Scotland slump to fourth defeat in five games
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WORLD Cup qualifying can’t start soon enough for Scotland after their disastrous Euro 2022 campaign ended with a fourth defeat in five games. After being seeded to win
Group E they finished ten points behind Finland and seven behind Portugal.
The latest loss to Portugal in Larnaca – the game was moved there because of travel restrictions – was a reminder of the previous three. Scotland dominated the possession but were undermined by poor finishing and defensive lapses.
Interim head coach
Stuart
McLaren, who came in for the last two games after Shelley Kerr stood down in December, seemed to have improved matters when Scotland beat Cyprus 10-0 on Friday, but will now go back to his regular job of managing the men’s Under-16 side.
“I’ve enjoyed the experience,” he said. “I’ll go back to the day job unless something really changes.”
Portugal went ahead totally against the run of play after 27 minutes. It was a bad moment for Jenna Fife, making her first start in a qualifier at the expense of Lee Alexander.
The Rangers goalkeeper took a heavy touch from a Rachel Corsie pass back which could have been better directed, but Ana Caputa moved decisively to block Fife’s clearance and was rewarded when the ball cannoned off her boot and into the net.
Scotland didn’t have much of a response and were punished for a second time in time added on at the end of the second-half. Again, slack defensive play from Corsie and Jen Beattie led to the ball landing at the feet of Fatima Pinto and she finished clinically to ensure the win.
Leeds United Southampton 3 0
MARCELO BIELSA said there was little he could teach Raphinha, who turned in another eye-catching display in Leeds’ 3-0 home win against Southampton.
Patrick Bamford’s 13th Premier League goal of the season and Stuart Dallas put Leeds in control before Raphinha curled home a sublime free-kick in the closing stages.
The Brazilian winger laid on a host of chances for his teammates as Leeds climbed back into the top half of the table.
“I sincerely think that I can add very little to his game,”
Bielsa said. “The best thing you can do with players who are so spontaneous is to let them be themselves.”
The 24-year-old is widely regarded as one of the steals of the season after signing from Rennes in October for £17million plus add-ons.
He showed why against Southampton, combining his ability to glide by opposing defenders and provide accurate crosses with an insatiable work-rate.
“He’s a player who unbalances [the opposition] by himself, he’s very ambitious, very competitive,” Bielsa said after his side secured their 200th Premier League win. “It’s a mixture that’s not very common because he works a lot and on top of that he’s creative and can unbalance.”
TEN places in this year’s US Open will be up for grabs via a mini Order of Merit at three European Tour events, the USGA has announced.
The top 10 aggregate point earners, who are not otherwise exempt, from the Betfred British Masters (May 12-15), Made in HimmerLand presented by
FREJA (May 27-30) and the Porsche European Open (June 3-6) will earn places in the US Open at Torrey Pines from June 17-20.
The traditional US Open final qualifying event in Europe will not take place once again this year due to the continuing impact of the Covid-19 pandemic.
Last year 10 places were made available through a mini order of merit after the first five events of the European Tour’s new UK Swing.
Meanwhile, approximately 10,000 spectators a day will be allowed on site for this year’s US PGA Championship, tournament organisers have announced.
Collin Morikawa will defend his title at Kiawah Island in South Carolina from May 20-23.
Face coverings will be required for all spectators, staff and volunteers, including those who have received a Covid-19 vaccine, and should be worn at all times, the PGA of America said.
“We’re excited to welcome spectators back to the PGA Championship this May in a way that is responsible and aligned with current South Carolina health protocols,” PGA of America president Jim Richerson said.