Conference trucks::football;1

    Anyone from Munich intending going to the game in Bern ?? Any idea how
    long it would take to drive there from Munich ? 
    
    Will tickets be easy to come by ??
    
    Any others going fancy meeting up if I decide to make the trip.....

    It's not an easy or short drive; few autobahns. Count at least 6 hours.
    
    Stadium holds approx 40K and it will be full.
    
    P

    
    
    What's the date of the Switzerland v Scotland game in Berne?
    
    
    
    Ta,
    Michael
    

	Anyone care to speculate on how the "Wankdorf" stadium got
	its name?

    
    The latest news I have is that Scotland are down 2-0, and that Mo
    Johnston was carried off.
    
    

    
    Final score
    
    Switzerland 2 Scotland 2
    
    

    I don't believe I'm saying this but ...
    The game tonight was about two halfs. The first was 0-45mins..
    No really the first half was won by the Swiss with some stylish
    football and classic finishing, which Ally McCoist seemed to be
    missing. Then just as I was getting settled down to watch Rab C Nesbitt
    out come the boys for the second half. Within 2 min the ball is in the
    net after a good cross from McKimmie finds Durie who heads the ball
    into the net. 2-1, very exciting stuff.... Then we have the time when
    we seem to do everything but put the ball into the net only for super
    Ally (ha! ha!) to come into the game a slot the ball home after
    the Swiss keeper had parried the ball from a Strachan shot. 2-2..
    All in all a draw was about right and certainly is a good result for
    us..    What I want to know is why did Roxburgh put McKimmie
    at centre half instead of Nicol and why he insists on play Boyd in
    the left midfield?
    
    Here's the table after tonight and remaining games...
                     Ply'd     W   D   L    F    A     Pts
    Switzerland        7       4   2   1   19    6      10
    Scotland           6       3   3   0   10    6       9
    Bulgaria           6       2   2   2   10    7       6
    Rumania            5       2   1   2   10    6       5
    San Marino         6       0   0   6    1   25       0
    
    
    Oct 16 - Bulgaria v San Marino,  Romania v Scotland;
    Nov 13 - Romania v Switzerland , Scotland v San Marino;
    Nov 20 - Bulgaria v Romania.
    
    			cheers, Graham.

    The Scots team can consider themselves a little lucky this morning,
    outclassed in the first half by a Swiss team that had the monopoly
    on footballing skill. 
    
    The second half showed how experiance in the English and Scottish
    leagues and just a little more grit helped the Scots get back to draw.
    
    Of the two teams, if your honest you'd have to admit the Swiss looked
    the best.....
    
    -Dom
                

    Hot and sweaty in at the Scottish end. Supporters in despair at half
    time. Air heavy with ripe comment on the likes of Durie and impotent
    chants of "sheep-sh@ggin' b#st%rds". Quite frankly Switzerland should
    have wrapped it up at about 4-0. Scotland were all one feared in the
    first half. So Tottenham paid 2 mill for Durie? Says a lot about the
    insanity of our age. Defence square. Attack, what attack? Ball control,
    Strachan apart, nil. At half time, Strachan obviously told Roxburgh to
    shut up and took over captaincy and mangement. Ball began to move via
    him along the ground and the backs stopped looking like a audition for
    Chorus Line. The young Swiss team failed to control the match and one
    or two Scottish players began to look less like hopefuls for Partick
    Thistle reserves.
    
    Switzerland really needs a new national stadium. The Wankdorf is what
    it says it is.
    
    Peter

    
    
    
    Do  I denote a slight bit of disapointment that the Swiss didn't win.
    The game I watched showed a good display from the Swiss but as I
    suspected they just weren't good enough to sustain there early  start
    if you are honest Scotland were worth their draw, remember Scotland
    away from home 2-0 down in the first half final score 2-2 looks good
    sounds good, any international team away from home would be happy with
    this result in Switzerland in such a pressure game .
    
     A Happy Scot.

  Romania should be pleased with last night's result.. 

  If they can win their last 3 games (2 of them at home) they finish top of 
  the group with 11 points, probably ahead of Scotland on goal difference.

  

    Just worth it for showing tactical nous. How they could leave out
    Strachan for two years is beyond my ken. Actually, it was one of the
    most entertaining matches I've been to for a long time. Scotland are
    worth qualification for their fans alone, who, by the way, were more
    than happy to have teuchters in their midst, indeed were a bit
    flattered we were there. Not so sure many of them knew who this Edward
    bloke was in Flower of Scotland.
    
    Peter

There is only 1 thing that anyone can predict when the Scottish natioanl squad
play, and that's that you won't have any finger nails by the end of ninety
minutes.

Although the Swiss played well, and IMHO I believe deserved to win, the game
could have been totally different had the Scottish forwards been able to do
their job in the first half.

McCoist had a nightmare, and I bet McAllister wished he was still on the subs
bench after his shot from about 10 Yards out nearly went for a throw.

However, once Durie & McCoist's partnership up front started to take some shape,
it finally looked like we could score.

At half time I had to laugh at all the pre-match speculation of which of the 6
forwards would play!!!

There were obviously some harsh words at half time, 'cos it was if there was a
totally different team on the field, and it was good for once to see the hard
work, that the Scot's so regularly find themselves having to do, to get back
into matches, finally turned into goals.

However, the defense still looks shaky, as the Scots were lucky that the Swiss
didn't make more of the chances they had.

	Al

    I really enjoyed the Swiss TV commentator. Some time after Scotland
    scored the 2-1 he said ...
    
    "Now the Scottish team will fight to the last cubic millimeter of
     air in their bagpipes..." :-) :-)
    
    There were a few more good ones, which are a bit difficult to translate
    though.

    
    
    In response to one or two notes about the Scotland being 'fortunate' to
    get the draw.    Yes, the Swiss outplayed us - in the first half.  But
    a classy 2nd minute goal in the second half is what really knocked the
    stuffing out of the Swiss.  The didn't have the experience, the bottle
    nor the nerve to cope with such an early blow, and they never kicked a
    ball after that.
    
    The point about Strachan taking charge on and off the field is crap.
    Roxburgh must take credit for some clever tactical changes at
    half-time.  And he must have had a wee word or two to say also 'cause
    Scotland came out a different side.
    
