Barcelona were back in Scotland last night. Now, no one can deny that the club is a glamorous, global sporting brand, packed with star players yada yada, but these visits are becoming more and more frequent. They spent part of the summer in St Andrews, after all, enjoying the benevolent climate and golf, before friendlies against Dundee Utd and Hearts, and claim they enjoyed themselves so much they'd like to do the trip again sometime soon. Much more of this and we'll all start to get a little bored with them.
Of course, Thierry Henry was in Scotland last Autumn, too, when France got beaten 1-0 by Scotland at Hampden. And on Tuesday night, as he stepped out onto the Ibrox turf, you can't help but wonder if he was concerned he was about to have another disappointing night in Glasgow. There were Lilian Thuram and Eric Abidal alongside him, as they were that night. He will have recognised Lee McCulloch, David Weir and Barry Ferguson in blue shirts (although of a lighter hue this time), and seen the familiar figure of Walter Smith in the home dug-out. You'd like to think he briefed his team mates on what they could expect. But if he did, it didn't work.
True to form, Smith set his team out to contain and frustrate, concentrate on not conceding and try to nick a goal if possible. Just like Scotland, Rangers defended very deep, living dangerously at times as they repelled attack after attack. Again, just like Scotland, they worked their socks off, and finished with a clean sheet. If anything, Henry had fewer chances than he did against Scotland. Substituted with 10 minutes to go, he had had another frustrating night.
Rangers were unable to score themselves, but they will be justifiably happy with their efforts. Barcelona had the bulk of the possession and the most chances, but failed to convert any of them. With 7 points from their first 3 games, Rangers are looking well placed to get through to the knock-out stages of the Champions League for the second time in three years. One more win could well be enough.
This is not just important in footballing terms, it's vital for the club's finances too. Rangers are heavily in debt and, by Smith's own admission, spent over budget this summer as they tried to close the gap with Celtic. That gamble has already paid off, with the income from getting to the group stages already helping to pay off the close season investment in McCulloch, Carlos Cuellar and others.
After two bleak, trophy-less years, Rangers look like they are on the road to recovery.
Tuesday, October 23, 2007
Sunday, October 21, 2007
Old Firm tied at the top of the SPL as Rangers beat Celtic again
Rangers won the first Old Firm clash of the season on Saturday, an impressive 3-0 win that puts the Old Firm level on points again at the top of the SPL. After two seasons of not mounting a decent challenge for the title, this season's battle already looks like it could go down to the wire.
Gordon Strachan admitted that Rangers deserved to win, and he will be used to it by now - since Walter Smith returned to Ibrox, they've won all three Old Firm clashes. To be fair, Celtic weren't helped by a nasty head injury to captain Stephen McManus, especially as Gary Caldwell is such an inferior defender. With the games now coming thick and fast, Celtic still need to learn how to stop conceding cheap goals or their season could unravel.
Elsewhere, Hibs' unbeaten start to the season was ended by impressive Motherwell, but John Collins praised his players for their performance: with Hibs only a point off the leaders, he claimed there is a "huge amount to feel positive about". Mark McGhee was naturally pleased with the win, but was also full of praise for Collins' passing football philosophy. These two teams are arguably the ones a neutral would choose to watch this season.
Hearts were undone by Dundee Utd, and Aberdeen beat ICT. Kilmarnock and Falkirk shared the points, while St Mirren beat Gretna to move away from the foot of the table.
Gordon Strachan admitted that Rangers deserved to win, and he will be used to it by now - since Walter Smith returned to Ibrox, they've won all three Old Firm clashes. To be fair, Celtic weren't helped by a nasty head injury to captain Stephen McManus, especially as Gary Caldwell is such an inferior defender. With the games now coming thick and fast, Celtic still need to learn how to stop conceding cheap goals or their season could unravel.
Elsewhere, Hibs' unbeaten start to the season was ended by impressive Motherwell, but John Collins praised his players for their performance: with Hibs only a point off the leaders, he claimed there is a "huge amount to feel positive about". Mark McGhee was naturally pleased with the win, but was also full of praise for Collins' passing football philosophy. These two teams are arguably the ones a neutral would choose to watch this season.
