THERE was no standing on ceremony when Scotland's Euro 2013 campaign launched explosively in Tel Aviv yesterday, writes Alan Campbell.
THERE was no standing on ceremony when Scotland’s Euro 2013 campaign launched explosively in Tel Aviv yesterday.
Two goals in the opening nine minutes lit the fuse for an emphatic victory which sends out a powerful message to the other teams in Group 4.
Anna Signeul’s impressive side will now attempt to build on this result against Wales at Tynecastle on October 27. When they do, it is as certain as death and taxes that they won’t have to contend with a temperature of 30 degrees, as they did in the Ness Ziona stadium.
The noon kick-off had been Signeul’s greatest concern, but even in the early afternoon heat her players never wilted. Once Jane Ross had headed the Scots ahead after five minutes, Israel’s defensive game plan was in shreds.
“I am very pleased, very proud of the players,” said Signeul. “Despite the scoreline it wasn’t an easy game. We worked hard for all six goals. We got off to the perfect start, and after that we had three or four more chances which we could, and maybe should, have scored. Then it got very hot and we lost a bit of our momentum and they got a goal back.
“At half time, all the staff were helping the players to cool down. Then they went out in the second half and were absolutely brilliant. It was fantastic to see Kim Little finish the game for us with two quick goals.
“Everybody took so much responsibility, and that’s what I’m most pleased about. It’s what makes this team very special. The scoreline was even better than I expected, even though I knew we could come here and win.”
The margin matched that of group favourites France, who beat the Israelis 5-0, but this was more decisive. Whereas the French relied on late goals in the same stadium, Little’s double, in the 48th and 57th minutes, sealed the win.
The Arsenal midfielder, who now has 17 international goals in 59 games, said: “It was a shame we didn’t manage to build on the two early goals in the first half. At the interval Anna just told us to go back to how we started the game and get more control on the ball. That’s what we did, and we put another four goals on the scoresheet.”
Scotland got the start they craved when Ross headed home a fine Megan Sneddon corner. Four minutes later, Jenny Beattie made it two after taking advantage of Hayley Lauder’s pass.
Strikers Ross and Beattie had each scored twice in last month’s 7-2 dismantling of Finland, so this was an ominous start for the Israelis. But although Scotland continued to make chances, the home side pulled one back when captain Moran Lavi scored 10 minutes from the break.
The reprieve was shortlived as Little scored twice after the interval to secure the points. Substitute Suzanne Grant then proved her worth by providing the crosses which led to the fifth and sixth goals. The first was converted by Hayley Lauder, and the second put past her own goalkeeper by Michal Ravitz.
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