    But questions have to be asked (yet again) about the contribution from
    some of our 'stars'.    Stuart McColl gave away so many free kicks in
    our half I thought big Roy had made a comeback.  His creative
    contribution was zero.   McAllister (again) barely looks interested.
    And Brian McClair has surely kicked his last ball for Scotland?
    
    One question: Was Craig Levein in the pool, and if so, why didn't
    Roxburgh partner him with his clubmate when Gough (mysteriously?)
    pulled out?
    
    
    
    Michael
    

!!The point about Strachan taking charge on and off the field is crap.
  
    Just a reminder that this is not the Old Firm note. Less robust
    language will do. If you had heard Strachan shouting and directing
    operations in the 2nd half, you might not have said that.
    
    Actually, the Swiss did score a third time, but it was handball, so
    it's not true to say they never kicked a ball. Scotland didn't exactly
    dominate either.
    
    Peter  

    I think a draw was probably fair considering that both teams virtually
    dominated one half of the game each, the Swiss can possibly consider
    themselves unlucky in the instance where the shot from Sutter came off
    the bar, but overall I thought Scotland had the more clear-cut
    opportunities in the game.
    
    The point made earlier on the Romanians still being able to qualify
    was quite valid, they must believe that they can win their 2 remaining
    home games against Scotland and then Switzerland.......there appears
    to be a number of permutations still available as to who will finally
    qualify.
    
    On the subject of players, I hope Roxburgh picks a squad for Romania
    which is not laced with "stifling" players designed to stop the other
    team from playing, and hoping for a 0-0 draw.
    I think the midfield should be balanced with aggression and skill and
    geared to attack and help the strikers, I would suggest Durrant, Mcstay,
    Strachan and McCall, giving us some sort of creative option in the
    midfield area.........everybody knows what will happen if they play a
    defensive formation, especially one which cannot react to the changes
    needed when they go a goal down.
    
    Gough's excuse for not playing looks pretty feeble, considering he was
    injured a week ago and played on Saturday, if this is the true excuse
    for him withdrawing from the team, he should be overlooked come the next
    squad being chosen.
    
    
                                                       Brian.

    re. > Roxburgh must take some credit for some clever tactical changes
        > at half time...
    
    Sorry, but I disagree, all he did was swap Mckimmie and Nicol
    around. Putting them to the positions they should have been
    from the start. As for the other changes they were all forced
    ie. Johston carried off means Durie moves up front, McKimmie
    injured means Malpas moves to right back and Boyd moves to left
    back (again where he should have been from the start).
    As for the half time talk or whatever.. I put it down to
    bannanas   :-)   cheers, Graham.

    Watched the highlights last night on Eurosport, gotta say I think we
    were lucky. However we certainly were due some luck in this tournament.
    
    With Switzerlands much superior goal difference I doubt we will not be
    going to Sweden unless we get two points in Rumania. Even if we do off
    course that would still allow us to screw up against San Marino !
    
    Thought the team selection very strange, was Andy trying to see how
    many players at one time he could have out of their usual positions ?
    
    Whats the score with Gough ?  My view if he plays for Rangers on
    Saturday he should never play for Scotland again. He has let the
    national squad down far too many times.  You don't feel it means enough
    to him to were the jersey.  I'm tired of him being miraculously fit for
    Rangers but suddenly unfit for Scotland.

    I've got a copy of the game on VHS (BBC 2 Scotland version) if anyone
    in the Munich area would like to borrow it.
    
    < 24 hours delivery by hand from Scotland...not bad!!

	Normally I don't trust the press and therefore none of the propaganda
or scare stories faze me but this morning, well it was different. There is a 
report in todays Guardian that Roxburgh has recalled AITKEN! Someone tell me 
this is a different Aitken. He has got faster, better at passing, smarter, 
nicer? 
	The report said Roxburgh wanted an experienced player for the Roumania 
game! Understandable but with so many great players still alive and mostly 
sober - I'm thinking of Jim Baxter, Pat Crerand, Dave McKay (this one may be 
dead but he will still be better than big Roy).

	Just when I thought we had a chance of qualifying as well.
Jim

    Best wind up ever ! Shirley back for Scotland *****.  No one not even
    Andy, did you ever play for Celtic son, Roxborough could be that daft.
    Is Kenny dalgleish and Graeme Souness the other two in midfiled ?

    
    Yes it's true, according to Forth RFM.
    
    Will it affect the chances of him playing in the next World Cup if 
    St Mirren are in the 2nd Division at the time?
    
    Archie
    

    Full Squad for Romanian game as follows :-
    
    Goram                     Rangers
    Gunn                      Norwich
    Smith                     Hearts
    Nicol                     Liverpool
    Levein                    Hearts
    Aitken                    St Mirren
    McKimmie                  Aberdeen
    McPherson                 Hearts
    Malpas                    Dundee Utd
    Galloway                  Celtic
    Boyd                      Chelsea
    McAllister                Leeds Utd
    McCall                    Rangers
    McInally                  Dundee Utd
    Macleod                   Hibs
    Strachan                  Leeds Utd
    Robertson                 Hearts
    Mcoist                    Rangers
    McClair                   Man Utd
    Johnston                  Rangers
    Durie                     Tottenham
    
    My team would be :-
    
            
                                     Smith
    
             McKimmie                                      Boyd
    
    
                              Galloway       Aitken
    
    
             McInally      Macleod       Strachan       McAllister
    
    
                           Robertson           McClair
    
    
    As was expected, it would appear that Roxburgh has compiled a pool 
    designed not to lose the game, as opposed to trying to win it.....
    you never know, we could even surprise ourselves and do quite well.
    
    
    
                                                            Brian.        

       I can`t believe Aitken is in the squad,any inputs.
    

    
     I can't beleive anyone who says Aitken was ever a footballer !!!

    
    Roxburgh needs an experienced defender of which he is short
    at the moment, hence Aitken's re-instatement.
    
    Richard Gough and Gary Gillespie are out and Dave McPherson
    may not recover from a twisted knee.
    
    JN.

    I totally agree, Roxburgh need's the experiance of Aitken in his team
    after all, who can Roxburgh afford to take a chance with...Willie Miller.
                                                                     

    How about big Scott Nisbit,he`s  playing some great football,although
    he still makes the odd mistake he`s at least got to be better than
    Aitken. 
    
