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World Cup | Qualifiers
Mar 22, 2013 at 8pm UK
 
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Live Commentary: Scotland 1-2 Wales - as it happened

:Headline: Live Commentary: Scotland 1-2 Wales - as it happened: ID:75534: from db_amp
Read how Wales replicated their turnaround victory of last year to complete a World Cup-qualifying double over Scotland.

The bottom two sides in Europe's World Cup qualifying Group A met in Glasgow this evening.

Wales completed the double over Scotland by replicating their turnaround victory in Cardiff last year in an incident-filled match at Hampden Park.

Read how it all unfolded in our minute-by-minute live updates below.

Evening all. The reverse fixture of this was a cracker, but more on that later as we need to get straight to the teams!
SCOTLAND XI: McGregor; Hutton, Mulgrew, Hanley, Caldwell; Dorrans, Snodgrass, McArthur, Maloney, Burke; S Fletcher
WALES XI: Myhill; Gunter, Ricketts, Williams, Davies; Ramsey, Ledley, Collison, Bale; Robson-Kanu, Bellamy
The big news from those two lineups is that Gareth Bale has overcome a virus to start for the visitors tonight. In the reverse fixture in Cardiff, Bale scored both goals, including a stunning long-range winner, to win it for Wales.
Click here to read the match report on what was a wet and eventful night back in October.
From a Scottish point of view, it's a first competitive game in charge for Gordon Strachan and he starts with Steven Fletcher in attack.
Sunderland's Fletcher will get most of his help in attack from Shaun Maloney of Wigan. The bouncy winger has been in good form for the Latics this term and I fancy him to bag a goal tonight.
Fletcher's inclusion does however mean that in-form Blackburn striker Jordan Rhodes hasn't quite made it. He starts on the bench alongside Charlie Adam, who is surprisingly left out.
Here are the two substitute benches tonight:

Scotland: Gilks, Mackay-Steven, Whittaker, Webster, Adam, Naismith, Miller, Commons, Rhodes, Bannan, Martin, Marshall

Wales: Price, Lynch, Richards, Collins, King, Vaughan, Church, Vokes, Jonathan Williams, Easter, Nyatanga, Fon Williams

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What I take from that is that there are too many people from Wales called Williams! There is Ashley in the starting lineup while Jonathan and Fon are on the bench.
Strachan has been speaking to Sky Sports News and he says that he expects the players that he has picked to prove themselves in Glasgow.
REFEREE WATCH: Tonight's officiating team is from France and the man in charge is Antony Gautier.
One other match in Group A has already finished tonight in Croatia. The home side came out on top 2-0 in what was expected to be a fiery encounter against former Yugoslavia counterparts Serbia. I believe all was fairly sedate.
That takes Croatia top of the group on 13 points but Belgium can reclaim top spot if they win in Macedonia. Here's how it currently stands:

