Scott Brown slotted home from a Barry Robson header in 62 minutes and it was enough to record a rare friendly victory for Scotland. Earlier Vaclav Sverkos had several shots saved by Craig Gordon and Graeme Dorrans cleared a shot of the Scotland goal line in a game that was largely dominated by the Czech’s.

Scott Brown is congratulated by team-mates

The game was a night of firsts; the first game for new manager of Scotland, Craig Levein, a first game back for striker Kris Boyd and the first game for Scotland in their new Adidas strip.

Levein started with a conservative 4-5-1 line-up. A defence quartet of Alan Hutton, Gary Caldwell, Andy Webster and Lee Wallace was chosen at the back while in midfield, Darren Fletcher(captain), Scott Brown, Kevin Thomson and Barry Robson were to flood the midfield, leaving Kenny Miller as the sole attacker (James McFadden failed a late fitness test).

It was the Czech’s that started the more spritely and in the first 20 minutes chances from Plasil and Sverkos were squandered or thwarted by an in-form Gordon. The Scots looked reluctant in the first half inviting the Czech’s to attack through Arsenal’s Thomas Rosicky but in the main the defence looked solid if not confident.
Andy Webster seemed to link up well with new partner at central defence ,Gary Caldwell, and as the half wore on Scotland started to gather momentum and gel as a team with Dorran’s linking well with Robson on one or two occasions. Near the end of the half Scotland produced their first real chance when a Robson free-kick was well saved by Czech keeper Drozny.

After the break Levein chose to swap Andy Webster for Christophe Berra and Kevin Thomson for Paul Hartley without changing shape to the team. However the changes did little to alter the Czech dominance and they continued test Gordon mainly from distance, with Rosicky laying on several chances.

Despite this it was Scotland who took the lead against the run of play. Lee Wallace crossed high to the back post where Barry Robson did well to nod back to an unmarked Scott Brown who converted from 10 yards. Brown’s delight was stark contrast to his despair from last week’s Old Firm match where he was red carded.

Levein and Brown

In the end the introduction of Kris Boyd for Kenny Miller was the only matter to discuss. To many Boyd had previously turned his back on Scotland and his re-introduction to the national team was not universally welcomed.
However, any boo’s of discontent were drowned out from a largely rapturous applause. Indeed Boyd could have thanked the supporters in the perfect way but a late goal was unfairly chopped off by the referee.

The final whistle brought a welcome victory for the long suffering Tartan Army and Craig Levein was similarlydelighted with the result later saying ;
“The signs are encouraging, but I’m not kidding myself on, we have a long way to go,we have a group of players who are capable of playing in a certain manner that will allow us to win games.
“I’m really pleased with the result, delighted with the response I got this week from the players.”

A delighted Craig Levein

It has to be said that there now seems to exist a quiet optimism in regards to Scotland chances and this result can only strengthen the confidence levels within the squad and supporters. The more pragmatic and sensible approach alike favoured by previous managers Alex McLeish and Walter Smith seems to be the how Levein is planning Scotland’s approach to games. Far removed from the more daring and foolhardy tactics of Burley and Vogts.

The iconic “Three stripes” was last worn on international duty by such players as Kenny Dalglish, Joe Jordan and Denis Law lets hope that our current crop of players can emulate these former greats.

The new long sleeve tops are simple in design keeping the famous dark blue and sport the Scotland crest at the heart and emboldened large across the chest. The shirts are similar to recent Diadora and Umbro tops but have the adidas white stripes down the arms and the neck is rounded. The socks are kept in the traditional red and the shorts are long and white.

The new kit was modeled by captain Darren Fletcher,James McFadden and Gary Caldwell. Scotland No.1 Craig Gordon displayed the new keepers kit which is essentially the same as the outfield kit but in light blue.

The kits first use on duty will come against the Czech Republic at Hampden on Wednesday.

Qualification for major tournaments is a faded memory for many Scottish supporters, not since France 1998 have we graced the higher echelons of football competition. From 1974 -1990 the Scots qualified for every World Cup and attended the European Championships in 1992 and 1996. In contrast he last 12 years have been very lean.
Last week’s draw was neither kind nor cruel more a reflection of how far we have fallen from the International scene.

