Amazing isn't it. Well, it would be if we didn't know any better regarding how it works in Scotland. A few of us were discussing this yesterday and it's bordering on preposterous that he can be so close to a Scotland call-up after only 7 games for Celtic. He has looked good in those matches but to simply bypass other players in his position, such as Lee Wallace, is a slap in the face to these guys and does nothing to help foster team spirit.
Yeah, in principle i don't have a problem with him playing for Scotland (although qualifying through your grandparents does grate a little bit), it's just like you say far too early for him to be involved in the National set up when there are far more deserving players (at this moment in time) ahead of him. I thought Steven Whittaker played quite well at LB on Saturday, although i'm not entirely sold yet as he can be a little haphazard defensively.
I agree. I also agree that defensively, he worries me. He can be a bit of a bomb scare as a full back but, he performed well on Saturday. I thought him and Maloney linked up very well at times down our left hand side.
I love how people like Paul Dickov keep bringing up Scotland's 1-0 win over The Netherlands which happened SIX YEARS AGO! I mean, Portugal reached the Euro final in 2004 and now they are on the fringe of not reaching the World Cup. Look at the team Holland put on the pitch then: Edwin van der Sar (retired from International football) André Ooijer (still active, but old), Jaap Stam (retired) - Frank de Boer (Cap) (retired) Giovanni van Bronckhorst (still Holland's LB)(Clarence Seedorf 46) Phillip Cocu (retired) Andy van der Meyde (ruined his career) Edgar Davids (retired) (Rafael van der Vaart 60, was just coming up), Ruud van Nistelrooij (retired from int. footy) Patrick Kluivert (retired) (Roy Makaay 76, old) Marc Overmars (retired)Team likely to face Scotland tomorrow: Maarten Stekelenburg (wasn't active in Dutch squad in 2003) John Heitinga (wasn't active in Dutch squad in 2003) Andre Ooijer (was active) Joris Mathijsen (wasn't active in Dutch squad in 2003) Gio (was active) Nigel de Jong (wasn't active in Dutch squad in 2003) Demy de Zeeuw (wasn't active in Dutch squad in 2003) Arjen Robben (debuted in 2003) Robin van Persie (wasn't active in Dutch squad in 2003) Wesley Sneijder (was active, but one of his first caps was when Oranje beat Scotland 6-0) Dirk Kuyt (wasn't active in Dutch squad in 2003) Not to mention guys like Babel, Huntelaar and Van der Wiel. The media needs to stop bringing up that silly game. On the one hand I would like to see Oranje do well ofcourse, but I'd to see Scotland featured in SA Good luck.
It's much to do with my belief that Norway are the most negative football side in the universe. The thought of them potentially making it to the world cup sickens me, I'd much rather see Scotland there. Plus it won't hurt to see our players brought down to planet earth.
I think the point of bringing up these things is to remind people that it can be done in a one-off game. The team we had back then was quite a bit worse than we are right now IMO but you still have people in Scotland completely writing off our chances of getting a win. It's ridiculous.
I'm with you on this. Which makes it all the more worrying to still be hearing reports that he might not be fit to take his place between the sticks tomorrow. Holland are going to create chances. No doubt about that. I'd be a much happier bunny knowing Craig Gordon was our last line of defense.
Realistically Holland will beat Scotland nine out of ten times. But ever since Holland qualified the players have had motivation problems. And a badly motivated Holland side can be beaten by anyone.
Let's not go mental eh? Since I've been supporting Scotland, our record against Holland reads (W-1, D-1, L-2).
Yeh but I still think realistically the Dutch should beat the Scots nine out of ten times. Simply because of the quality in the squad. They don't always, but they should.
What Erwin said. Some of our players think they're all that and are in the habit of underestimating (i.e. disrespecting) opponents.
Confirmed team for tonight Gordon Hutton Weir McManus Whittaker Hartley Naismith Brown Fletcher Maloney Miller
Craig Gordon's out apparently and David Marshall will start in goals. That's a pretty devastating blow IMO.
I was about to say that the above team was looking pretty good. Caldwell has no right to walk straight back in as he's been indifferent for us so far this season and the fact that Alexander has been removed is a big bonus. Naismith one side and Maloney the other should give us enough width and give the Dutch plenty to think about on the flanks, and then... you go and pull the carpet from under our feet with that bombshell! If Gordon is indeed out, then I think it's fair to say we'll need to score twice at least if we have any hopes of taking three points tonight.
It's all over now. Pity. Haven't seen the game, did your guys have scoring opportunities to get the crucial 3 points before the late 0:1?
Just read about Scotlands WC Dream being over, its a shame that u guys lost and in that minute too, especially against a team who is already qualified and at home http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/internationals/8240464.stm