                             Gav
    
    
    BTW.   Is Willie Miller still alive............
    

    
     RE.31
    
     Kurma::DRankin, How can you possibly say" Roxburgh needs the
     experience of Aitken"He is now playing for a 2nd rate team as he is
     also a 2nd rate player .He may have been ok at some stage in his career
     (I can't remember when though),but to select an old huddy like him
     in my veiw,is taking a step back not forward......
    
    
     Anon

    How can i argue with someone who is embarrassed to show face.....
    
    ps.Are you a HEARTS supporter by any chance......?
    

    RE-1
    
    YES

      r- .27
    
    Henry Smith in goal you must be joking!
     

    
    Does anyone know the address of big Roy's fan club.....8*)
    
    Roy's not flavour of the month just now, but 'fit' quality defenders(?)
    are not queueing up at Hampden just now. In reality who could Andy,(me
    and him's on first name terms the noo) pick? The Hibs central pair are
    playing not to badly,pull them into the squad? No, he brings back
    Aitken. As for Nisbet, you don't send a ploughman to mow a lawn.
    There aren't many Scottish central defenders up to international class
    just now. I think the big man's in the squad as cover in case of
    injuries. He'll be on the bench to come on later in the second half
    if we're winning (pray) or drawing to shore up the middle of the 
    park. Quote "bring 'em doon Roy, if you get sent aff it'll no
    matter, I'm no pickin' you again anyway" unquote, Andy.
    My possible defence would be the current fashionable three in the
    middle, and the full back. 
    Levein,Galloway and McKimmie with Malpas as the back.
    Four in the middle, he's got a choice here, perm any 4 from 8 and 
    it'll look o.k. on paper. Two up front, Durie the hassler, and either
    Mo or Robertson or McCoist the poachers (no offence) to pick up loose
    balls in the box. I'm not going to get into a goalie debate as it's
    an ongoing problem for Scotland. It would be nice to see Smith get the
    nod, but is he really up to it (can be a bit nervous sometimes) 
    Let's see some team choices, we'll all be proved wrong of course,
    but that's the fun of being a Scotland supporter.How boring life
    would be if we won everything all the time.
    
    I'm getting bored now, so cheerio 
    
    p.s.,nomination's for class central defenders on the back of a stamp
         please, to :A.Roxburgh, Hampden, other side of that big swamp,
                     just roona coarner fae wee Jessies tea shoppe,
                     somewhere in Glesga.
    

	Injury reports to just about everyone who's anyone in the Scotland 
squad - Nichol, McCoist, Johnston, McAllister, Macleod plus second string 
players john Collins and Derek Ferguson. Why was the Premier division playing 
last Saturday?

	Any other news?

    Re .37> How did you guess I was joking ?
    
    Unless Romania play in green and white hoops I would suggest that big
    Henry would do alright -) -).
    
    I think we'll need a degree of humour whilst watching the game, if the
    likely team choices are accurate, there are more than a few of them out
    of their depth at that level of football, come to think of it, in the
    normal course of events there are still more than a few out of their
    depth -) -).
    
    I notice that there is a likelihood of Mclair playing alongside Durie,
    how Roxburgh can persist with a guy who NEVER scores for Scotland and
    leaves out Robertson (who is very likely to score) is beyond
    imagination.
    
    I hate to have to say it, but they could have done a lot worse than
    bringing back bonnie ponce Charlie for this game, at least he can play
    football, which is more than can be said for some of the others.
    
    The hierarchy of Scottish football don't deserve a successful national
    side anyway, they should at least have had the decency to postpone
    all league games last week (Wed & Sat) in an attempt to get the fittest
    pool possible for this tie, considering how important it supposedly
    ranks.
    
    
                                                       Brian.

    Yes...how they can decide to have two full sets of Premier League
    matches the week before such an important game defies belief.
    
    Especially since there were already so many injury withdrawals before
    they took place. It's just asking for more....
    
    

    
    
    Couldn't agree more with the last two notes.   I'm even agreeing with
    Brian C - but you're right - we don't deserve a to go anywhere as long
    as we tie the manager's hands behind his back - time and time again.
    
    We even have a ludicrous situation where our top teams have to play
    these games without their foreign imports as they're all on international
    duty and were excused from playing at the week-end.  Scotland were the
    only country whose international team are on duty this week to have a
    league program last Saturday.    That says it all really.
    
    I honestly can't understand how Roxburgh can put up with this state of
    affairs any longer.   I will make a serious prediction that he'll
    resign if Switzerland or Romania pip us for qualification, although
    he's under contract until the 94 World Cup. 
    
    It will be nothing short of a minor miracle if we come out of Bucharest
    with one point.
    
    
    Michael
    

    >duty and were excused from playing at the week-end.  Scotland were the
    >only country whose international team are on duty this week to have a
    >league program last Saturday.    That says it all really.
    
    Wrong Michael !!
    
    There was a full league program in the Republic of Ireland last 
    weekend.... :-)
    
    	- Robin, de pedant......

    and Germany
    
    Nigeo

    
    	Good luck tonite, boys ! You can do it....
    
    	Andy.

	Probable team according to the paper is:

	Goram, McKimmie, Aitken! McPherson, Malpas, Strachan, Galloway, 
McCall, Boyd, McClair, Durie.

      	Any idea how they line up? Galloways a goal scorer isn't he?

        Romania will be at full strength with Lacatus and Hagi playing. This
will be very difficult if Romania play anything near their potential. A draw
would be a great result.

Jim

    I would beg to differ that Galloway's a goalscorer -) -), anyway, it
    would appear that Galloway will be playing in midfield alongside
    Strachan, McCall and Boyd, that would leave Durie up front himself, with
    Mclair filling space somewhere on the pitch (based on ALL his previous
    appearances).
    
    The team is nowhere near what could be classified as a "full" strength
    team, this may well be a good thing considering the previous
    achievements (!) of full strength teams, they're infamous for falling
    apart when expected to do well.
    
    Based on the logic of Romania showing some semblance of their true
    capabilities, it would not be unreasonable to suggest that Scotland
    could be on the wrong end of a drubbing, considering the likely
    Scotland line-up I fail to see how Romania can do anything else except
    dominate proceedings.
    