Spain are the groups clear favourites. Currently ranked 1st in the World and holders of the European Championship trophy they boast a spine of Barcelona galactico’s and the best stars from La Liga and the English Premiership. Any points gained from these matches would be a bonus if not a miracle. However, remember Paris?

The Czech Republic are our main competitors for 2nd place. They no longer have the likes of Poborsky or Neved and seem also to be in a transitional phase having also failed to qualify for the world cup. Despite this, they are a strong team and capable of defeating the higher ranked European nations. A friendly between Scotland and the Czech’s in March should give a clearer indication on the merits and strengths of both teams.

Again, Lithuania have been grouped with Scotland in a qualification campaign, for the 4th time a row so they should hold no surprises. Also a fair number of players have played in Scotland given that Hearts director, Vladimir Romanov hails from the former Soviet state. However Scotland’s results in these areas of Europe have been mixed of late.

Liechtenstein on paper are the whipping boys of the group however such hubris is a fatal mistake in regards to Scotland. No matter if we cannot acquire full points against the European minnows we may as well forget all.

The fixtures are as well as can be hoped. Getting 6 points on board in the first two matches against the “lesser” teams may inspire confidence and properly prepare the team for sterner tests against the Czechs and Spanish respectively. The double header against the Czechs and Lithuanians at Hampden in September will have a major bearing on successful qualification.

The last game against Spain in the Bernebau?
Well let’s hope they have already qualified by then and Sapin field a team of un-tested youths.

Scotland fixtures
2010
Friday 3 September – Lithuania (away)
Tuesday 7 September – Liechtenstein (home)
Friday 8 October – Czech Republic (away)
Tuesday 12 October – Spain (home)
2011
Saturday 3 September – Czech Republic (home)
Tuesday 6 September – Lithuania (home)
Saturday 8 October – Liechtenstein (away)
Tuesday 11 October – Spain (away)

The two Scottish giants have held a monopoly over the Scottish league titles since the days of Alex Fergusons Aberdeen and Jim McLeans Dundee United in the 1980,s. As a result the every Glasgow Derby has a major saying on the route of the years title.

This time round it was a 1-1 draw at Celtic Park with Rangers stealing an ill-deserved point courtesy of a Lee McCulloch header in the last 5 minutes.  Scott McDonald had previously put the home team ahead.

The Old Derby Firm is a fervont occasion with the atmosphere often over-boiling. Unlike many other Derbies however there remains a dark aspect in respect to sectarianism (Rangers are regarded by many as the Protestant/ British Unionist team and Celtic have a strong historical Catholic and Irish link). Fortunatley this ugly side is slowly dissapating but despite good work from both clubs a core of bigots remain.

It is undeniable that this element contributes to the occasion. However the banter can often turn to hatred and violence, the rise in Glasgow hospital admissions on a derby night are testament to this.

Scottish football is currently in the doldrums. The national team has just failed, again to qualify for a major tournament, the smaller Scottish teams performed terribly in Europe and Celtic and Rangers have been dissapointing in recent Euro ties. A lack of funds in these tight financial times have had a huge effect and also the Football Association is being run by incabable fools.

The Old Firm Derby is the jewel in the crown of Scottish Football however both clubs harbour intencions to move south to the Premiership-realistic or not. It can be argued that the loss of Celtic and Rangers would benefit the other Scottish teams in regard to winning honours however there would be a detrimental financial effect.

In my opinion the Old Firm derby is on of the top five derbies in the world (Real vs Barca, Galtasaray vs Fernabache are not strictly derbies, not existing in the same city). You should try to catch the next one.

Boozegate, Boyd, Iwelumo miss, Norway hammering and Burley contributed to yet another major, tournament qualification failure. Not since 1998 in France have our national team graced a greater stage than the Kirin cup.

But we have a new man reigns in Craig Levien and optimism springs eternal. Not exactly. There is a cold hard pragmatism shared by the fans and media.

The message is clear “New man, same team”.

While the great and good ready themselves for South Africa we will have to do with the European Championship draw in February. I can hardly wait.Yawn.

