Sports Babble - sports forum

Full Version: Scotland v Israel, Sat 9 October
You're currently viewing a stripped down version of our content. View the full version with proper formatting.
Pages: 1 2
This is one of the most important World Cup fixtures Scotland will be taking on in such a long time of continued failure. The scene is set for a major confrontation v Israel in front of a sold-out Hampden crowd that will be hoping Scotland have finally "turned the corner" v Austria to give us a reasonable chance to qualify for the Quatar World Cup next year. Here's hoping Steve Clarke chooses the best team to take on a "stuffy" Israel side that normally plays out a tight match against us - the past stats v them don't lie!! Lets play our best in form strikers and attacking mid players as well as ensuring we "keep the back door shut". C'mon Scotland - history beckons!!
We have to win these 2 ties. If we can then a play off slot is likely, but as always with Scotland you don't ever want to get too far ahead of yourself.
Aye! One game at a time Jim. But this one is so full of hi-pressure and expectancy to win v a dangerous team with a couple of decent strikers. I believe Scotland are a better team and base that view on the games v Denmark when they were thoroughly outclassed and thrashed by the Danes. IMO we were much closer to their level.
It's bound to be a tight, edgy game and the rewards are clear for both teams. If we win, then we must go forward as favourites to be second in the group. Unfortunately, "favourites" and "Scotland" are strange bedfellows, as that's when things often go wrong. We are good enough to win and must be aware of the dangers, as well as clinical in our application.
Stuart Armstrong called up to the Scotland squad by Steve Clarke? Never played a game for Southampton this season btw. I think he has had a number of niggly injuries from midsummer onwards. At least he'll be "fresh" if brought on to compete on the pitch! Rolleyes
I'd luv to see Scotland win well tonight for a change and show a bit of real ambition instead of the expected caution in games that we never score more than two goals. Looks like a shit rainy occasion tonight. Just hope it recedes a tad - wanna have decent conditions if poss.

My team choice would be:-
Gordon, Paterson, Hendry, Cooper, Robertson, Gilmour, McTominay, Tierney, McGinn, Adams, Dykes

Hanley missing/suspended and he was our best defender IMO. That is a concern TBH! That defensive "tweak" will be a big decision for Steve Clarke; same goes for choosing Paterson or O'Donnell (more experience defensively). C'mon Scotland!!
You aren't far off mate......But stevie has opted for Mcgregor instead of cooper - presumably because he and gilmour worked well together.

Adams and Dykes are going to have to really come up with the goods today.
I'm guessing he's opting for three at the back with McTominay either "slotting in" on occasions or playing an "anchor role" in front of the three. Agreed re Dykes and Adams - the "acid test" finally arrives and they'd better deliver tonight or deemed failures. It would be good if Nisbet came on and scored a goal - a good sign of positive progress.
Dreadful start - Patterson gives it away, hendry concedes a silly foul and zahavi scores a fine free kick. Gordon possibly could have done better.....on 2nd view possibly the wall could have been too.

YAAASSSSSSSSSSSS.

Great team goal and finish from SJM.

1-2 another shocker from a set piece.....suspicions of hand ball from the israelis.
And to cap it all off a missed pk from that donkey dykes.....who played the israelis onside with their second too.

Massive improvement required 2nd half.
2-2 going into the closing stages......
Pages: 1 2