Auld Enemy clash offers big incentive for Scots
Scotland’s confrontations with the Auld Enemy are often very special occasions but today’s final pool match at the European Nations Championships in Amsterdam has taken on immense significance for both camps.
In previous tournaments Gordon Shepherd’s charges survival in Europe’s top flight has emanated from a successful relegation pool campaign, but victory today could propel the Scots into second spot in the pool and a place in the semi-finals.
After their goalless draw against Ireland on Sunday, the Scots have just one point to their name. However, England’s 1-0 defeat at the hands of Germany means they are just two points better off ahead of today’s clash. A Scotland victory would see Shepherd’s side leapfrog their rivals and into unchartered territory.
Shepherd isn’t fazed about the prospect of taking on the side ranked second in the world.
“We’re looking forward to the England game now. We’re playing a lot of Olympic gold medallists and it’ll be a very tough match,” he said.
“But we’re not scared of them, we’ll be well prepared and give it everything we have.”
But England, coached by former Scotland striker David Ralph in the absence of Danny Kerry, who is still recovering from illness, still have their place in the semi-finals in their own hands, but need all three points to be certain.
In the other pool match Ireland take on a German side that have already qualified for the semi-finals. Ireland also need all three points to have any chance of joining them.