Euros: Defeat is not an option if Scots hope to progress  x5
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| Scotland |
September 3, 2003
The Herald
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MIKE STANGER
Defeats for Scotland in the opening matches of the European Nations' Cup in Barcel-ona do not necessarily negate squad aspirations, but both national teams will need to win today, against Italy and Russia.
The Scotland men's side put in a powerful performance against the much-fancied Poland earlier in the week, only to lose in the final seconds.
However, if coach Mathias Ahrens can pick up squad morale against the Italians, they should collect their first points of the tournament.
Particularly encouraging in the Polish match was the high set-piece conversion rate, which provided goals for the Western Wildcats trio, Graham Moodie, David Mitchell, and Graham Dunlop. But there were other chances which went astray that may well have yielded a different result.
Scotland have a good record against Italy, with four wins and two draws in eight games played. However, the Italians' surprise 2-2 draw against England on Tuesday will persuade Ahrens not to take anything for granted. And he will also hope the Italian goalkeeper does not have another inspired afternoon.
A poor start to tournament hockey seems to be irreversibly ingrained into Scotland's women's psyche.
The 3-0 defeat against the hosts, Spain, earlier in the tournament was further confirmation of their inability to hit the ground running, in the face of the greater pace and vigour of the Spaniards.
Mike Gilbert, the women's team coach, has to pick the side up for today's match against Russia. Scotland last played the Russians in last year's World Cup and came away with a 3-1 victory.
Wales' women were no match for a strong Germany side who won 4-0 yesterday. The result leaves Wales without a point from two matches.
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