1. Croatia 13pts
2. Belgium 10pts
3. Serbia 4pts
4. Macedonia 4pts
5. Wales 3pts
6. Scotland 2pts

Away from Glasgow again, there's a host of qualifiers across Europe tonight and we have live text updates on three others. Join Barney Corkhill for England's trip to minnows San Marino here, Liam Apicella has Sweden vs. Republic of Ireland covered here and Matt Law is all over Spain vs. Finland here.
Of course, I'll keep you up to date with all the big goals as they go in across the continent.
Back to the reverse fixture of this match in October and Scotland were left fuming when they had a clear goal chalked off before Wales had equalised. Adam's cross found Fletcher at the back post and he nodded home only to have the goal ruled out even though Adam's cross clearly hadn't gone out of play.
The man who scored Scotland's solitary goal on that wet night in Cardiff was West Brom's James Morrison. The Baggies man won't be able to do the same again tonight though as he's out with a hamstring injury.
Wales manager Chris Coleman has just told Sky Sports News that there is no risk in starting Bale tonight. He says that his side are "under no illusions" about the tough task they face tonight. He's also predicting a frantic, British-style game.
A boost for Wales tonight is the return of Craig Bellamy, who missed the first four matches of the campaign. The win over Scotland was their only win or draw so far after losses in Serbia and Croatia and at home to Belgium.
Scotland opened their campaign with two draws at home to Serbia and Macedonia before the loss in Wales. They also lost out 2-0 in Belgium in their last qualifier.
Both sides ready and waiting in the tunnel on a very chilly night in Glasgow.
PREDICTION TIME! With five minutes until the off it's time for my thoughts on the match. I can't see many goals and am plumping for a 1-1 draw. Bale (of course) to score for the visitors, Maloney for the hosts.
Anthem time as light snow falls on the players under the lights. A fairly rousing rendition of the Welsh anthem is sung by most of the players.
The Scottish anthem is belted out by singer Amy MacDonald. Thumbs down for Fletcher, Dorrans and Mulgrew for failing to sing. MacDonald finished the anthem by screaming "COME ON SCOTLAND!" We're almost ready to go.
Quick reminder that all our live commentaries tonight can be found by clicking here.
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KICKOFF! Bellamy and Bale get us underway at Hampden.
Scotland are in navy tops, whites shorts and red socks while Wales don red tops and shorts and green socks.
SHOT! Very nervy start from Scotland almost presents Wales with a goal. Bale drove at the defence and tried to feed Bellamy but the pass was cut out. Caldwell couldn't clear the danger though, presenting it straight to Ramsey who saw his shot blocked.
Arsenal midfielder Ramsey definitely needs a big game tonight, you feel. He's been far from on song for the Gunners this term.
It gets from bad to worse for the Scots as Fletcher goes down after an awkward fall from an aerial challenge. It looks like he'll have to be taken off. Will Jordan Rhodes or Kenny Miller come on? If it's Miller then there's absolutely no height in the Scotland attack.
Yep, Miller is stripped down and Scotland will have to play the ball on the deck with a Miller-Maloney strike duo.
SCOTLAND SUB: Worrying scenes for both Scotland and Sunderland as Fletcher is stretchered off and Miller enters the fray earlier than expected.
Looks like Scotland are going to try and fizz the ball into Miller's feet instead of knocking it long.
Ricketts looks to find Bellamy over the top but the ball just about skips through to McGregor. Dangerously high line from the Scottish defence.
This has been a really excellent start from Wales. They're keeping the ball patiently and looking much more like the home side.
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YELLOW! First booking of the match goes to Scotland's Snodgrass for a rash lunge on Gunter. The Norwich man also went in studs-up on Ledley minutes ago so that's definitely deserved.
UPDATE: It took England 11 minutes to go ahead against San Marino as Della Valle scores a comical own goal. Belgium have also taken the lead in this group at Macedonia.
Dodgy moment between Hanley and McGregor allows Bale to sneak a foot in and balloon it up into the air. The Spurs superstar can't get to the ball though as Hanley rises high to head clear.