    Still, maybe Scotland can show the necessary determination to overcome
    some of their injury handicaps and get a result.
    
    Our worst nightmare is maybe yet to come even if we beat Romania, that
    would leave us with only San Marino to beat (at Hampden) to
    qualify..............aw nooooooooo -) -)
    
    
                                                          Brian.

    
    
    A draw may well be enough.  Our only threat then is if Switzerland go
    one better and beat them in Romania next month.  If that happens (and
    bearing in mind the games will be played on the same night), we'll have
    to take in excess of 10 goals off San Marino.
    
    Easy.  :-}
    
    
    Michael
    

    The boys can do the bizz,lets have a wee bit faith.I agree the team
    that's playing tonight are second rate,but the good old "RAMPANT LION"
    will fly high in the sky at BUCHAREST tonight, just as it did when Robert
    the Bruce kicked ass at BANNOCKBURN...... 
    
    
                                  .....UP THE JOCKS........
                                       

    
    Final score:
    
    Romania........1  Scotland......0
    
    Hagi 75 (pen.)
    

    Any chance of a brief match report ? Who caused the penalty ?
    
    John

    Gordon Durie I heard.....

    Gordon Durie was trying to help his defenders..... Alas all he could do
    was handle the ball !!!! What a wally !!!

    Well could have been worse. Actually this gives us a better chance of
    going thru than had we got a point or even won !  
    
    Now Roumania need to beat Switzerland and Bulgaria and its down to
    goal difference between them and Scotland.
    
    Simple all we have to do is beat SM by about 6 goals. 
    
    Well within the capabilities of players like Aitken, Galloway, etc !

                       __________
                      /          \
                     /            \
                    /              \
                   /                \
                  /                  \
                  |   "We can still  |
                  |     Qualify"     |
                  |                  |
                  |                  |
                  |                  |
                 *|     *  *  *      | *
         ________)/\\_//(\/(/\)/\//\/|_)_______

                       

    With a bit of wishful thinking, we can also say that Romania will beat
    Switzerland, Scotland will trounce San Marino and then Bulgaria will
    take a point off Romania and we'll be through on points......simple.
    
    The question is, will Mr Roxburgh field the under 21's against SM in
    an attempt to boost the goal difference, considering that these boys
    would not be scared to attack at every opportunity, it would be safe to
    assume that they would score far more goals than their "experienced",
    negative-minded elders.
    
    Roxburgh knew what he had to achieve in Romania yet he still persisted
    with a defensive formation, which defended very deep and asked for all
    the trouble they got, ironically Romania scored during Scotland's
    best spell in the match, due mainly to the introduction of Gallagher,
    who seemed to cause them problems and was unlucky not to score just
    prior to the penalty incident.
    
    How many more chances is Roxburgh going to give Mclair ?
    
    
    
                                                           Brian.

	Did anyone out there see the game? If you did any chance of a report.
Listening to the radio (who was the prat commentating) it sounded like the 
team put up a credible performance. Hansen reckoned Romania should have had a 
penalty in the first half and also that the ref was rubbish especially in the 
second half with numerous wrong decisions going Romanias way. 

	It sounds like Romania are too dependant on Hagi and their defence is 
shaky - what price Switzerland snuffing out Hagi and making good use of any 
chances they get. So odds-on Switzerland.

	I will wait until I see the video before putting any money on who will 
qualify but even if Scotland get lucky how do we register our complaint about 
a "three game week" for the Scotland based players? Its the league and SFA who 
sabotaged this attempt at qualification.

    
    
    
    >>     How many more chances is Roxburgh going to give Mclair ?
    
    As many chances as he's given Aitken perhaps?
    
    We can't complain about the result last night - Romania were a far
    better side than us, but it looked for so long that lady luck was going
    to smile on us.   That is until Durie decided to take matters into his
    own 'hands'.  What that hell was he thinking of?   *If* the guy had
    made the header, and *if* he'd got it on target Goram had the angle
    well covered at the post.   Even if his slap at the ball had been a bit
    more subtle!!!!!
    
    The plus points from the game must be the fact that we actually played
    a controlled passing game for some periods (mostly in the second half) 
    and we looked liked we had weathered the worst of the storm.  And as
    Brian's already said, the penalty came during our best spell.
    
    And to round off a bad night, we had to watch Turkey give England a
    lesson in a passing game, and still lose 0-1!!
    
    
    Michael
    

    
    re .54      -< Sweden is too expensive anyway >-
    
    Im going out tonigt, having a pint for SEK 18:50 (about �1.80). I
    visited London a few weeks ago and paid �2 in some pubs...
    
    Mats

    Mats,
        Delighted to her it !   The [tongue in cheek] remark re cost was
    based on what we were told by the swedish fans we went drinking with in
    Italy last year. They assured us that Italy was cheapert than Sweden.
    This was not good news as you could not get a pint in Genoa for less
    tha three pounds.
        By the way they were a great bunch of people to be with, before AND 
    after the result.

    Re last 2 > They undoubtedly raise the price of drink during events such
    as football tournaments, i.e. "a gathering" of football fans in one
    area/country is ideal for raking in lots of cash, I was in Italy after
    the world cup last year (August) and certainly never paid anything like
    3 quid for the local brew (Pieroni beer or something), I reckon it
    would be about 1.30 smackers at the time.
    
    The price of the drink in Sweden during the finals will probably rise
    accordingly.
    
    
                                                         Brian.

    
    
    
    Looks like we won't to worry about it anyway, Brian.
    
    
    
    Michael
    

    
    Will John Robertson have to join Glasgow Rangers to get a more regular
    game for Scotland.Brian McClair has now played 19 games for the Scots
    and has yet to score,(On last nights performance,I don't think he could
    have even scored in a brothel)whilst Robbo has played 4 and scored 2.
    He has also scored 10 goals so far this season for the Jambo's,who are
    presently top of the premier league.
    
    
    
    
    
    Colin

    
    Colin,
    
    	I don't know what you're mumping your gums about, Robertson is, to
    say the least an overweight (fat) wee bachle (sp).... who only scores in
    the last 3 yards of the pitch.
    
