Scotland keep the pressure on the World Cup finalists

Glasgow should be vibrant for the visit of the World Cup finalists — after two games in the Euro 2008 qualifiers, Scotland have the maximum six points in group B. There is the sense of momentum and solidity developing in tandem, though it remains fragile: Scotland were in severe danger of being pegged back to 2-2 at the end, which would have been a considerable blow in such a daunting group.

“It was a big performance from us,” Smith said. “We put a lot of effort into the game, you could see how tired the players were, the pitch was very heavy, but obviously we’re absolutely delighted with the result.”

This triumph showcased cunning counter-attacking and doughty defending, but Kenny Miller, harshly booked in the first half, will miss the France match because he also picked up a yellow card against the Faeroes. At least the Celtic forward scored in Kaunas yesterday, doubling the lead after Christian Dailly broke the deadlock. “He’s always played in that manner for Scotland. He’s turned in fantastic performances recently,” Smith said. But Miller felt aggrieved for being booked, labelling the decision a “disgrace” Pre-match concerns about the state of the pitch — Nigel Quashie likened it to a “bike track” — can be forgotten now. The surface at the St Darius and St Girenas Stadium was bobbly and muddy but eminently playable.

Lithuania’s 1-1 draw with Italy, the newly-crowned world champions, in Naples at the weekend was a result that demands respect, and Smith agreed, leaving out Kris Boyd, who scored twice in the 6-0 thrashing of the Faeroes on Saturday that was Scotland’s biggest win for 37 years. In came Gary Caldwell as part of a more cautious formation, though Boyd came on as a first-half substitute for the injured Quashie. James McFadden was also forced off before the break.

Lithuania, who beat Scotland at home in the Euro 2004 qualifiers, peppered the Scotland goal with attempts and after just one minute 45 seconds, Gary Naysmith was forced into a goal-saving clearance. As the first half wore on, the home side grew dominant and forays into opposition territory for a Scotland side captained by David Weir, the 36-year-old defender winning his 50th cap.

However, Scotland made a dream start to the second period. Dailly’s fine headed goal from Naysmith’s corner less than a minute after the break was augmented on 62 minutes by the industrious Miller who lashed in from seven yards.

Watched by the Vladimir Romanov, the Heart of Midlothian owner, who is Lithuanian, and more than 3,500 of the Tartan Army, Smith’s men withstood significant pressure until the 85th minute, when Darius Miceika scored with a fabulous overhead kick. More anxious moments followed, but whereas in the past perhaps they would have crumbled, Scotland under Smith are made of sterner stuff.

Also in group B, Ukraine needed a late winner to beat Georgia 3-2 yesterday afternoon.

Taken from timesonline.co.uk