By Alessandro
Now, if you are Scottish how could two imporbable victories over France not have been enough to send Scotland to Euro 2008 held in Switzerland and Austria?
Losing twice to Italy that’s how.
Scotland didn’t beat Italy, France couldn’t beat Scotland and Italy didn’t beat France. When the music stopped, Italy and France were sitting on their chairs. Go figure.
The Scottish national team had a very good Euro 2008 qualification campaign. Was it a fluke? Judging by th quality ground game I saw from Scotland throughout the qualifiers I would say no. Marcello Lippi seems to be under the impression that Scotland is an up and coming soccer nation. In fact, for the past few weeks many Italian soccer analysts were perfectly aware of Scotland’s quality.
It all came downto the match against Italy held in Scotland.
The pitch was wet, the weather dreary and cold, the crowd’s energy boling hot. The recipe was just right for Scotland to take advantage of Italy.
But this is Italy. Make that World Champion Italy. They don’t cave easily. Nor does weather necessarily affect them as we have seen in the past.
And one minute in a slick pass from Antonion di Natale to Luca Toni and just like that Italy were up 1-0. Shortly after, Mauro Camoranesi shanked a ball upward in front of the net that would have put Italy ahead 2-0.
As fate had it, it remained 1-0 and Scotland gained their composure. Slowly they found their confidence and began to move the ball forward. The first half was filled with slippery conditions and sliding players but the quality of the game was not compromised not sloppy.
The half ended 1-0 in favour of the Azzurri.
The second half started well enough for Italy and eventually scored a second goal. Or so they thought. The goal was ruled offside. Upon further inspection, this was perhaps the wrong call as Antonio di Natale – who had a strong match – seemed to be onside.
So, potentially Scotland could have been down 3-0. Instead they were still in the hunt and they knew it. They began an onslaught towards the Italian defense. Normally surehanded and efficient, the Italians were on their heels. However, they did not panic.
Eventually, the Scots got their equalizer by the foot of Barry Ferguson who rebounded into the net a shot by Lee McCulloch that was stopped by Italian keeper Gianluigi Buffon. Interestingly, this reminded of the di Natale goal overturned earlier. Only this time a Scottish player was offiside.
No matter. It only added to the drama. It was 1-1.
Under the circumstances in the late stages of the game, a tie for Scotland was better than a loss. However, their fate would be in the hands of the Ukranians to beat France.
Then, a foul went against Scotland outside the penalty area and near half way between the corner kick spot and the goal. A very dangerous spot indeed. Andrea Pirlo’s subsequent cross found its way onto Christian Panucci’s head who just earlier missed a goal by inches.
The foul was controversial as Italy defender Chiellini bumped the Scottish player who suddenly slowed and turned his pace.
A tough conclusion to a wonderfully played match. Both sides played with class and resolve.
Scotland manager Alex McLeish, naturally, was upset by the call.
However, this is unfortunate rhetoric. Italy should have been up 2-0. One call went Scotland’s favour and one went Italy’s.
Such is the reality of the beautiful game.
Scotland will one change it’s tears to cheers I am sure. But for now, two of the world’s best squads still had just enough to get them to Euro 2008.
