Keys to victory (Well, keys to not losing anyhow)
By: Ian Rose | March 27th, 2007Alright, I promise. This is going to be the last report on the Scottish national team until after the match with Italy that kicks off in exactly 24 hours. This is just a quick run-down of what I believe the Scots need to do, and need absolutely not to do, in order to achieve a good result.
(Note: Yes, I count a draw as a good result. The Italians won the bloody World Cup, after all)
Key #1: Limit the set pieces. The last time Scotland went to Italy, we lost 2-0 on two magnificent free kicks by Andrea Pirlo. We have the ability, especially with Steven Pressley back from injury, to stop Italy from scoring. But we can’t hand them dead-ball opportunities. They’re too good at converting them.
Key #2: Attack early. Italy expects us to be playing for a draw, and we may be, but we’re playing for scoring draw. We must assume Italy will get its chance or two, and so we need to come out attacking early. The rumor is that Alex McLeish will be playing a rather defensive 4-5-1 with Kenny Miller starting as the lone striker. I hope this isn’t true, both because of my lack of faith in Miller’s finishing and because I think it squanders the chance to take an early lead.
Key #3: Substitute earlier. Against Georgia, the substitutions came too late. Legs were tired, and it was obvious to both opponents and fans. We got away with playing tired against Georgia - we will not survive that way against Italy. I’d like to see the Craig Beatties and Scott Browns out there a lot earlier, probably around 60 minutes.
Key #4: Speaking of Scott Brown. Start the lad. The Hibs midfielder played great against Georgia, and is so hungry for the cap. Start him. Period.
Key #5: Pray. A draw here, and the world will pay some attention. Everyone’s expecting a loss, no matter what the rankings say.
Category: Scottish Premier League
Tags: Alex McLeish, Euro 2008, Group B, Italy, Kenny Miller, Pregame analysis, Scott Brown, Scottish national team, Scottish Premier LeagueSubscribe
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It will be a tough task for the Scots but they must hold onto the unofficial title. It would be boring if Italy held that and the World Cup.
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