    	If the strength of your argument is based on current form, then
    theres two players from the opposite side of the capital who deserve
    to be quoted prior to wee fat Robbo..... namely Keith Wright & Mickey
    Weir. Also Robbo could not LACE Nicholas's boots.
    
    	Concerning your comment regarding the huns, lets be honest John
    Spencer - right enough he's a tim - would warrant a placing before 
    Beefy.
    
    	On another note, If robbo can only score in the last 3 yds who in
    hells fire is going to give him a ball in that position playing for 
    Scotland. Then again McStay, but he's injured.
    
    signed Greeny by name, Greeny by nature.
       

    What has the fact that Mclair was playing got to do with Rangers ? , I
    was led to believe that Mclair plays (and I use the term loosely) for
    Man Utd, however, if your suggesting that Robbo is better than Mcoist
    or Johnston then that's fair enough, it is about opinions......only I
    would be beg to differ, as would statistics on scoring exploits.
    
    The incessant moaning about Robbo is now at the tiresome stage,
    I'm quite sure the whole of Scotland agreed that he should have been
    in the team in front of Mclair, as he has DEFINITELY achieved more for
    Scotland, and he was the best available in the pool, but what that has
    to do with Rangers is beyond me.
    
    It could also be argued that Nicholas was due a place in the team on 
    his current form, yet he was'nt even in the squad far less the 
    starting 11.
    
    I would'nt bet on Robbo NOT scoring at Ibrox tomorrow though -) -).
    
    All the Robbo fan club might not be so desperate to see him playing for
    Scotland when he starts missing Hearts matches through injury/lack of
    fitness, I would be glad if no Rangers players were ever involved in
    internationals again, at ANY time.....so if you want to start a petition 
    I'll get the ball rolling by signing it.
    
    It might sound bad at the moment, but there are no supporters of any
    club going to be happy at losing players for internationals and
    possibly sacrificing their domestic performances, the tims look set to
    lose Bonner, Cascarino and Morris for the forthcoming Aberdeen
    fixture.......they might be over the moon about 2 of them, but losing a
    goalkeeper for such a vital game......I think not !!!!!!.
    
    
                                                          Brian.
    
    
    

Wish I'd spoken to Mats before I went on a course to Stockholm last week.
In the Hotel Amaranten I paid 45 Krone for a half of Fosters. That's 5 quid!
For ******* Fosters! Which alleyway do you have to find to pay 18.50 K then
Mats?

Dying of thirst,
Bob

    
    
    I see that UEFA have directed that the Scotland v San Marino game kick
    off at 2:30 to co-incide with the Swiss-Romania game in Bucharest.
    
    Given the potential goal difference impact, I can understand why the Swiss
    should request such a change, but for UEFA to force us to play such an
    important game on a Wednesday afternoon is a disgrace.   We would have
    been struggling to half-fill Hampden in the evening - what chance for
    bit of atmosphere now?
    
    I understand the SFA have appealed, but it's merely a formality.
    
    
    Michael
    

    
    Why don't FIFA adjust the Romania - Switzerland match to the Scotts
    game? Is there no floodlight in Bucharest? Many people in Western
    countries won't be able to attent a match at 2.30. This would be very
    unfair to the team and the fans. Of course, both matches should start
    at the same time but then FIFA could chose the best time.
    
    G�nter

    It's indeed a good question.
    I never understood why nearly all matches in former east block were
    played during the afternoon.
    If anyone can clarify ...
    
    Thierry

    It probably is due to sub-standard floodlights. 
    
    Can't they just keep the score secret until Scotlands game is finished?
    
    
    
    	Steve

    
    
    I was told the stadium where Switzerland will play in Bucharest has no
    floodlights at all.    Why do we allow such barbarians to compete at
    this level?   The fact that they gubbed us 3 weeks ago has no bearing
    on my argument! :^
    
    
    >>  Can't they just keep the score secret until Scotlands game is finished?
    
    
    If the Swiss win we'll hear them from Bucharest without the aid of TV
    or radio signals!
    
    
    Michael
    
    

    
    I think it's a damn disgrace that because of the whining Swiss,FIFA
    bottle it & cringe to their demand that Scotland's kick-off time be
    altered.
    When the fixtures were made up,the dates & kick-off times were set.
    At that time,Switzerland should have made any complaint about the
    times & not when they suddenly realise they need a point in Romania.
    If the ball were on the other foot,I couldn't see the SFA lowering
    themselves to such a childish action.
    Just shows you how immature & petty the Swiss FA really are.
    
    Lets hope the scots stick it right up them by gubbing San Marino 7-0
    anyway,while the swiss lose out 2-0 to Romania.
     

    Seems hard to believe that there isn't a large stadium in Bucharest
    that has lights. What do they do when Steau or Dynamo (or whatever
    those clubs are now called) play European Cup matches, which are
    usually held in the middle of the week at night?
    
    Yes, it IS crazy to have afternoon matches in the middle of the week
    
    Tom

	Given the energy shortages in Rumania, even if they have floodlights
	they have no guarantee of the electricity to power them.

	Tony

    Re .74 Tom,
    
    hate to mention this but even in advanced 1st world countries they
    play matches in the afternoon when most people are at work.
    
    how about that Atlanta vs pittsburgh game at 3.06pm on a monday?
               
    nice though to see scotland getting their excuses in early (:==:)
    
    Regards,
    
    andrew.d.wicks

    
    UEFA are totally justified and correct.  Scotland would have an unfair
    advantage if their game kicked off after the one in Bucharest.
    
    The fixtures were set nearly 2 years ago but kick off times were not. 
    There is a provision for this to be done.  Nobody wants to see a repeat
    of the disgraceful Austria v West Germany game in Espana 82.  Had
    Algeria v Chile kicked off at the same time we would have had a
    different outcome.
    
    Gary.

    
    
     Gary,                  
    
         Scotland would NOT gain an advantage by kicking off later than the
    Swiss match. If the Swiss win they qualify, if it's a draw then
    Scotland would have to beat San Marino by 11 goals to qualify. If the
    Swiss loose and Scotland win even by 1 goal, the Romanians would go
    into their last match requiring a victory to qualify.
    
