Flower Of Scotland

Well it was perhaps more in hope than expectation that I rose at 5.30am in New Zealand this morning to watch Scotland take on Italy, but a rousing rendition of Flower Of Scotland (lyrics below) woke me up and fired a belief in my heart that the lads could do it. Barry Ferguson looked like his breath had been taken away from the crowd rendition of the classic Corries song, adopted as a national anthem. The song was led by Ronnie Corrie himself, sung with a gusto and passion that almost brought a tear to my eye.

Something else that almost brought a tear to my eye was the shocking start made by Scotland's defence who were caught ball watching as Italy sped to a 1-0 lead within 2 minutes. That lead nearly doubled a few minutes later as Scotland struggled to hold on to the ball and the Italians seemed at ease with the big match occassion. It took until midway through the first half for Scotland to exert any pressure on the visitors goal and a succession of corners saw Alan Hutton go close. Just towards half-time David Weir had a header cleared off the line as the Italians seemed unable to cope with high balls into the box.

I predicted a change at half-time, but Alex McLeish stuck by his first eleven and after a shaky start he was rewarded by a goal from Barry Ferguson from a James McFadden free-kick. The free-kick was a result of a surging run by Alan Hutton who was arguably Scotland's best player on the day, he was certainly excellent in the second half. The goal naturally gave Scotland a new hope and a new belief. The Tartan Army shook Hampden with a famous roar and cheered the team on with dreams of summer holidays in Austria next year. The belief sparked a Scottish surge and McFadden went through on goal after an excellent display of Scottish passing in the build up. Alas he chose to shoot rather than curve it across goal towards onrushing Scottish support. Minutes later McFadden had an even better chance to put Scotland ahead, sliding in Gascoigne-esque from Euro 96 and putting it past the post when it looked easier to score.

To be fair it was harder than it looked initially and it's difficult to criticise James McFadden as he has had a great campaign for Scotland and at only 24 his best is yet to come.

Just as I was wondering if NZ satellite would show the Ukraine v France game on Wednesday night Italy pushed forward. The ball went to their right wing and Alan Hutton raced across to clear. An Italian shoulder charged him as Hutton cleared the ball and Hutton was sent flying. Free-kick to Scotland, or a good old fashioned shoulder-charge? The replay seemed to indicate a free-kick to Scotland and the commentator agreed with my opinion, or did I agree with his? Anyway, that is irrelevant as the next minute it appeared that Italy had the ball and were taking a free-kick down near the corner flag where the incident had occurred. As I rubbed my eyes in disbelief and listened to the commentator say 'this would be really cruel if Italy were to score from this' the ball was floated in and Italy scored, ending any hope of Scotland invading Austria next summer.

To say that the referee will never be welcome in Scotland again is an understatement. What a complete and utter tosser. I hope McLeish and the SFA submit an official complaint to UEFA about this guy and is unconceivable decision. To lose against Italy is by no means a disgrace but to lose in that way after playing so well against a team who we ran off the park was an injustice that I am finding hard to swallow.

So to cheer me up and any Scottish supporters reading this, check out the following YouTube links.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=puuOA2mqny8&feature=related
- McFadden magic against France with commentary to make you smile. There are several versions of this with great links to BBC and Sky commentary but check this one out, the TV has been overdubbed with Radio Clyde commentary.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_NqJFq0dFeY&feature=related
- ha ha the Tartan Army are in full cry and one lucky fan captures them exploding with joy at McFadden's wonder goal.

O Flower of Scotland,
When will we see
Your like again,
That fought and died for,
Your wee bit Hill and Glen,
And stood against him,
Proud Edward's Army,
And sent him homeward,
Tae think again.

The Hills are bare now,
And Autumn leaves
lie thick and still,
O'er land that is lost now,
Which those so dearly held,
That stood against him,
Proud Edward's Army,
And sent him homeward,
Tae think again.

Those days are past now,
And in the past
they must remain,
But we can still rise now,
And be the nation again,
That stood against him,
Proud Edward's Army,
And sent him homeward,
Tae think again.

0 Flower of Scotland,
When will we see
your like again,
That fought and died for,
Your wee bit Hill and Glen,
And stood against him,
Proud Edward's Army,
And sent him homeward,
Tae think again.