Wales 3 - 0 Scotland: Crushing Cardiff loss evokes memories of Vogts era

Published on Sunday 15 November 2009 23:04

HISTORY repeated itself for Scotland in this crushing defeat in Cardiff. It was not just reminiscent of the 4-0 loss to Wales on Scotland's last trip here, under Berti Vogts in 2004. The visitors fell by the same scoreline as Saturday when George Burley made his international debut here as a player, with current Welsh manager John Toshack claiming a hat-trick.

But that loss did not impact on Burley in the way this might. He went on to make a further ten appearances for Scotland. However, this shambolic performance seems set to place a full stop at the end of his time as manager. Eighteen devastating first-half minutes damned him, but there has long been an impermanent feel about Burley's tenure. He has lingered one more wretched defeat away from the exit door. That wretched defeat arrived on Saturday, and though not quite so comprehensive in terms of the margin was arguably worse than the collapse suffered against Norway in August. Then Burley could cite Gary Caldwell's red card after barely half an hour as a mitigating factor. There were no excuses on hand here.

The very magnitude of the horror of being three goals behind after 35 minutes seemed to steady Scotland in the second half, like some drugs do before they kill. By this point, the game was over. Those who suspected Burley had nothing to gain from this fixture watched as their theories were proved correct. Scotland were cut to shreds during 18 minutes in the middle of the first half, something which served to completely obscure the promising start made by the visitors. Only Toshack, in an attempt to be kind, made mention of this afterwards. Not even Burley sought to find solace in the bright opening.

But it could not be denied that Scotland looked the livelier side in the opening stages. A cross from the debutant Danny Fox was turned towards goal by James McFadden, but Welsh goalkeeper Wayne Hennessey made a fine block. Then McFadden turned provider for Kenny Miller, whose shot flashed wide of the post. Another good move down the right saw Alan Hutton and Darren Fletcher exchange passes, although the latter's final cross was not quite accurate enough for his team-mate. Wales created chances too, but nothing had anticipated the margin of difference that would separate the sides by the time Cyril Zimmermann blew for half-time.

The first of these quick, savage wounds was applied by David Edwards, of Wolverhampton Wanderers. He feasted on a fine ball into the middle from the game's principal operator, Aaron Ramsey. The Arsenal winger, still only 18, was allowed to make an unchecked run down the right, and Edwards swept in his cross with admirable accuracy. A further 15 minutes elapsed before Burley was handed official confirmation that some troubled days lay ahead. This time Wales attacked down the left, and Joe Ledley's ball into the middle saw Simon Church take advantage of dithering in the visitors' box. Ramsey signalled fears of a complete rout with the third goal, ten minutes prior to half-time.

A poor pass from Fox placed Darren Fletcher under pressure and he gave away possession to the Arsenal player. Ramsey benefited from fortunate breaks of the ball off both Stephen McManus and Fletcher, before finishing to howls of disapproval from the Tartan Army. Such was the make-up of the 13,844 crowd, which included more than 4,000 Scots, their disgust was easily noted.

Eleven players were named on the bench for Scotland, and it is impossible to imagine this alternative 'team' could have done any worse. Six of them made an appearance in the second half. But it is possible to make an issue of the sense in leaving some individuals out of the starting XI. Steven Fletcher, for one, has been in form for Burnley, and it would surely have been wiser to let him make a claim for the No9 jersey. Burley knows what Kenny Miller can do. He has not scored for Scotland since Burley's first match in charge, and spent most of Saturday on the periphery. Derek Riordan, meanwhile, was handed just 11 minutes at the end, and sought to make the most of the paltry time on the pitch to force Hennessey into one good save.

Stand-in goalkeeper David Marshall, having performed well in his last outing against Netherlands, the hex which hangs over him on Scotland duty returned with a venom here. He has now conceded 15 goals in five Scotland matches. Remarkably, Scotland have scored only once in these outings.

Marshall's reputation is being put on the line due to the mistakes of others. This was highlighted by an incident at the start of the second half. A wild attempted clearance by the labouring McManus gave Sam Vokes an opportunity to bear down on goal. Marshall's bid to deal with the danger had seen him sprint out of the box. His attempt to claim the ball after Vokes had dinked it round him was an obvious case of deliberate use of the hand, while it also prevented a clear goalscoring opportunity. A red card seemed inevitable on account of both these reasons, but Zimmermann produced one of the yellow variety. Never mind Toshack, who seemed genuinely upset by Scotland's plight afterwards, even the referees are beginning to feel sorry for Scotland.

The Welsh manager observed that Scotland did not deserve to be three down at the interval, saying it might easily have stood at 4-4 at this point. But he was in a position to be kind, having held off his own critics for the immediate future at least. Scotland, on the other hand, threw Burley back into the firing line with possibly their worst showing of his fractious reign.

SCOTLAND RATINGS

David Marshall 5

Not to blame for the goals but fortunate to escape with a yellow card after handling outside his box.

Alan Hutton 5

Failed to get the ball in early enough and was forced back. Way below his best.

Stephen McManus 2

Slack marking allowed Church to score second and turned inside out by Ramsey before the third. Nightmare performance from the Celtic captain.

Gary Caldwell 4

Failed to take control in the penalty box as Scotland were put under pressure.

Danny Fox 4

Put in some good crosses in the early stages, but defensively vulnerable. Scotland debut lasted 55 minutes.

Graham Dorrans 4

Did not hurt Wales going forward and lapse of concentration led to second goal. Fortunate not to concede a penalty with clumsy challenge.

Darren Fletcher 4

Skipper made a bright start but was unable to stem the Welsh tide and his poor touch led to third goal.

Don Cowie 4

Worked hard, but very limited impact.

Steven Naismith 4

Struggled to get into the game.

James McFadden 5

Had little influence playing just off the front and was moved to left wing before making way in the 62nd minute.

Kenny Miller 4

Missed the target from 12 yards in a rare Scotland chance. A struggle.

Substitutes

Lee Wallace 5

Game was beyond Scotland when he replaced Fox.

Steven Fletcher 4

Not given much service in 35 minutes.

Kevin Kyle 5

First cap since 2004 but must have thought he was back in the Berti Vogts era.

Ross McCormack 4

Forced two saves after replacing Naismith, but sent poor free-kick over the bar.

Barry Robson 5

Surprise omission helped Scotland battle back in the final 15 minutes.

Derek Riordan 5

Given little time to shine after coming on for final 11 minutes, but at least forced Wayne Hennessey to make save.

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