     The bottom line is that Scotland can only score as many goals as
    possible in their final match and hope that results elsewhere go their
    way. In other words, it's out of our hands. NO ADVANTAGE.
    
      Danny...

    
    
    0-0 at half time in Bucharest, word comes through that the Scots are 9
    up.  Swiss now know they need to win and can plan accordingly. 
    Likewise if word comes through that the Scots are only 1 or 2 up or
    even 1 down.
    
    Suppose Scotland kick off at 7.30pm and the Swiss game is over
    If Scotland know that Switzerland have drawn they know they must go for
    goals.  If Switzerland have lost then they know a win will suffice and
    can plan accordingly.
    
    In the qualifiers for Italia 90 Spain were forced to kick off at 2.30
    in Seville v Hungary as Ireland faced Malta at the same time.  We
    needed a draw to qualify and duly won but had we lost a victory for
    Hungary in Seville would put them through.  The advantage was minimal
    but I think UEFA are fully justified in enforcing this rule.
    
    Gary.

    Remember who Scotland are going to be playing against.
    There is no reason to suggest that depending on the Swiss/Romania
    games result that Scotland may play more defensively. Because of
    who they are playing I don't think knowing the result of the other
    game matters in that they will be out to score their usual barrel
    load of goals, that's normal when Scotland play minnows :-):-)
    			cheers, Graham. 

    
    The kick-off time for the Scotland - San Marino match is 7:00pm GMT.
    This was decided by UEFA at lunch-time.
    
    

    Has the K.O. time for the Swiss v Romania been altered?

    
    Any predictions for tonight ?
    
    Being the eternal optimist it has to be Scotland to win by at least
    6 clear goals and Romania to beat Switzerland 1-0.
                                 
    This would leave Romania having to beat Bulgaria 3-0 in Sophia which
    they won't do.
    
    It's quite simple when you think about it ! :-)
                   
    ...Derek
         
    

	The Group Two table is now:

		P	W	D	L	F	A	Pts

Scotland	8	4	3	1	14	7	11
Switz		8	4	2	2	19	7	10
Romania		7	4	1	2	12	6	 9
Bulgaria	7	3	2	2	14	7	 8
San Marino	8	0	0	8	 1     33	 0


	Well San Marino can't qualify. Neither can Switerland, does anyone 
have any idea of how we could convince the Bulgarians that they have a chance.

	Romania can qualify if they beat Bulgaria by two clear goals! Lets
hope the well known phenomemon of "we hate the neihbours" comes into play and 
the Bulgarians knuckle down to it.

	Sounds like Scotland were disjointed last night, I hope we don't regret 
only scoring four, apparently we missed a few sitters.

jim

    Since someone is bound to ask...

    If Rumania win their final game 2:1, they tie with Scotland
    on points, goals scored, and goals conceded.

    If this happens, lots will be drawn.

    Dave

    Apparently, if Romania win 2-1 in Bulgaria they will automatically
    qualify due to the fact that they scored a goal at Hampden, which would
    then count as double in the event of a tied group.
    
    This rule is only brought into play under the circumstances that this
    group will produce if the score is 2-1 to Romania in the final
    game...........typical of the situation that Scotland ALWAYS get 
    themselves into.
    
    Anyway, here's hoping the Bulgarians can WIN the last game.
    
    
                                                  Greeny and Partners.

    What were yesterday results in this group ?
    	
    Thanks Thierry

Here they are:

SCOTLAND    4  SAN MARINO   0
ROMANIA     1  SWITZERLAND  0
 
- Kev

	Well, it looks likes Scotland will be relying on other teams
	performances to qualify, takes me back to World cup.........

	All in all, I thought the lads played fairly well considering
	a few niggly injuries, and appauling conditions.  
	Me thinks Hampden looked a little empty last night (35,170), 
	where was everyone????


	John Robertson played a pretty positive game, even though he
	missed a couple of 'sitters' in the opening 20 mins..

	The scorers were:-
		McStay      10
		Gough	    31
		Durie	    37
		McCoist     62

	What with only two defenders on the pitch, plus Goram, we
	could have made at least three more goals before the 
	whistle blew........which Roxborugh thought was a 
	little too soon, nice try though Andy!!!!!

			 Cheers Al.

	P.S. Any news on wee Strachan!!!!!!!

    
    Apparently he's still a diminutive midfielder,with red hair,plying his
    trade in the English 1st division with Leeds United !
    
    

    Strachan has a back injury picked up in training, it is 50/50 whether
    he will be fit to play against QPR on Sat at Elland Rd
    
    jb.

    
    
    Well Bulgaria play Romania tomorrow night in what has to be the biggest
    game for years that we *haven't* been involved in.   Roxburgh's
    convinced that the Bulgarians (under reasonably new management) will be
    fired up and do their neighbours no favours.  Although he'd have to say
    that wouldn't he?
    
    	
    Our chances of the right result have to be better than 50-50?
    
    
    Michael
    

    What time does the game kick-off?

	Yes what time do they kick off? I don't want to be sitting at work in 
ignorance while world shaking epoch making historical events are being 
concluded.

	And the good news is that Romania are without five regulars. In 
particular two defenders Klien and Petrescu, Timofte from the mid-field and 
Balint and Rotariu from attack plus Lacatus is "doubtful". meanwhile Bulgaria 
are at full strength. 

	But what time is KO? Is it on the wireless? Is there any truth in the 
rumour that Clyde are discussing terms with Bulgarian defenders, offering big 
money and their pick of any house in Barlanark if they play well today ie clog
Romania legless.

jim
  

    
    	Good luck today, you Jockos....let's hope Bulgaria do the biz 
    	and you can join us in Sweden. 
    
    	I think it'll be a draw..maybe 1-1. One thing's for sure...the
    	Bulgars won't do Romania *any* favours. It'll be a hard-fought
    	affair. Remember they won 3-0 in Romania earlier on too..
    
    	Andy.
 

	Any ideas where I could get some reports and coverage for tonight's
	game?!?!?!?!?!?    Obviously BBC are too interested in watching
	Bruno getting the stuffing knocked out of him,   Ohhh no their
	not,   Ohh yes they are.......etc, etc..

			Cheers Al.

    It's 4 o'clock kick off.