Hearts were undone by Dundee Utd, and Aberdeen beat ICT. Kilmarnock and Falkirk shared the points, while St Mirren beat Gretna to move away from the foot of the table.
Thursday, October 18, 2007
After a heroic campaign, it's now do or die for Scotland against Italy
After all that has gone before, including a double over France and an impressive trashing of Ukraine on Saturday, Scotland suffered their third defeat of the Euro 2008 qualifying campaign with a 2-0 loss away to Georgia.
Given the hightened expectations, this has somewhat predictably led to a mood of recrimination and bitter disappointment, with the Scotsman, for example, describing it as the "collapse" of the heroic run to next summer's competition. The Beeb's "expert analysts" (fortunately Alan Hansen managed to watch the game for once, as it didn't clash with England) all felt it was a poor performance. But Scotland, unlike England, still have their fate in their own hands. A victory over Italy at Hampden next month, irrespective of other results, and we will be back at the international top table after a decade of failure. If France lose against Ukraine (unlikely, but not impossible) then a point will do.
It wasn't an impressive display, that's for sure. But then, it wasn't an easy tie either, despite Georgia's own injury problems. With both first choice full-backs out, no Paul Hartley, Scott Brown or Lee McCulloch from midfield, and a half-fit Barry Ferguson and Darren Fletcher, it was a patched-up Scotland team, and this second game in 4 days was a step too far. The SFA's decision to debut a third choice maroon strip for this game may have had a small psychological effect, too, especially as Scotland could have played in the traditional dark blue jersey that reminds us all of fighting the English and "being a nation again".
It is absolutely critical that Scotland can field its best possible team in a month's time. And this is where the clubs can play their part - especially the Old Firm, who between them supply so many players to the national squad these days. Pray that there is no "club v country" posturing over the hamstrings of Scott Brown and Alan Hutton, and that Ferguson and Fletcher get the opportunity to get themselves match fit.
Celtic and Rangers may protest that they should only look after their best interests, and not be obliged to do Scotland any favours. Yet qualification for Euro 2008 would bring such benefits in terms of heightened prestige and profile for the Scottish game that it would have beneficial consequences for the Old Firm as well. Scottish football went through a long lean period, and next summer's competition could still herald our renewed strength. If the two Glasgow clubs can't recognise that, they are even more myopic than many people suppose.
Given the hightened expectations, this has somewhat predictably led to a mood of recrimination and bitter disappointment, with the Scotsman, for example, describing it as the "collapse" of the heroic run to next summer's competition. The Beeb's "expert analysts" (fortunately Alan Hansen managed to watch the game for once, as it didn't clash with England) all felt it was a poor performance. But Scotland, unlike England, still have their fate in their own hands. A victory over Italy at Hampden next month, irrespective of other results, and we will be back at the international top table after a decade of failure. If France lose against Ukraine (unlikely, but not impossible) then a point will do.
It wasn't an impressive display, that's for sure. But then, it wasn't an easy tie either, despite Georgia's own injury problems. With both first choice full-backs out, no Paul Hartley, Scott Brown or Lee McCulloch from midfield, and a half-fit Barry Ferguson and Darren Fletcher, it was a patched-up Scotland team, and this second game in 4 days was a step too far. The SFA's decision to debut a third choice maroon strip for this game may have had a small psychological effect, too, especially as Scotland could have played in the traditional dark blue jersey that reminds us all of fighting the English and "being a nation again".
It is absolutely critical that Scotland can field its best possible team in a month's time. And this is where the clubs can play their part - especially the Old Firm, who between them supply so many players to the national squad these days. Pray that there is no "club v country" posturing over the hamstrings of Scott Brown and Alan Hutton, and that Ferguson and Fletcher get the opportunity to get themselves match fit.
Celtic and Rangers may protest that they should only look after their best interests, and not be obliged to do Scotland any favours. Yet qualification for Euro 2008 would bring such benefits in terms of heightened prestige and profile for the Scottish game that it would have beneficial consequences for the Old Firm as well. Scottish football went through a long lean period, and next summer's competition could still herald our renewed strength. If the two Glasgow clubs can't recognise that, they are even more myopic than many people suppose.
