Light Blues must rally once again
BY the half-time break in the Europa League Final in Seville, my normally much-used notebook had little comment in it about the match.
There had been little cohesive play, few players had risen to the occasion and there had been a lack of thrust going towards goal with the result being that chances had been few and far between.
The second half was better – at least there were some goals – but both sides still lacked the touch of inspiration that could have made a difference.
It came as no great surprise it went into extra-time and, secondly, the outcome would depend on a penalty shoot-out.
Nine of the 10 players took on their role as penalty takers with confidence, giving the opposition goalkeeper little chance to save their shots. The unfortunate exception was Aaron Ramsey, whose effort was too near the legs of the German custodian, giving Frankfurt victory.
It was a disappointing evening for everyone connected to Rangers – players, management and coaching staff, directors and supporters. However, no matter how deep their displeasure at their team’s plight, all of them have to put that to one side to concentrate on the weekend
It was disappointing but everyone connected to Rangers have to put that to one side now
ahead. This afternoon, Rangers face Hearts at Hampden in the Scottish Cup Final and if they are to win the trophy, everyone mentioned above has a part to play.
Just over 50 years ago, I played my final match for Celtic when they beat Hibs 6-1 in the 1972 Scottish Cup Final.
Only two weeks or so beforehand, on April 19, Celtic had lost to Inter Milan in the semi-final of the European Cup.
The teams had played no-scoring draws in the San Siro and in Glasgow before the latter match had to go to extra-time then penalties. Almost incredibly, like Rangers this week, we lost 5-4 in the shoot-out, striker Dixie Deans missing the first and yours truly scoring the second.
It was a bitter blow for Dixie and he received some stick afterwards, mainly from people who should’ve known better.
He would soon answer his critics. In that final, on May 6, before a crowd of 106,102 at Hampden, he scored a hat-trick – in the 23rd, 54th and 74th minutes – with his second a wonderful solo effort.
This will be another Glasgow-Edinburgh clash. Let’s hope it is as exciting as the 1972 event. For the players, it is a special day. Even the journey through Glasgow with the fans on either side of the road to the final yards down Hampden way will remain in their minds forever. Let’s hope the match lives up to expectations.