Scotland’s twelfth man was very much in evidence as they took on Italy in their crucial World Cup Qualifier at Hampden Park. Walter Smith’s men set about their near impossible task with much vim and vigour, the early exchanges were encouraging, prompting the Tartan Army to begin the ‘Hampden Roar’, willing their team on, The Scottish team may have been through a rough spell recently, but their supporters rank among the best in the World.

The roar increased to astronomic levels when after 12 minutes Kenny Miller tucked in a beautifully headed goal, converting an excellent Paul Hartley cross from the right flank.
Ominously the Italians started to create chances in response to the home teams early strike, with Totti pulling the strings, they always looked menacing coming forward, and they weren’t above their traditional trait of diving as if they were in an Olympic swimming event.

The Scottish defence, ably marshalled by West Ham Utd’s Christian Dailly, stood firm against all that was thrown at them, such was their effort that one wondered if it was sustainable against a team of Italy’s class for the full ninety minutes. De Rossi was booked for a ludicrous challenge on Nigel Quashie in the 35th minute, an unnecessary caution that will see him suspended for Italy’s next game.

Scotland were lucky to go in at half time with their lead intact, as Italy were denied a definite penalty in the closing minutes, the feeling of relief was palpable from the assembled tartan masses.

Scotland are a team that have forgotten how to win, so Walter Smith’s half time talk would have been an interesting one, nothing short of three points would do, so he would had to have taken the decision to either sit back and defend their narrow lead, or, go out and try to put the game beyond Italy.

Of course trying to outplay Italy is a difficult proposition, but then sitting on your lead is probably harder still, a glance at the Italian forward line would instil apprehension in the best of defenders, so the ‘brave heart’ defence returned for the second half with some trepidation.

The second half began much as the first, but the Italians seemed to have a spring in their step, doubtless as a result of a Lippi hairdryer moment at half time. As the crowd settled back down, there was widespread joy as the news filtered through that group rivals Belarus were two nil down in their match.

In the 53rd minute Dailly received a yellow card for an innocuous challenge that will see him suspended for Scotland’s next qualifier, it’s a pity, because his calm but authoritative presence was key to his side’s resilience against the increasingly menacing Italian attack. As the game wore on, Walter Smith swamped the midfield, leaving Miller as the lone striker, but packed or not they were helpless as Totti burst through and squared a perfect pas to Vieri, who promptly blasted over from five yards when it would have been easier to score.

The industrious, but obviously tired and leggy Quashie, was withdrawn from the fray in the 65th minute, his pace, determination and general ‘nuisance ‘ qualities were sorely missed, as his tenacious approach had undoubtedly unnerved the Italian midfield.

Of course the fantasy had to end, and on 75 minutes Italy drew level, to be fair it was a deserved equalised, as the Scottish defence had started to hold their line deeper and deeper, Barouso’s scrambled goal really deflated the crowd, who had already been showing signs of nervousness as the clock was ticking down.

Scoring so early might have harmed Scotland’s chances to win the match, but there approach was spot on, and as ever, they played their hearts out, but in the end the difference in class between them and their opponents was obvious, none more so than in the last five minutes, when Scotland’s heroics seemed to have taken a heavy toll on it’s players, who looked decidedly ragged and exhausted, and it was with some relief that they were able to leave the field on level terms to a standing ovation from their loyal and proud supporters.

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