BRITISH football is a tough playground, but even so Scotland's
Under-21s had to pass a stern test of skill and temperament in the Nikos
Goumas Stadium in Athens as they strove to resurrect their hopes of
qualifying for the European Championship finals.
AEK Athens' ground proved a killing field for Rangers in the European
Cup earlier this season, and if it had not been for the composure and
discipline of Scotland's youngsters on Saturday afternoon they, too,
would have suffered considerable trauma.
However, in the face of severe provocation, the young Scots beat their
Greek counterparts 2-1 and eased into second place behind Finland in
their qualifying section. Both goals were scored by Stephen Crawford,
whose progress from callow youth to Coca-Cola Cup final hero has already
been noted by Blackburn Rovers manager Kenny Dalglish, but Tommy Craig's
players struck a blow for justice as well as themselves.
The Greeks resorted to tactics which were frustrating, not to mention
infuriating, and in the case of the inappropriately named Angelos
Vilanakis, his conduct was totally unacceptable. The midfield player was
sent off in 63 minutes after he had spat at Charlie Miller.
Later the Greek under-21 coach, Billy Kollias, who earned his coaching
badges in England and Scotland, said: ''This is not the way to play the
game. Now I have to think whether or not to banish Vilankis, because
this is not the first time he has done something like this. I was very
surprised at the physical approach of the Scottish side, but, yes, I do
accept that tackling is a part of the game, while spitting isn't.''
The French referee, Georges Ramus, had gone to the Greek dressing room
at half-time and warned that if Vilanakis did not calm down he would be
ordered off. Foolishly, the player did not heed that warning.
Throughout the first half, when Greece were dominant, Vilanakis threw
himself about and demonstrated an ability to play-act which could earn
him a career in the movies.
Miller, who had a quiet debut and was substituted only a minute or so
after Vilanakis had gone, said: ''I've never experienced anything like
it before. It's something I'd like to forget, mainly because I don't
think I played well.''
The Rangers player will be given other opportunitities to demonstrate
his talents, and so will Dundee winger Neil McCann. He was sent on to
replace Falkirk's Kevin Thomas early in the second half and it was then
that Scotland began to open up and create opportunities.
Their first goal was engineered in 74 minutes, when Gary Bollan
threaded a pass through to Crawford and he thumped the ball into the
net. A man and a goal up, it seemed certain Scotland would triumph, but
10 minutes from time Stylianos Giannakopoulos scored with a powerful,
20-yard shot.
The Greeks probably felt they could hold on and take a point, but
three minutes from the end Bollan's shot was parried by the keeper and
Crawford had only to nod and Scotland had won a valuable victory.
''I am very happy with the discipline shown by my team in trying
circumstances,'' said Craig, even though four of his side, captain Neil
Murray, Christian Dailly, Thomas, and Miller, were cautioned. ''The
Greeks may say they were surprised by our physical side, but I have to
say that a game of football without tackling is not a game of football.
''I don't want to go into the incident involving Miller, but you saw
what happened. It was despicable.''
Crawford, who has 18 months of his current contract to run, said: ''I
have no intention of asking for a transfer, but hopefully I will go on
and play at a higher level.''
The Scots now have six points from three matches and are three points
behind the Finns, who have maximum points from their three ties. They
beat Scotland in Finland in September, ''but,'' as Craig points out,
''having beaten Russia and now Greece we are back in contention. In
fact, we may even be in the driving seat.''
GREECE -- Kelpekis, Alexis, Zikos, Theodoridis, Grigoriou, Kasampis,
Maledenis, Passalis, Vilanakis, Tsakmakidis, Nicolaidis. Substitutes --
Giannakoulos, Kefalas, Podas, Tsakenakis, Sadanis.
SCOTLAND -- Kerr (Celtic), McNamara (Dunfermline), Marshall (Arsenal),
Dailly (Dundee United), Baker (St Mirren), Thomas (Hearts), Murray
(Rangers), Hannah, Bollan (both Dundee United), Crawford (Raith Rovers),
Miller (Rangers.) Substitutes -- Stillie (Aberdeen), Donnelly (Celtic),
McCann (Dundee), Johnston (Hearts), Hood (Ayr United).
Referee -- G Ramus (France).
Current standings
............P.W.D.L.F.A..Pt
Finland.....3.3.0.0.9.3..9
Scotland....3.2.0.1.4.3..6
Greece......3.1.1.1.8.6..4
Russia......2.1.0.1.4.2..3
San Marino..3.0.0.3.0.11.0
Next matches: March 28 -- San Marino v Finland, Russia v Scotland.
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