It’s a sole destroying defeat for Ricky kids
SCOTLAND Under-19s kicked off their bid to reach the Euro Championship in a city renowned for shoe making.
But it was Austria who put one foot in this summer’s finals with a helping hand from ropey Greek ref Charalambos Kalogeropoulos.
Ricky Sbragia’s side now have a mountain to climb in their Elite Round group after a defeat in the Czech town of Zlin – where the famous Bata Shoes organisation was founded in 1894.
After a poor start Scotland played their way into it and competed well after the break.
But when the Greek waved away a spot-kick claim from Sbragia’s boys after Kilmarnock kid Iain Wilson was upended – then judged Fraser Preston’s header hadn’t crossed the line – it was clear it wasn’t to be their day.
Sheffield Wednesday striker Preston was convinced he’d pulled a goal back at 2-0 down.
He said: “We’re disappointed with a few dodgy decisions.
“My header has crossed the line. Even some of their players were laughing about the call.”
When Rapid Vienna winger Kelvin Arase tucked home a rebound after Manuel Thurnwald’s shot had cracked the bar it was a deserved lead.
But after Sbragia moved skipper Liam Burt up the pitch to play off Hibs striker Oli Shaw it was the catalyst for an improved Scotland display.
After the break, at 1-0 down, Wilson was clearly fouled in the penalty area. Kalogeropoulos didn’t want to know but was quick to point to the spot when Harry Souttar tugged Marko Raguz at the other end.
Arnel Jakupovic buried it but shortly after Preston was adamant he’d levelled. Again the Scots’ protests were turned away before they conceded another penalty when Ross McCrorie was penalised for a handball. This time Sandi Lovric despatched it.
Sbragia said: “There’s no way the scoreline reflected the game.”