Saturday, October 13, 2007
Scotland two results away from achieving the unthinkable
Another fine performance, another triumphant result. Scotland's 3-1 win over Ukraine has put the Eastern Europeans out of Euro 2008, and four points from the remaining two games will guarantee qualification. Alec McLeish, while always stressing the difficulty of the task, always said that "we have to believe we can qualify". Now the rest of Scotland is believing too.
McLeish also said this was his team's best performance at Hampden so far, and the home crowd probably had their best match for years too, a wall of noise coming down from the stands throughout the game. The players are thriving in this new-found confidence, and it delivered a 2-0 lead within 11 minutes. Scotland were busy and committed, Ukraine unable to settle into any sort of shape, and Kenny Miller headed in from a free kick. From another set piece, the ball fell to Lee McCulloch, in acres of space, who chipped in a delightful effort to the far corner.
Ukraine came back into it, Shevchenko bagged a goal before half-time, and Scotland had to dig deep once again to prevent another score. But then James McFadden escaped his marker and scored from a breakaway to seal the points.
Georgia away is next Wednesday, hardly an easy tie, and illustration of just how tough this group is. Georgia could easily finish 6th in this group. A win there, and a draw against Italy in November will seal the job, unless Italy (or most unlikely, France) have already screwed up by then.
A massive game to finish, then. But Italy will not be relishing that trip.
McLeish also said this was his team's best performance at Hampden so far, and the home crowd probably had their best match for years too, a wall of noise coming down from the stands throughout the game. The players are thriving in this new-found confidence, and it delivered a 2-0 lead within 11 minutes. Scotland were busy and committed, Ukraine unable to settle into any sort of shape, and Kenny Miller headed in from a free kick. From another set piece, the ball fell to Lee McCulloch, in acres of space, who chipped in a delightful effort to the far corner.
Ukraine came back into it, Shevchenko bagged a goal before half-time, and Scotland had to dig deep once again to prevent another score. But then James McFadden escaped his marker and scored from a breakaway to seal the points.
Georgia away is next Wednesday, hardly an easy tie, and illustration of just how tough this group is. Georgia could easily finish 6th in this group. A win there, and a draw against Italy in November will seal the job, unless Italy (or most unlikely, France) have already screwed up by then.
A massive game to finish, then. But Italy will not be relishing that trip.
Friday, October 12, 2007
Scotland enter the final straight...
"Squeaky bum time", the phrase attributed to Alex Ferguson to describe the business end of a season, is an ugly saying. But it seems to have stuck, and so here it is... squeaky bum time, as Scotland look to prevail in the home straight of Euro 2008 qualifying and reach a major tournament for the first time in a decade.
It seems unbelievable, following all the heroics of this campaign so far, that Scotland still need 7 points from their final 3 matches to guarantee a place at next summer's championship. That's pretty tough going, but a measure of the quality of this group, with 3 countries still very much in it. Scotland, Italy and France are now vying for 2 places between them, with Ukraine almost certainly out of it.
Predictions at this stage are pointless, as Scotland have confounded every expectation so far. Tomorrow's game could go either way. They could lose to Georgia on Wednesday, or beat Italy in the last game. The 2 giants of the group could get their act together just in time, or implode under pressure.
Whatever happens, it's going to be gripping.
It seems unbelievable, following all the heroics of this campaign so far, that Scotland still need 7 points from their final 3 matches to guarantee a place at next summer's championship. That's pretty tough going, but a measure of the quality of this group, with 3 countries still very much in it. Scotland, Italy and France are now vying for 2 places between them, with Ukraine almost certainly out of it.
Predictions at this stage are pointless, as Scotland have confounded every expectation so far. Tomorrow's game could go either way. They could lose to Georgia on Wednesday, or beat Italy in the last game. The 2 giants of the group could get their act together just in time, or implode under pressure.
Whatever happens, it's going to be gripping.
Tuesday, October 09, 2007
Aberdeen given UEFA Cup draw
Dear God, that's harsh.
Aberdeen today found out who their opponents will be in the UEFA Cup group stage, and it's not easy reading for the Pittodrie faithful. Panathinaikos, Lokomotiv Moscow, Atletico Madrid and FC Copenhagen make for a formidable quartet of fixtures. What makes things even worse is that only one of these clubs, Atletico, comes from one of the "big" football markets in Europe, which will affect television revenue for these ties.