	KO 4:00, is there a time difference? Is it on the radio? Scottish 
"home", the reception even on top of Caversham hill is crap.

	Last question where can I buy Bulgarian wine?

Jim

PS I know where you be able to get Scottish whine if ...

    will Glasgow be twinned with Sofia if they win???
    i think we should be told.
    Ian.
    

    
    Once i heard a story about killing the lamas in the Glasgow zoo after
    the WC-game Scotland-Peru in 1978 (or was it -82)... Is it true?
    
    I don't know any animals coming from Balkan... but if there are any
    they better beware!!! :-)
    
    Mats
    
    P.S Are there any animals left in that zoo...?
    

    Isn't there any news about the Bulgaria - Rumania match or are
    you guys afraid to tell the score ???
    

    
    According to Swedish television who has a link connected to Bulgaria,
    the score is 0-0 right now 17:28 CET. If the game started 16.00 you are
    about 15 minutes from making it
    
    Mats
    

    
    My source at the Swedish television just called and told me that the
    match is over and that the result is...
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    		Bulgaria	-	Roumania
    
    		   0			   1
    
    
    Congratulations!!!! Welcome to Sweden next year!!
    
    Mats
    

    
    	Phew!! Close one eh? I guess most of the McNoters are home watching
    	or listening live..hence no immediate reaction.
    
    	There'll be a few pintsa heavy goin' down tonite!!
    
    	Congratulations. It was well earned and thoroughly deserved.
    
    	Andy.

    re any animals left in the zoo.
    
    the only animals left are a couple of haggis!!

    Just heard on Radio Forth....
    
    Bulgaria 0 Rumania 1
    
    Rumania also missed a penalty. The second half has just started.
    
    Hang in there Bulgaria !!!!

	I knew we'd qualify, easy peasy.......


			Al.


	Sh*t, phhewwww!!!!

    congrats, Scotland,
    Paul Watterson looks fed up from where im sitting!
    Ian.
    

Keep holding your breath - according to Teletext they're still playing!

BUT Bulgaria have equalised!!!

	1 - 1

and about 20 mins to go.

grahame

Errmm...
    
 >>   My source at the Swedish television just called and told me that the
 >>   match is over and that the result is...
    
    		Bulgaria	-	Roumania
    
    		   0			   1
    
    
 >>   Congratulations!!!! Welcome to Sweden next year!!
    
 >>   Mats
    

OR!!!


 >>   Just heard on Radio Forth....
    
 >>   Bulgaria 0 Rumania 1
   
 >>   Rumania also missed a penalty. The second half has just started.
    
 >>   Hang in there Bulgaria !!!!



Confused? I am.

Barry.

	C'mon you guys, stop pi**ing us Jocks about......


	Please, Please, what is the score, I canny take it I'm gana blow...


			WHAT IS THE SITUATION......


			Cheers Al.

		Boo-hoo Boo-hoo stop teasing me !!
		I'll get my Dad on to you lot....

    
    The game had a 4pm GMT kick off so I presume it's still going on.
    
    Hang in there Bulgaria.
    
    Gary.

BBC Ceefax has the score still at 1-1, which meansd that Romania have to score 
twice in the last 5 mins or so to keep the Scots out!

g

    
    Sorry but should Romania score once in the last 5 minutes Scotland lose
    out on away goals.
    
    Gary.

Bulagria kept them out - 1-1 it was

g

    At last this epic game is over and....
    
    
we're through...... Yessssssss!!!!!
    

    
    
    Final score.......Bulgaria 1  Romania 1
    
    Scotland go through......................................................

	Yyyyyyyyyyyyyeeeeeeeeeeeeeeaaaaaaaaaaaaaaahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh!


	Pppppppppppphhhhhhhhhhhhhhuuuuuuuuurrrrrrrrrgggggggghhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh!


	Wwwwwwwweeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!



			Oway the lads.............

		Sweden prepare for the Tartan army.........

Dinner tonight with lashings of Bulgarian Cabernet Sauvignon.

YYYYYYYYYYYYYEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEESSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Please Mr. Roxbrough, can we make it to the U.S. without relying on other teams
doing us favours. I'm sure you're killing off most supporters in the qualifying
rounds ;-)

Well done the lads.

Al
    
    Damned system, this would have been .117

Well done Scotland,
	It makes the thought of us irish not being there that bit easier. 
To those who'll be going, do as the Irish would do:


	"behave, Drink plenty and have a mighty crack"

It's about time you deserve a summer vaction!!!!!!!! 


	all the best	Mick

	Well to confirm BBC have announced the result 1-1 and I've managed
to open a bottle of very fine Bulgarian wine. We should all help Bulgarias 
economy!

Jim

Great news, if Wales qualify too, they will probably force us (the UK) to merge.

Well done Scotland you deserved to qualify.

    Well done Scotland, it'll make the tournament more enjoyable if we
    Irish have someone to shout FOR instead of against. All the best.
    
    Paul

    
    I'm Scottish & I'm beginning to wonder if it was worth all the bother
    qualifying !!!!
    
    We'll just go out to Sweden and make an arse of ourselves & go out in
    the 1st round of this tournament,the same as we do in the World cup.
    
    
    

	Maybe, but it will give us fans something to sing about,
	regardless of the result.!!!!!!!    I mean, you know how
	resilient us Jocks are with regards sport ?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?


	I don't think I'd like to have seen that match live, it
	was bad enough getting the scores from this conference,
	I would have died watching this match me thinks.........

			Al.

    Did Gary Mackay score in Bulgaria?   
    
    History could repeat itself in Sweden - you'll probably draw England,
    be played off the pitch and win 1-0!!
    
    Shane
    
    
    
    

    Congrats,
    
    Makes our non qualification more palatable. 
    
    Jimmy

	Re. -1 Who is Gary Mackay?

	Does anyone know how the tournament is to be organised in Sweden? Will 
we be put in groups or do they draw the names "out of a hat". I'm hopeful that 
we will be in with the decent teams - Russia, Germany, France Holland any or 
all of them would do. 

Jim

    
    	Bullsh*t Jim..;-) you'd rather draw England, Sweden and Yugoslavia
    	so's you'd have a chance of reaching the final 8-)
    
    	If England draw Scotland, Sweden and Yugoslavia I'll be delighted!!
 	Germany, Russia and Holland are all capable of embarassing us again
    	(remember last time 8-(.. )

    	Andy.

