The Courier & Advertiser (Fife Edition)
Bollan’s mixed emotions after missing out on Brazil hat-trick
Cowdenbeath manager Gary Bollan was delighted to finally see long-lost footage of the night when he knocked a hat-trick past Brazil – only to discover one of his goals was missing.
The Blue Brazil boss starred for a Scotland Schoolboys U15 side, who racked up an incredible 6-0 success over their young rivals from South America at Aberdeen’s Pittodrie back in 1988.
However, Bollan had never seen the footage until he was sent it yesterday.
A first half header that made it 2-0 and a second half drive into a far corner that made it 5-0 were included in the package.
However, clinching his treble when he nodded home in the last minute was not there and left the 47-year-old with mixed emotions.
Bollan said: “I was delighted when I was sent highlights from the game as I did not know that they existed.
“It was great to see my first two goals again and just when I was away to say ‘and here comes the hat-trick’ the footage ended at 5-0.”
“I should be delighted that I have been able to see two of my goals in a 6-0 win over Brazil but I feel short-changed.”
Bollan added: “It was a remarkable game from a team that formed the backbone of the squad that went to the World Cup Final against Saudi Arabia at U16 level.
“It was a very cold night and I am sure that helped us more than the Brazilians.
“I would love to find a teamsheet from that game and see if any of their players made it on to the international stage.”
Bollan scored one of the penalties as the young Scots lost out to the Saudis in the U16s World Cup final at Hampden in 1989, having defeated Portugal and East Germany in the knockout stages after qualifying from a group including Ghana, Cuba and Bahrain.
Bollan began his career with Dundee United and went on to play for Rangers, St Johnstone, Motherwell, Clyde and Brechin before embarking on a career in coaching.
He has taken charge of Livingston, Airdrieonians, Forfar and the Blue Brazil.