Finishing anything other than bottom of this group looks a tough ask: FC Copenhagen are the only other club even vaguely comparable in terms of their player budget, but they have much more European experience in recent years.
Still, if Jimmy Calderwood can successfully negotiate a way out of these matches, and keep Aberdeen in the mix at the right end of the SPL, it will rank as an achievement as great as any in his management career to date. He has always expressed a desire to test himself: it looks as if his wishes have just come true.
Aberdeen today found out who their opponents will be in the UEFA Cup group stage, and it's not easy reading for the Pittodrie faithful. Panathinaikos, Lokomotiv Moscow, Atletico Madrid and FC Copenhagen make for a formidable quartet of fixtures. What makes things even worse is that only one of these clubs, Atletico, comes from one of the "big" football markets in Europe, which will affect television revenue for these ties.
Finishing anything other than bottom of this group looks a tough ask: FC Copenhagen are the only other club even vaguely comparable in terms of their player budget, but they have much more European experience in recent years.
Still, if Jimmy Calderwood can successfully negotiate a way out of these matches, and keep Aberdeen in the mix at the right end of the SPL, it will rank as an achievement as great as any in his management career to date. He has always expressed a desire to test himself: it looks as if his wishes have just come true.
Sunday, October 07, 2007
Hibs living up to the "Scottish Arsenal" tag
It's usual for fans to spend the summer talking up the prospects of their club in the season ahead. In Scotland, where a small league makes for even more intense rivalry, supporters can banter about football seemingly without end, defending their own team while denigrating their rivals.
So when Hibs' new keeper, Yves Ma-Kalambay, said when he met the Scottish media back in June that the footballing fraternity in England spoke about Hibs as "the Arsenal of Scotland", it sparked bragging and barracking across Edinburgh.
On the face of it, the comparison is ridiculous. Arsenal are one of the very richest clubs on the planet, playing against elite competition in a spanking new stadium, with an enviable recent record of success. Hibs are, measured by turnover, a 20th of the size of the London club, have got their hands on silverware just twice in 16 years, and one of those occasions is widely forgotten about because, to get their hands on that Division One trophy, they had to get relegated from the top league first.
And yet... while Hibs could not hold on to 1st place in the SPL going into the international break, they are right up at the sharp end of the table, the only unbeaten club in the SPL. Having sold their most valuable and talismanic player over the summer, they have made a stunning start to the season, relying on a youthful team and a coaching philosophy that bears a strong French influence.
Sounding familiar?
John Collins deserves all the credit now coming his way. He has only been in the job 12 months, and had something of a turbulent first year. He was perceived as more aloof than his popular predecessor, Tony Mowbray, and the player revolt and subsequent slump in form last season only added to the impression that he was arrogant and ill-suited to management.
His critics are now either admitting their errors, or staying quiet. Indisputably, Hibs are now his team, and he has got them to play for him. Having lost around £10m of talent, flogged to pay off the debts, and spent no more than £1m in fees to bring new players in, he has ended up with a better balanced and harder-working squad. Yet they are still capable of the fast, fluid football that is Hibs' trademark.
There is no doubt that the manager is driven. His mantra, repeated constantly, is that success in football requires hard work and humility. But he reserves his highest praise for those players who, in matches, show him that they "want the ball", that they always make themselves available for a pass. As a result, the man in possession has more options, the passing is less hurried, and the team has more composure.
Yet he is also keen to dispel those myths about his unapproachability and impossible standards. Sounding hoarse after the win over Rangers, the BBC's Chick Young asked if he had been shouting at his players during the match. "Only encouragement", Collins stressed, "only encouragement".
He may be still a rookie manager. But all the signs are he is learning very fast.
So when Hibs' new keeper, Yves Ma-Kalambay, said when he met the Scottish media back in June that the footballing fraternity in England spoke about Hibs as "the Arsenal of Scotland", it sparked bragging and barracking across Edinburgh.