It's been a very bitty affair and Wales have another free kick on the right touchline that Bale attempts to thwack goalwards but for once he finds the wall.
Bale will always shoot when presented with an opportunity and he lets fly from 30 yards but it's blocked by Hanley and spins out for a corner. Bellamy's delivery is low and Ledley can't flick it goalwards.
Dear me, Hanley is making his first competitive national appearance and nerves are definitely showing as he again gives the ball away but Bale underhits a through-ball for Bellamy.
Scotland need to start stringing some passes together very soon. It continues to be all-Wales as the likes of Ramsey, Bale and Ledley knock it around with ease.
OVER! There you go, my last post has stung the home side into action. Burke receives the ball down the right and swings it to the back post where Miller gets up well but heads it over.
If Wales had a decent through pass on them they'd definitely be winning by now as McArthur this time gets caught in possession but Bellamy can't thread it through for Bale. Those of you who like a flutter can back Wales at a very decent price.
SHOT! Brilliant again from Wales as Robson-Kanu holds off the challenge of Hutton but can't pick out Bellamy in the middle. The ball is cleared and Wales lay it off for Bale to hit. The number 11 gets it caught under his feet a little but still manages a dippy, swervy effort that McGregor has to parry away.
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UPDATE: England go two ahead in San Marino thanks to Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain's neat link-up with Wayne Rooney.
After half an hour of play the stats show just how good Wales have been. The visitors have had a whopping 67% of possession and have hit the target with all three of their shots. Scotland have had one.
YELLOW! Robson-Kanu becomes the first Wales player in the book for bringing down Burke.
CHANCE! Scotland don't deserve it but they should be ahead. Snodgrass crosses delightfully from the left but Miller gets up a bit early and can only head over. If he had left it then Burke might have put it in anyway.
Suddenly it's all Scotland as Burke beats the offside trap down the right and fizzes in a peach of a cross that somehow beats the two navy shirts in the middle.
UPDATE: England now 3-0 up in San Marino thanks to Jermain Defoe's tap-in from a yard.
Scotland earn a free kick about 40 yards out that Mulgrew takes but overhits straight into the arms of Myhill. Much better from the hosts in the last 10 though.
UPDATE: They're going to want double figures in San Marino as Ashley Young puts England four up with a rasping shot that crashes in off the bar.
Worrying signs for Wales as Bale stays down after a challenge sent him to the floor. Definitely not a dive from the number 11 but he is up and looks like he'll be OK to continue.
UPDATE: Goodness me, it is five for England before half time as Frank Lampard rolls home.
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Three minutes added on at the end of the first half as the snow continues to fall ever heavier.
Fabulous centre from Mulgrew but it's too far ahead of Miller and Burke can't get around Davies at the back post. Corner to the hosts...
GOAL! Scotland 1-0 Wales (Hanley)
I had a feeling that Wales would want half time and it hasn't come quick enough as Hanley, who has had a very dodgy game so far, loops his run to the back post and gets ahead of Ricketts to head in.
YELLOW! A frustrated Ramsey is booked for a needless trip on Maloney.
HALF-TIME: Scotland 1-0 Wales
What a killer blow for Wales that Hanley goal will be. The first half an hour was an absolute domination by the visitors but they were unable to create a real opening, despite Scotland's best efforts to present them with one. The Scots came right back into it in the last 10 minutes of the half and stole a goal thanks to Hanley's clever movement in the box.
If you've only just joined us and want a concise round-up of the first period, then read Liam Power's half-time report by clicking here.
To see all the scores and scorers of the other big games across the continent just click here.
As things stand, this is how the Group A table will look with Belgium leading against Macedonia:

1. Belgium 13pts
2. Croatia 13pts
3. Scotland 5pts
4. Serbia 4pts
5. Macedonia 4pts
6. Wales 3pts

So Scotland will move up to third if they claim the win but any chance of finishing in the top two looks a million miles away with Belgium and Croatia way out in front.
WALES SUB: Unfortunately for Wales Mr Bale is unable to continue as Jonathan Williams of Crystal Palace takes his place.
KICKOFF! Scotland get the second period underway.
The Scots held the same 1-0 scoreline back in October but lost out in the end because of Bale's brilliance. The Spurs winger's withdrawal certainly makes Scotland heavy favourites now.
UPDATE: Six now for England as Rooney curls home a free kick. Over in Macedonia, Eden Hazard has put Belgium 2-0 ahead.
CHANCE! Scotland go close to a second as Miller wins a header in the area and nods it down for Burke. Ashley Williams comes flying in with a high foot and the hosts want a penalty but referee Gautier isn't interested. Burke eventually gets the ball back and sees a shot blocked before Dorrans fires over from the edge of the area. That was a penalty in my eyes when Williams came in with a high boot.
OFF THE POST! It's all Scotland at the moment and they won't come any closer to grabbing a second as Snodgrass curls it over Myhill but agains the inside of the far post.
Wales come roaring back as Bellamy surges down the right and manages to dig out a superb low cross that has to be hacked out for a corner.
Wales want a penalty shout as Gunter exchanges a neat pair of passes with Ramsey before firing goalwards. The ball does strike Hanley's arm but he was about a yard away so would have been very harsh.
WALES SUB: Andy King of Leicester takes the place of Jack Collison.
Wales have a goal disallowed as Jonathan Williams's deep cross is eventually bundled home by King. However, referee Gautier feels that McGregor was impeded.
UPDATE: Surprising scoreline coming in from Spain as Finland equalise late on against the world champions. Can the giants get a late winner? Follow the last few minutes here.
SCOTLAND SUB: Charlie Adam is on the field in place of Graham Dorrans.
UPDATE: It's seventh heaven for England in San Marino as Daniel Sturridge nods home Young's cross to make it seven different goalscorers for the Three Lions.
Brilliant run from Bale's replacement Jonathan Williams and he wins a free kick just over 20 yards out, dead centre. Hanley is booked for the challenge. Bellamy will fancy this...
SAVE! McGregor knows that Bellamy is going to try and loop it over the wall and gets there quite easily to hold on. Had Bellamy gone for the other corner he would have had much more success.
RED CARD! Snodgrass has been sent off for Scotland.
PENALTY TO WALES!
Confusing times at Hampden and I'll wait for the penalty to explain. Ramsey to take...
GOAL! Scotland 1-1 Wales (Ramsey pen)
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The Arsenal man absolutely lashes it home off the underside of the bar. Let's get back to the penalty incident. Gunter was scythed down just inside the area by Snodgrass and although the cross had already gone in, referee Gautier pointed for a free kick. However, after consultation with his assistant he decided to give a spot kick and Ramsey smashed it in.
GOAL! Scotland 1-2 Wales (Robson-Kanu)
Wowee! Wales turn it around with two goals in 93 seconds! The second comes as Robson-Kanu gets up highest in the area to bullet King's cross low past McGregor. Very, very easy for the visitors.
UPDATE: Ireland have held Sweden to a goalless draw in Stockholm. Read our match report here.
Back to Hampden and is there any way for Scotland to snatch an equaliser? At the moment Wales are toying with the hosts, knocking the ball around in a nonchalant fashion and Scotland can't get it back.
Scotland really have to start going for broke now. Not much to lose really.
SAVE! McGregor keeps Scotland in it by keeping out King's low drive with his left foot.
UPDATE: Full time in San Marino and England have won 8-0. Our match report is here.
SCOTLAND SUB: Last throw of the dice for Strachan as he brings on Jordan Rhodes for Burke.
The pitch is getting extremely sodden now, especially in the far left corner of the Welsh attack.
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WALES SUB: Ledley's night comes to a slightly premature end as he is taken off for Simon Church.
Four minutes added on at the end. Have Scotland got anything left? I don't think so.
SHOT! Gunter misjudges a long ball forward and Maloney has the chance to run at the Welsh defence. He draws men towards him before laying it off for Adam to hit but his fierce effort is blocked. That might be that.
RED CARD! Ramsey sent off for Wales for a professional foul.
Unbelievable scenes as the Arsenal man dilly-dallies on the ball too long and is dispossessed. He has to bring down Maloney and rightly sees red as he was the last man. Maloney takes the resulting free kick but blazes it over.
FULL-TIME: Scotland 1-2 Wales
A crazy second half comes to an end and it's the same old story for sorry Scotland. They have now lost both games to Wales in this qualifying campaign after going in ahead at the break in both Cardiff and here tonight in Glasgow.
If you've only just joined us and want a summary of the match then read Liam Power's match report - with full-size images - by clicking here.
The Group A table now looks great if you're a Wales fan, not so good for the Scots out there:

1. Belgium 13pts
2. Croatia 13pts
3. Wales 6pts
4. Serbia 4pts
5. Macedonia 4pts
6. Scotland 2pts

Thanks for joining Sports Mole this evening. Be sure to stick around on site for plenty of reaction and analysis. We'll see you again on Tuesday for yet more World Cup qualifiers.
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