Scotland make winning start under new boss

Scotland recorded their first friendly victory at Hampden Park for over 14 years with a 1-0 victory over future Group I opponents the Czech Republic.Scott Brown slotted home from a Barry Robson header in 62 minutes and it was enough to record a rare friendly victory for Scotland. Earlier Vaclav Sverkos had several shots saved by Craig Gordon and Graeme Dorrans cleared a shot of the Scotland goal line in a game that was largely dominated by the Czechs.Scott Brown is congratulated by team-matesThe game was a night of firsts; the first game for new manager of Scotland, Craig Levein, a first game back for striker Kris Boyd and the first game for Scotland in their new Adidas strip.Levein started with a Avery Bradley Jersey conservative 4-5-1 line-up. A defence quartet of Alan Hutton, Gary Caldwell, Andy Webster and Lee Wallace was chosen at the back while in midfield, Darren Fletcher(captain), Scott Brown, Kevin Thomson and Barry Robson were to flood the midfield, leaving Kenny Miller as the sole attacker (James McFadden failed a late fitne s test).It was the Czechs that started the more spritely and in the first 20 minutes chances from Plasil and Sverkos were squandered or thwarted by an Gorgui Dieng Jersey in-form Gordon. The Scots looked reluctant in the first half inviting the Czechs to attack through Arsenals Thomas Rosicky but in the main the defence looked solid if not confident.Andy Webster seemed to link up well with new partner at central defence ,Gary Caldwell, and as the half wore on Scotland started to gather momentum and gel as a team with Dorrans linking well with Robson on one or two occasions. Near the end of the half Scotland produced their first real chance when a Robson free-kick was well saved by Czech keeper Drozny.After the break Levein chose to swap Andy Webster for Christophe Berra and Kevin Thomson for Paul Hartley without changing shape to the team. However the changes did little to alter the Czech dominance and they continued test Gordon mainly from distance, with Rosicky laying on several chances Jonas Valanciunas Jersey .Despite this it was Scotland who took the lead against the run of play. Lee Wallace cro sed high to the back post where Barry Robson did well to nod back to an unmarked Scott Brown who converted from 10 yards. Browns delight was stark contrast to his despair from last weeks Old Firm match where he was red carded.Levein and BrownIn the end the introduction of Kris Boyd for Kenny Miller was the only matter to discu s. To many Boyd had previously turned his back on Scotland and his re-introduction to the national team was not universally welcomed.However, any boos of discontent were drowned out from a largely rapturous applause. Indeed Boyd could have thanked the supporters in the perfect way but a late goal was unfairly chopped off by the referee.The final whistle brought a welcome victory for the long suffering Tartan Army and Craig Levein was similarlydelighted with the result later saying Justin Holiday Jersey ;The signs are encouraging, but Im not kidding myself on, we have a long way to go,we have a group of players who Mike Bibby Jersey are capable of playing in a certain manner that will allow us to win games.Im really pleased with the result, delighted with the response I got this week from the players.A delighted Craig LeveinIt has to be said that there now seems to exist a quiet optimism in regards to Scotland chances and this result can only strengthen the confidence levels within the squad and supporters. The more pragmatic and sensible approach alike favoured by previous managers Alex McLeish and Walter Smith seems to be the how Levein is planning Scotlands approach to games. Far removed from the more daring and foolhardy tactics of Burley and Vogts.
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