On the face of it, the comparison is ridiculous. Arsenal are one of the very richest clubs on the planet, playing against elite competition in a spanking new stadium, with an enviable recent record of success. Hibs are, measured by turnover, a 20th of the size of the London club, have got their hands on silverware just twice in 16 years, and one of those occasions is widely forgotten about because, to get their hands on that Division One trophy, they had to get relegated from the top league first.
And yet... while Hibs could not hold on to 1st place in the SPL going into the international break, they are right up at the sharp end of the table, the only unbeaten club in the SPL. Having sold their most valuable and talismanic player over the summer, they have made a stunning start to the season, relying on a youthful team and a coaching philosophy that bears a strong French influence.
Sounding familiar?
John Collins deserves all the credit now coming his way. He has only been in the job 12 months, and had something of a turbulent first year. He was perceived as more aloof than his popular predecessor, Tony Mowbray, and the player revolt and subsequent slump in form last season only added to the impression that he was arrogant and ill-suited to management.
His critics are now either admitting their errors, or staying quiet. Indisputably, Hibs are now his team, and he has got them to play for him. Having lost around £10m of talent, flogged to pay off the debts, and spent no more than £1m in fees to bring new players in, he has ended up with a better balanced and harder-working squad. Yet they are still capable of the fast, fluid football that is Hibs' trademark.
There is no doubt that the manager is driven. His mantra, repeated constantly, is that success in football requires hard work and humility. But he reserves his highest praise for those players who, in matches, show him that they "want the ball", that they always make themselves available for a pass. As a result, the man in possession has more options, the passing is less hurried, and the team has more composure.
Yet he is also keen to dispel those myths about his unapproachability and impossible standards. Sounding hoarse after the win over Rangers, the BBC's Chick Young asked if he had been shouting at his players during the match. "Only encouragement", Collins stressed, "only encouragement".
He may be still a rookie manager. But all the signs are he is learning very fast.
Tuesday, October 02, 2007
Rangers batter Lyon, but couldn't beat Motherwell
So which is the question? How bad are Lyon? Or how good our Motherwell? Because, seen through the prism of playing the same opponents in 4 days, Mark McGhee is looking more and more astute, while Alain Perrin looks set for another sunrise sacking.
It wasn't as if Motherwell were holding onto their 1-1 draw either. In fact, it was Rangers who were chasing the game from the 23rd minute, only levelling through a Kris Boyd penalty after Motherwell had passed up a number of opportunities to extend their lead.
Mark McGhee deserves the manager of the month award. His team are a solid 5th in the SPL, with 13 points from 8 games, and through to the League Cup quarter finals. It's a night and day contrast with their start last season under Maurice Malpas. Malpas can complain that he deserved more time, but his team struggled at first and never quite lost that nervousness and scrappy play. This season, Motherwell are playing with verve and confidence in a bold 4-3-3 formation. They have produced arguably the performance so far (even better than Ranger's victory tonight) by knocking Hibs out of the League Cup. Clearly, McGhee has transformed the attitude of his squad.
He has had some backing from the board, too, with Chris Porter looking a particularly canny signing. But let's not go overboard. Long gone are the loud noises from Fir Park about becoming Scottish football's "third force". Administration and years of financial austerity have taught a tough lesson about speculating on success. Presumably, after a takeover collapse in the spring, the club is still up for sale. McGhee might have a bit more budget to play with, but he's not swimming in money. His rehabiliation of Ross McCormack is just as important as tasty new signings, the stiker almost unrecognisable from the young fella who failed to make an impact at Rangers.
Who knows where Motherwell's strong start will take them this season. But it's nice to see another Scottish club playing attacking and attractive football.
It wasn't as if Motherwell were holding onto their 1-1 draw either. In fact, it was Rangers who were chasing the game from the 23rd minute, only levelling through a Kris Boyd penalty after Motherwell had passed up a number of opportunities to extend their lead.
Mark McGhee deserves the manager of the month award. His team are a solid 5th in the SPL, with 13 points from 8 games, and through to the League Cup quarter finals. It's a night and day contrast with their start last season under Maurice Malpas. Malpas can complain that he deserved more time, but his team struggled at first and never quite lost that nervousness and scrappy play. This season, Motherwell are playing with verve and confidence in a bold 4-3-3 formation. They have produced arguably the performance so far (even better than Ranger's victory tonight) by knocking Hibs out of the League Cup. Clearly, McGhee has transformed the attitude of his squad.