The best case scenario for me would be a splattering of 3^rd rate Euro teams alike Luxembourg, Cyprus etc , a half decent team alike Belgium or Switzerland and, wait for it……………England.

The English are a far better team on paper with players alike Rooney, Lampard and Gerrard but only matches against The Auld Enemy can bolster and unite the nation. We would be picked apart at Wembley and may draw at home but we would surely raise our game against our nieghbours and use this passion against the other teams.

The last time Scotland played England Don Hutchison rose above the English defence to header the winner past Dave Seaman. Unfortunately it was not enough to ensure qualification as England beat Scotland 2-0 at Hampden 3 days before. It is the closest we have come to qualification since.

“I don’t hate the English, their just wankers” said Ewan McGregor in Trainspotting.

Well I don’t hate the English nor think they are wankers. I would like to see them do well in South Africa, but not win it, Jesus that would be too much to bare.

I can remember the old home internationals and the Rous Cup and it is criminal that these matches were allowed to lapse into obscurity. Now instead we meaningless friendlies against Slovenia, USA and Australia in half empty stadiums with under strength, experimental teams.

So I’m crossing my fingers for England to be drawn in our group. Hopefully by that time they will have a new manager, as Capello has resigned after another quarter final exit to Germany or Portugal.

Levein, 45, who begins his role with immediate effect, had been the bookies favourite to succeed former boss George Burley, who was sacked last month after failing to qualify for the World Cup in South Africa.

Flanked by SFA chief executive Gordon Smith and President George Peat, Levein was clearly overjoyed at the appointment and said :

“As a proud Scotland fan, it is a dream come true to take charge of the national team.
I very much enjoyed my time at Dundee United, and would like to thank the players, backroom staff, supporters, directors and chairman.”

Explaining his decision he also added: “I felt that this was an opportunity that I couldn’t pass up.

“I was delighted to put pen to paper today, and now I can’t wait to get started, as we prepare for the Euro 2012 qualifying campaign.”

As a player Levein represented Scotland 16 times and had a successful club career playing mainly with Hearts. After injury brought an end to his career he moved into management with Cowdenbeath, Hearts, Leicester City, Raith Rovers and latterly with Dundee United where he has transformed the club.

The press conference was delayed due to the bad weather conditions in Scotland but the news had already been leaked days before. However, the Press Conference went a lot more smoothly than Burleys appointment announcement where Gordon Smith needlessly bossed the conference.

Smith was in an ebullient mood saying:

“Craig brings a wealth of experience as a player – including 16 international caps for Scotland – and as a coach.

“He has established a firm reputation as one of the most respected managers in the country and has already expressed his excitement at leading Scotland into the qualification campaign for Euro 2012 and beyond.
“I am sure the players, the Scotland supporters and media will share his ambitions and I urge the whole country to get behind the new manager in the collective aim to return to a major championship finals.”

Levein is believed to have signed a 2 and a half year contract with aim to qualify for the 2012 European Championships in Poland/Ukraine. It is widely recognized to be a tough job given the poor playing resources and severe restraints upon the national game.

Dundee United will be compensated around £250,000 from the SFA and Levein’s assistant will take control of the United team for the foreseeable future.

Scotland’s New Manager

All three have been noticeable absentees during Scotland’s ill-fated World Cup qualification campaign.

Currently Kris Boyd is the Scottish Premier League (SPL) top scorer and is a few goals away from taking over Henrik Larsson as the all time SPL top goal scorer. All though never as creative or skill-full as the Swedish hitman, Boyd is a proven, predator who given the chance scores goals a plenty. He is a commodity that Scotland can ill-afford to ignore. Even at International level he has scored seven goals in fifteen appearances.

However, his self-imposed exclusion from the national team does not sit well with many, including the majority of the Tartan Army. His decision not to play under George Burley can be viewed as an act of childish, impetuousness or a rightful, response to the national managers mis-management and bungling.

He has either turned his back on his country or reacted to a slap in the face. Either way his main gripe was with Burley and not the country a view many seem unable to separate.

As the new manager Levein may choose to wipe the slate clean and welcome him back into the fold. Viewed as thoughtful and intelligent the former Dundee United manager has the benefit of starting from scratch and can evaluate and choose on his opinion rather than the bleating from the tartan clad masses.