    
    Andy, I think it would be more embarrassing for England to be beaten by
    the Scots.  Germany, holland and the Soviets are top class sides.
    
    Anyway England will probably get aneasy draw and scrape into the semi
    finals on goal difference or something like that.  :-)
    
    Gary.

    
    	Yeahhh, well done to the Scottish - I can't wait to read all the
    	"banter" between the English and yourselves come next June, should
    	be good fun.
    
    	Good luck in Sweden
    
    		Brian.

    This must make Andy Roxborough the most successful Scotland manager of
    all time !  Football sure is a funny old game.

    
    I', very sorry my friends, just as put in the congtatulation-note, my
    "friend" called mew again and said it was only half time. When i was
    entering a correctioning, our cluster wen't down!!! Well, i'm very
    happy for you /and releifed). If Roumania would have scored a second, 
    every note from me in the future would have been set hidden 
    (and the Swedish moose in Glasgow zoo wouldn't have lived threw the night)
    
    ;-)
    
    Mats

    
    re.- a few back
    
    Gary McKay is a big eared numpty who scored for Scotland against
    Bulgaria in the last qualifying tournament.
    His goal in Sofia won the match 1-0,and sent the Irish through to the
    final stages instead of the Bulgarians.
    
    

	Sorry JJ but "big eared numpty" isn't enough to distinguish him from 
all the other big eared numpties who have pulled on the dark blue. You must be 
older than me, I can't place this Gary McKay - or was he so embarassing I have 
blocked his memory out. I do have faint recollections of the particularly 
"numpty-ish" Gordon McQueen (but then he played for Man Utd so he deserved our 
sympathy).

	On the other previous notes I'd rather Scotland drew teams in the
first division of international football - at least we could go down playing 
football. Having to play against England would be too boring!

Jim

     
    Re .137
    
    Do you really want Sweden in your group....?;-)
    
    Mats
    

    re .137
    
    Jim,
    
    Gary Mackay is currently playing his football for Hearts in the Premier
    and has been (quite appropriate, that) for about the last 10 years or
    so. His international career was short to say the least and was only
    memorable for the goal already described, which sent ROI to Germany in
    1988. A bit of a hero over there , I think. 
    
    Kev...

    Congratualtion to the new qualified.
    I heared on radio that's the first time Scotland qualified for this
    competition, is that true ?
    
    If so there will be 2 teams at least in this case for this tournement.
    As there are only 7 teams qualified we can call it a small revolution 
    for european football.
    
    Thierry

    Yes this is the first time that we(Scotland)have qualified for the
    European Championship finals.The official reason is that it is because
    we are usually rebuilding to make balloons of ourselves in the world
    cup,however it is more embarassing if we can do it twice in four years.
    There is more chance of Dunfermline doing the double(Relegated &
    knocked out of the Cup by a non-league side) 

    Could someone give the final groups as soon as the draw is made....
    
    
    WE WILL SURPRISE....

    
    I hope England get in the same group as Sweden, who are most certainly
    the weakest team of the eight, + Yugoslavia and maybe Scotland though
    an England v Scotland is always difficult to predict.
    
    Teams to avoid;
    
    	Holland, Germany and France.
    
    
    			Steve

    
    
    Today at 3:00pm GMT.   If I get a chance to listen to it, I'll post
    them soon after.
    
    
    Michael (Praying_we_avoid_England!)
    
    
    

    Yes, pleeeeeeeeeeeeaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaasssssssssssssseeeeeeeeeeeeeeee.
    
    Allez France (hope to draw England, Holland and Germany to get rid of
    them before the semi-finals!).
    
    �JF?

    Re. 143 by HAIGH:
    
    At this stage, I do believe all 8 teams can win the tournament. Draw is
    not really important. If you can't beat Germany in your group you can't
    win the Championship. And don't write off the Serbs yet.
    
    �JF?

    THE GROUPS ARE AS FOLLOWS::>
    
    
    	GERMANY            ENGLAND
    	HOLLAND            FRANCE
    	CIS                YUGOSLAVIA
    	SCOTLAND           SWEDEN
    
    I FANCY OUR CHANCES!!!!!!!!

	Then again maybe we are the rabbits. When does it start? 

Jim

    Re .146,
    
    	Fair comment. But I still think that England have had a lucky draw.
    I don't underestimate anyone ESPECIALLY Yugoslavia! And I think they
    could well beat England, BUT it's still better than having Holland and
    Germany in the same group as England.
    
    		Steve

    Hey, France playing Sweden in Euro and then in WC....

    Steve
    
    	Has the draw been made??
    
    	Could you point me to a note that contains the details ;-)
    
    Nige

    
    RE -1.
    
    I know. I had the same problem myself. Couldn't find the 
    listing anywhere initially.
    
    May I point you in the general direction of note 46.368 ??
    
    Hope I've been of some help.
    
    8-)
    
    JN.

    Yes sure thing Nigel. Just about any note really, some Liverpool
    fan (typical) has plastered it all over the conference. Seeing as
    there's not much chance of him reading this note, I might just insult
    him! Wharra Wally!
    
    		 

    
    I agree ,
    
    I don't think that England take themselves as serious contenders,
    infact,I think that they will struggle to qualify fir the last four.
    They seem to carry luck with them (lucky against Belgium and the
    Cameroons in the WC) so who knows.....
    
    	I hope that we (Scotland) do well and don't disgrace ourselves.
    One things for sure we will fear no one !!!
    
    I also hope that the fans going to Sweden conduct themselves in 
    a sporting manner and make us all proud to be Scottish.
    
    best regards Andrew.
    
    ps
    
    my predictions.....
    
    Scotland 0 Germany 2
    Scotland 1 Holland 1
    Scotland 1 CIS     0
    
    

    
    	Andrew I agree with you half the way. I certainly DON'T expect
    England to win it, or even make the final. In fact it wouldn't surprise
    me if they miss out to France and Yogoslavia in the group. However
    England were NOT lucky against Belgium. Cameroons is a different
    story ;-). 
    	Anyway Scotland had their fair share of luck in the qualifying
    stages, no?
    
    		Steve