He has had some backing from the board, too, with Chris Porter looking a particularly canny signing. But let's not go overboard. Long gone are the loud noises from Fir Park about becoming Scottish football's "third force". Administration and years of financial austerity have taught a tough lesson about speculating on success. Presumably, after a takeover collapse in the spring, the club is still up for sale. McGhee might have a bit more budget to play with, but he's not swimming in money. His rehabiliation of Ross McCormack is just as important as tasty new signings, the stiker almost unrecognisable from the young fella who failed to make an impact at Rangers.
Who knows where Motherwell's strong start will take them this season. But it's nice to see another Scottish club playing attacking and attractive football.
Hibs looking up, while Killie suffer
Kilmarnock manager Jim Jefferies is famed for his hang-dog, glum demeanour, but no one could blame him for looking dejected after what he described as possibly his worst week in charge of the Ayrshire club.
Being dumped out of the League Cup, and by Division One opposition as well, was a desperately bitter pill to swallow for a man desperate to make amends for their 5-1 thrashing in last season's final. Killie's best hope of silverware this season has now gone, and Jefferies knows it.
He might have relished taking out his frustrations on Hibs in the SPL, but with a long injury list, probably feared the worst. And the worst did happen - Hibs only scored 4 on Saturday, but having a defender sent off probably hurt as much as shipping an extra goal. Jefferies had ligitimate complaints about the first of 3 penalties awarded to Hibs in the match, but admitted that the better team won. He now faces a real test in steadying the ship... Kilmarnock are currently 7th and face a crucial period in which they need to pick up some points while missing many of their influential players. A couple of good results will have a dramatic effect on their League placing at this stage of the season, but Killie fans must already be concerned about their chances of securing a top 6 finish this season.
Things are looking so much brighter at Hibs. Saturday's victory meant that they resumed their unbeaten start to the SPL almost as if the mid-week Cup defeat had never happened, and opened up a 5 point lead betweeen them in 3rd place and the chasing pack. Their play is improving match by match, with this summer's new recruits starting to really gel into the team. Clayton Donaldson, the striker signed on a free transfer from York City, got all the headlines with his hat-trick, but Yves Ma-Kalambay in goal and defender Thierry Gathuessi have also settled well.
After losing around £10m worth of talent in the summer, and spending no more than £1m on fees to replace them, Hibs' have started better than many fans expected, and any remaining doubts about John Collins' perfectionist management style are melting away. Whatever his methods, they seem to be working.
Being dumped out of the League Cup, and by Division One opposition as well, was a desperately bitter pill to swallow for a man desperate to make amends for their 5-1 thrashing in last season's final. Killie's best hope of silverware this season has now gone, and Jefferies knows it.
He might have relished taking out his frustrations on Hibs in the SPL, but with a long injury list, probably feared the worst. And the worst did happen - Hibs only scored 4 on Saturday, but having a defender sent off probably hurt as much as shipping an extra goal. Jefferies had ligitimate complaints about the first of 3 penalties awarded to Hibs in the match, but admitted that the better team won. He now faces a real test in steadying the ship... Kilmarnock are currently 7th and face a crucial period in which they need to pick up some points while missing many of their influential players. A couple of good results will have a dramatic effect on their League placing at this stage of the season, but Killie fans must already be concerned about their chances of securing a top 6 finish this season.
Things are looking so much brighter at Hibs. Saturday's victory meant that they resumed their unbeaten start to the SPL almost as if the mid-week Cup defeat had never happened, and opened up a 5 point lead betweeen them in 3rd place and the chasing pack. Their play is improving match by match, with this summer's new recruits starting to really gel into the team. Clayton Donaldson, the striker signed on a free transfer from York City, got all the headlines with his hat-trick, but Yves Ma-Kalambay in goal and defender Thierry Gathuessi have also settled well.
After losing around £10m worth of talent in the summer, and spending no more than £1m on fees to replace them, Hibs' have started better than many fans expected, and any remaining doubts about John Collins' perfectionist management style are melting away. Whatever his methods, they seem to be working.
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