Scotland versus England at Hampden Park. Billed as the Battle of Britain it was always going to be a keenly contested fixture. Scotland had the majority of possession but England scored all the goals. Essentially that was the major difference. Manchester United’s Paul Scholes continued his International goal-scoring exploits for Kevin Keegan’s side and two first-half finishes decided the encounter.
The first came on 21 minutes – a cross from the right and Sol Campbell picked out Scholes, who chested into his own path and knocked it past the out-rushing Neil Sullivan, with the Scottish defence caught flat-footed. A United partnership crafted the second. This time the inch perfect master, David Beckham, crossed onto Scholes’ head, and before Sullivan knew anything about it the ball was in the back of his net.
Scotland ironically looked the better side in that first half and they had their chances two. Kevin Gallacher, one of two Newcastle United number 9s on the pitch – the other being England captain Alan Shearer – had a chance right after Scholes first goal, but couldn’t squeeze it past David Seaman.
Then with two minutes left in the half Billie Dodds controlled brilliantly on the edge of the box and with a sweet, left-footed shot curled the ball over Seaman. It seemed destined for the net but didn’t dip sufficiently, struck the cross bar and was cleared.
The second half was relatively poor, a combination of England seemingly being satisfied with their haul and Scottish inability to break through the English defence despite the majority of possession. There were a number of bookings but the game never got out of hand. In fact it was giving away stupid free-kicks that caused many of Scotland’s problems, and of course the quality of Scholes.
Scotland are now faced with the monumental task of trying to come back from two down in Wembley on Wednesday next. Their disappointment was all too tangible after the game and their supporters can only hope that the players can lift themselves for the occasion. England are most certainly in the driving seat.
In an unfortunate turnabout there have been several disturbances in the centre of Glasgow, following the game. There were skirmishes involving rival fans, with dozens of supporters from each side hurling missiles at one another. 43 people have been arrested. A major Police presence and crowd segregation policy had ensured the match itself passed without incident.
In the other two Euro 2000 qualifiers Israel were beaten at home 5-0 by Denmark while Slovenia defeated Ukraine 2-1.