If Boyd starts to bang in goals that contribute to the nations eventual qualification for a major tournament only the most embittered nationalist would still begrudge his re-inclusion.

The Boozegate duo seem to be a more straightforward matter.

Barry Ferguson is enjoying an Indian summer for Birmingham in the Premiership since leaving Rangers. Lauded by blues fans and manager, Alex McLeish he seems to have grabbed his last chance on the biggest stage and is enjoying his role in the heart of Birmingham’s midfield.

Ferguson is doing the business in Birmingham

The former national captain has been missed by Scotland and re-inclusion would benefit Scotland, at least in the short term.

Alan McGregor is still young and has cemented the no.1 spot as his own at Ibrox. He is a championship winner and now has plenty of Champions League experience. Even if welcomed back into the fold however he shall still only be deputy to Sunderland’s, Craig Gordon.

Both were guilty of crass stupidity and of a lack of respect towards their manager and fans. The childish V signs to the match photographers compounded the previous nights late night booze binge.

The decision to ban them from all future International matches was touted as Burleys alone but many viewed it as the will of the Scottish Football Association (SFA) cronies Peat and Smith.

Both have intimated their desire at least to be considered for Scotland under new management despite also feeling insulted by the amateurish actions of the SFA .

It seems now that all is forgiven and the new boss will have carte blanch to decide as he wishes and bring in who he wants.

Such is the dearth of available talent to Levein he may not have the decision to make. The errant school boys have had their punishment and must be re-included. Scottish Football at a national level is as low as it’s ever been and not many teams can afford to banish their best players due to personal conflicts and shakey relationships.

This game was the 104th time the two countries had met, and for Scotland it was a game to forget. George Burley men did have the better of the game in the first ten minutes; however it was Wales who had the first chance. Sam Ricketts cross drifted in towards the goalkeeper and it needed a save by David Marshall, who just about tipped the ball over the crossbar.

In the early stages the Scots dominated play began to show, as both James McFadden and Kenny Miller had shots at goal early on, however neither of the two shots found the net.

Around the ten minute mark Scotland should have had a goal, Wales defender Gareth Bale slipped and resulting in the mistake, the Scots pounced on the ball, however Scotland couldn’t capitalise on Bale’s mistake, as Wales were able to clear their lines. A minute later it was the Home side on the attack, however two crosses were well cleared by the Scottish defence, as Wales began to get a foot hold in the game.

In the 16th minute it was Wales who found the breakthrough. It was a brilliant piece of play by Sam Ricketts on the right wing, as he laid it off to youngster Aaron Ramsey who delivered a decent ball, as midfielder David Edwards latched onto the cross as his bicycle style shot found the net, Wales 1-0 Scotland.

Scotland looked hesitant in midfield as scrappy passes were lost with ease. On the other hand, they did have another chance to find the net. Graham Dorrans decided to cut in from the left wing and fire a shot at goal; however his resulting shot was blocked by his own team mate Steven Naismith. Around the 20th minute the game began to fade, as both teams kept the ball well in the centre of the field.

The next opportunity came in the 26th minute. Scotland debutant Danny Fox delivered a teasing cross, which was defended excellently by Wales’s defender Lewin Nyatanga. However Wales scored another just past the half hour mark, as Aaron Ramsey passed the ball to Joe Ledley, who crossed the ball into the six yard box, as Simon Church of Reading was first to the ball, as the poked home for 2-0.

About five minutes later, Wales expanded their lead to three. Aaron Ramsey again was involved as his mazy run and skill, was ended off in a calm finish which ended up in the back of the net, Wales 3-0 Scotland.

The game went quiet as the last piece of action came in the favour of Wales. Ched Evans curled a shot on target however Scotland keeper David Marshall made the save. The referee then decided to call time on the first half, as George Burley and his Scotland players were some what shocked at the half time result, as Wales went into the dressing rooms three goals up.

The second half kicked off, as the first real chance fell into the path of Wales. Sam Vokes was clear through on goal, as the Scottish keeper David Marshall, ran out of his box and seemed to handle outside the area. The referee did give a free-kick in favour of Wales; however he only gave the Scotland goalkeeper a yellow card.

