posted Oct 18, 2007

as an Italian I am not confident at all about our chances of qualifying. History wants us to do poorly after a world cup win, and playing our decisive game away at Hampden will be tough. Our team is not great and we struggled throughout the qualifying games. Scotland are a much improved side and last night poor performace could be a one-off. Obviously we now have 2 out of 3 results, but we run the risk of playing for the 0-0 draw and get suffocated in our penalty area for most of the game. I think it's 50/50

add comment | complain about this comment

posted Oct 18, 2007

My Italian flatmate pointed out that in 1984 Italy didn't qualify for the Euros despite being the World Cup holders at the time.

I'd love to see some history repeating itself!

I'm hopeful, but no matter what Scotland has restored it's footballing pride and can look forward to a considerably easier group (we might be 2nd seeds) for the next World Cup Qualifiers.

Keep believing!

add comment | complain about this comment

posted Oct 18, 2007

Last night's game in Georgia has looked like a banana skin for month's and so it proved to be. However because of our great results up to now, last night's result was largely irrelevant - we were always going to have to beat Italy in the last game.

Last night's result had little or nothing to do with injuries, style of play, or bad luck regarding penalty decisions. As soon as it was apparent we were going to be playing in CLARET STRIPS, we were always going to get stuffed. I seem to remember us playing in all Silver once and getting humped. We are Scotland, we play in Dark Bloo and White, or White and Bloo! Why were we playing in red? Who makes these decisions? Lets NEVER AGAIN play in Claret/Amber/Silver/Gold etc. etc.

Roll on November 17th when the boys in BLUE take on the World Champions - win or lose you have all made us proud to be Scots again!

One Final Thought - RUSSIA 2 INGERLUND 1

add comment | complain about this comment

posted Oct 18, 2007

Im absolutely delighted that most of Europe is writing us off already, keep it coming lads! We are always at our best in these situations, rarely do well when expected to win!

Wherever it takes us, whatever it takes!

add comment | complain about this comment

posted Oct 18, 2007

I am one Jock that does want England to win the Rugby World Cup on saturday!!!
Only because it will prove once and for all what a truly garbage game Rugby Union is......there is only ONE Rugby that counts......RUGBY LEAGUE!!!
anyway back to the basics.......Sotland WILL beat Italy because their courage will go when they are faced with a full Hampden Park, in full voice and with the "Braveheart" approach from the team, they can't stop us.... BELIEVE!!!!!
and hey at least there will be one team from Britain at the Finals ;o)!!!!

add comment | complain about this comment

posted Oct 18, 2007

why not play the italy game at easter road or tynecastle this would put extreme pressure on the italians with the support breathing down ther necks and could assure us of victory, come on s.f.a. there is millions of pounds at stake just forego 30000 tickets take a gamble!

add comment | complain about this comment

posted Oct 18, 2007

lets be fair the two 17 year old georgians were absolutely magnificant going forward and we couldn't handle them as for the 17 year old keeper we didn't test him enough but did well to hold on to fady's free kick if he didnt was a definate goal
well done georgia
bring it on italy

add comment | complain about this comment

posted Oct 18, 2007

mmm I dont think it will be a shame if italy fails to qualificate to the european cup...we would eventually end on 26 points if we lose to scotland ( and I think that scotland can only win if they play at their best and italy at their worst. I appreciate the pride and confidence you have in your team....but dont you think that there's is a gulf in class between the two sides...

all the best anyway and may the best win...if you kick us out I will root for you guys...I met some scottish lads in bari and those days with the tartan army was grean. It was an honour to have you in santa claus' city!!!

add comment | complain about this comment

posted Oct 18, 2007

I think most people are right, we were rotten last night but we can still beat Italy. My only beef is with people being so happy that England lost, we need to stop this petty nonsense and get behind them. English people always support us (most of them do anyway) and we always support Ireland and Wales when they play so why not England.

add comment | complain about this comment

posted Oct 18, 2007

to dangjd - You mentioned that Weir was slow on the 1st goal but it was Alexander who was supposed to be marking that guy and if you look at the replay you will see that he never jumped with the Georgian scorer. Now that is typical of him because he never ever challenges in the air if he thinks that he might end up with a banged head or similar. I've seen that at Preston for 10 years. Alexander never won anything in the air there either. The problem is that Scottish managers keep playing him when their first choices are out and he's a defensive liability. Going forward he's okay and makes some good passes.

add comment | complain about this comment