Hibs front man showed some glimmers of promise against the Dutch and should find chances easier to come by against our group 9 rivals. A 2-1 victory in Reykjavik, our solitary success so far, should give the team confidence ahead of tomorrow�s tie. Iceland, tied with Scotland in second on 4 points, are also desperate for the points, and a repeat score line is paramount if we are to harbour expectations of World Cup Qualification. The team are capable, the only question is will they produce the goods. Prediction 2-0. 0 Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Frankie 8,150 Posted March 31, 2009 Share Posted March 31, 2009 Yeah, I think that sounds like the probable team. Iwelumo may come in for Miller but I think he'll go with the Rangers man and Fletcher up front. Midfield is where the game will be won or lost. Ferguson, Fletcher and Brown must all do more in an attacking sense with McCormack expected to do the creative work - especially from set-plays. I think we'll win but we'll have to be on the top of our game to do so. 0 Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
ian1964 10,411 Posted March 31, 2009 Share Posted March 31, 2009 Is this game on sky ? 0 Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Frankie 8,150 Posted March 31, 2009 Share Posted March 31, 2009 Aye, Sky Sports 2 IIRC mate... Means we may have to go the pub. What a shame. 0 Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
ian1964 10,411 Posted March 31, 2009 Share Posted March 31, 2009 Aye, Sky Sports 2 IIRC mate... Means we may have to go the pub. What a shame. Ah well it's got to be done , I thought you didn't care too much for the international scene 0 Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Frankie 8,150 Posted March 31, 2009 Share Posted March 31, 2009 I don't. But I do care for the pub scene... Only a couple for me though - too close to due date to get p!ssed... Store Club or elsewhere? 0 Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
ian1964 10,411 Posted March 31, 2009 Share Posted March 31, 2009 I don't. But I do care for the pub scene... Only a couple for me though - too close to due date to get p!ssed... Store Club or elsewhere? Store club will do 0 Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Frankie 8,150 Posted March 31, 2009 Share Posted March 31, 2009 I guess the back of 7 will be ideal; might be busy. 0 Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Super_Ally 0 Posted March 31, 2009 Author Share Posted March 31, 2009 On Setanta news, Alexander definitely out with Hutton expected to start. Good new imo, harsh as that sounds. McManus suffered a reaction in training, not sure if he'll play. No great loss imo. Berra might have cocked up for the 3rd, but McManus is an accident waiting to happen all season. Edit: Forgot to add Iwelumo carrying a knock. 0 Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Frankie 8,150 Posted March 31, 2009 Share Posted March 31, 2009 Good, Alexander is pap and I'd prefer Berra over McManus. Iwelumo may have been a decent bet up front but Fletcher did OK when he came on the other night. 0 Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
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