Scotland first chance came in the 53rd minute, James McFadden free kick was in goal scoring range; however his poor free kick was blocked by the Welsh wall. Soon after the opportunity, the Scots decided to change the team around; Lee Wallace and Steven Fletcher entered the fray, as Danny Fox and Kenny Miller were taken off.

The game seemed to calm down, as substitutions seemed to affect the run of the game. Scotland decided to change another two players, as Kevin Kyle and Ross McCormack came on, and James McFadden and Steven Naismith were taken off.

Wales did have the next real opportunity, as the scorer of Wales’s first goal David Edwards, fired his long range shot over the bar. After that Scotland had a very frustrating period, as Wales kept possession for around a five minute spell.

Half an hour left and Scotland had another chance from a set piece. Ross McCormack free kick was in range of the net, however it was yet another poor free kick from Scotland, as McCormack blazed the set piece over. A minute after Barry Robson came on for West Brom midfielder Graham Dorrans.

Scotland seemed to be creating chances, but the midfield was delivering hopeless balls up to their target man Kevin Kyle. The Scots decided to use up their final substitution as Derek Riordan entered the field in place of Don Cowie.

With ten minutes left Scotland started to create chances, Ross McCormack chip was well saved by Wayne Hennessey in the Wales goal. Derek Riordan then had another chance for Scotland, as he decided to cut inside on his right foot, but his shot was well saved by the on form Hennessey. Five minutes remaining and Scotland should have scored a consolation goal, Kevin Kyle bullet header, was tremendously saved by Wayne Hennessey.

The game then went quiet as Wales slowed the game down with possession and substitutions. The referee then called time on the game, as Scotland finished up being humiliated by Wales.

Man Of The Match
I could name about five Wales players who all deserved the man of the match award. However I am concentrating on Scotland, and to be honest there weren’t many players who deserved credit. The substitutions did make a slight difference though, so I would give Ross McCormack the man of the match award for Scotland.

Scotland manager George Burley made a number of changes for the Far East friendly after ten players withdrew from the squad – prompting anger from their opponents – but took a number of positives away from the defeat, sealed by two late strikes in front of 72,377 fans at Yokohama’s International Stadium.

Four players were handed international debuts by Burley after the spate of late withdrawls, with Stephen McManus handed the captain’s armband, and they were on the back foot almost instantly when the home side had two good opportunities within the first ten minutes of the game.

Captain: Celtic’s Stephen McManus

First, right-back Atsuto Uchida threatened the Scottish defence with a dangerous cross after finding himself in acres of space, forcing Steven Whittaker to head behind after just three minutes, and Keisuke Honda hit a speculative 35-yard effort just three minutes later which barely troubled Scotland goalkeeper Craig Gordon.

Japan’s superior movement and range of passing continued to trouble Scotland, but it wasn’t until ten minutes before half-time that they had their best opportunity of the first half.

Shunsuke Nakamura, well known to Scottish supporters from his time at Celtic, could only hit the side netting of Gordon’s goal after he was played through by Honda.

Chance: Ex-Celtic man Nakamura

Burley introduced two fresh faces at half time, sending on Don Cowie and Steven Fletcher at the expense of Kenny Miller and Ross Wallace, and the changes gave the visitors fresh impetus as they began to establish a foothold in the game. Japan struggled to exert their authority as they had in the first half, but were boosted ten minutes into the second half when Takayuki Morimoto was handed a long-awaited senior debut as a substitute.

Morimoto, who plays for Calcio Catania in Serie A, once attracted the attention of Manchester United and has been described by AC Milan and Brazil striker Alexandre Pato as ‘the best young player in Serie A’, and has also drawn comparisons with Brazilian legend Ronaldo.

At times Craig Gordon’s goal led a charmed life, and the Sunderland goalkeeper was a relieved man just after the hour mark when he parried a free-kick from Honda, only to see Uchida hit the follow up wide of his goal. With 17 minutes left it was Gordon’s opposite number Eiji Kawashima who was the hero, saving well with his legs after being left one-on-one with Burnley striker Fletcher.

