It was a hard shift for Gordon Strachan’s Scotland last night. Germany are on a different level, possibly from all other teams, at the moment, but Gordon’s been through similar tests as Celtic manager. What I liked about the display was that German were afforded few genuine chances, while the goals they scored, a deflection and two which hit the post before crossing the line, gave David Marshall no chance.
Scotland failed to collect a point as they found it impossible to concentrate at the level required for the entire 90 minutes. We’ve seen Celtic teams do this successfully in the past – and not just against Barcelona. We took Milan to a 0-0 after 90 minutes in the San Siro, while teams from Manchester and Munich, and lesser locations, chased the oxygen out of Celtic players’ lungs but could not find the space required to turn Celtic over.
During the previous two seasons Celtic recorded impressive domestic defensive records, but this was not due to imperious levels of concentration, we were simply better than the opposition by a sufficient margin. When that wasn’t the case, in Europe, we often didn’t display the levels of concentration which was on show, even from Scotland last night.
Great players can score wonder goals against you at any point, but don’t dive into tackles, watch what’s going on off the ball, make the right choices on how to press the ball, and even the greats will struggle to make an opening.
The biggest challenge we have ahead of the Europa League campaign is incorporating this season’s defensive arrivals into a coherent defensive strategy. It’s a concern that Craig Gordon looks like a better goalkeeper playing for Celtic in Europe than David Marshall did playing for Scotland against Germany. Marshall is a good enough keeper, but his defence didn’t expose him too often. Craig is called upon too often in Europe.
With all that’s going on in the world at the moment, in particular with the Foundation, Celtic sponsor, Intelligent Car Leasing, have offered us a fantastic auction prize: Corporate Hospitality at Celtic v Dundee, on 20 September, lunch and drinks in the Walfrid with great seats in the Directors’ Box for three people.
This is a very rare opportunity to enjoy a money-can’t-buy experience. All proceeds to raise funds for Celtic FC Foundation’s fantastic work to improve Health, promote Equality, encourage Learning and tackle Poverty. Get bidding and keep an eye on the auction here on ebay.
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Haven’t had a chance to read the hostile monkey piece – tis bookmarked.
But in a reply to a post from Jamesgang at the weekend, I wrote a comment that contained the “fact” that when Sevco Scotland played their first ever game which was against Brechin – The Rangers Football Club still had a SFA licence and we’re still members of the SPL.
Now I said it was late August, of course a quick perusal of the hostile monkey piece reminds me it was in actual fact late July 2012.
But it got me thinking, a good clear way of rebuffing the same Club myth is to take a time line of the two Clumpanies in 2012.
From the birth of Newco to the IPO.
From administration from Oldco to the death knell of Rangers.
Newco saga – It could start with the incorporation of Sevco 5088, through Sevco Scotland to the transfer of assets, tupe of employees – to the first game, to the five way agreement and end the year with the IPO.
Oldco Saga – HMRC taking umbrage at getting shafted, administration, points deduction, failed CVA, selling of assets, transfer of SPL membership to Dundee, transfer of SFA licence to Sevco Scotland, final D&P administration duties and towards the end of 2012, Liquidation.
Of course more detail and salient points could be put onto the parallel time lines, but it would be a graphic illustration of two organisations.
I would do it myself but I’ve already demonstrated how unreliable my memory is and currently don’t have time to research/clarify.
Just~a~thot
Hail Hail