Japan finally made their dominance pay on 83 minutes, going ahead through an own-goal from the otherwise-excellent Christophe Berra. The Wolves defender cut out a dangerous cross, but could only divert the ball past Gordon and into his own goal.

Own goal: Christophe Berra

Japan then sealed the victory through Honda, who tucked the ball past Gordon with aplomb after the ball fell to him inside the penalty area.

Japan: Kawashima, Iwamasa, Uchida, Abe, Hashimoto, Inamoto, Konno, Kengo Nakamura, Ishikawa, Honda, Maeda.
Subs: Yamamoto, Komano, Tanaka, Endo, Matsui, Shunsuke Nakamura, Sato, Okubo, Tokunaga, Iwashita, Morimoto.

Scotland: Gordon, Berra, Caldwell, McManus, Whittaker, Lee Wallace, Adam, Dorrans, Ross Wallace, Conway, Miller.
Subs: Marshall, Hughes, Fletcher, Barr, Riordan, Cowie, Langfield.

Referee: Sang Woo Kim (Korea Republic)

Scotland kept their dreams of World Cup football alive with a vital win over minnows Macedonia – which also relieved some of the pressure building upon manager, George Burley.

And the under-fire Scotland boss has James McFadden to thank for his stay of execution in the post – after the midfielder he axed after the embarassment in Norway returned to fire his country to glory.

The Birmingham City man picked the ball up in the centre circle and only stopped running after his wild celebrations. He nutmegged Goce Sedloski, rounded goalkeeper Jane Nikoloski and slotted the ball into the vacant net, sparking comparisons with one of George Best’s weaving wonders.

Best’s son, Calum, was present at Hampden Park, and watching McFadden’s mesmerizing 60-yard run must have evoked strong memories of his late father.

But McFadden’s wondergoal was underserving of comparisons from yesteryear. It deserved praise of its own – a rare high point in a qualifying campaign equally as beset with lows as it is littered with highs.

James McFadden: Elation to agony

How cruel it would be for McFadden himself, if he was to watch helplessly from the stands as Scottish hearts were broken; in almost exact comparison to the elation which gripped Hampden Park when the ball casually left McFadden’s boot and nestled in the back of Nikoloski’s net.

And, true to form, a spectacular low point duly arrived in the shape of a yellow card for McFadden, which rules him out of Scotland’s crucial clash against Holland tonight. Victory against the Group Nine winners must now be achieved without their talisman if Scotland are to harbour any hopes of making the plane for South Africa next year.

How they needed their talismanic forward against Macedonia. Scotland were dull – and showed no signs of overcoming their lowly opponents. Burley frequently shuffled his pack in the hope of finding a breakthrough, but he owed much to the brilliance of his goalkeeper Craig Gordon as he denied Goran Pandev three times, with three top-drawer saves.

It took until injury time at the end of the first half, however, for the game to explode into life. Celtic midfielder Scott Brown enranged the visitors by booting a drop ball off the legs of Igor Mitreseki to win a corner, and had to be protected by the referee as half-a-dozen players confronted him.

McFadden picked up his potentially costly booking in the ensuing melee, but it certainly fired up Burley at the half-time break and Scotland came out flying in the second period.

They waited just 11 minutes for that elusive breakthrough to come; and what a goal it was – especially for Brown, his first for his country.

After a wonderful move involving six players, Burnley striker Steve Fletcher crossed for his former Hibernian team-mate Brown to glance a header past Nikoloski and just inside the far post. 

Eyes on the ball: Scott Brown

Far from wanting to protect their lead, however, Burley’s men continued to press their advantage as they looked to avenge last year’s 1-0 reverse in Skopje. 

The ghosts of Oslo, when Scotland were demolished 4-0 by a rampant Norway, were suddenly banished as Kenny Miller, McFadden and subs Steven Whittaker and Shaun Maloney all went close to doubling the lead.

But with Gordon still in business at the other end of the field, Scotland knew that they needed the safety net of a second goal. 

Scotland prayed; McFadden answered.

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His six-yard finish may have lacked the audacity of some of his longer-range Scotland goals; but no-one yet knows just how vital this one was.