HAMPDEN — There are always a few idiots.
It was inevitable, and in some ways understandable, that the English and Scottish national anthems would be met with vociferous booing from opposing sets of fans at Hampden Park.
“God Save The King” had been barely audible above the boos that swept around the stadium and though the thin wedge of England support in the stadium tried to respond in kind, ignoring their significant deficit in numbers, their boos were drowned out by the bagpipes.
But when both sets of players gathered round the centre circle and the stadium announcer called for the 51,000 in the stands to join together in a minute’s silence to remember legendary former Scotland manager Craig Brown and victims of Libya’s floods and the earthquake in Morocco, you prayed no one would sully the moment. Why are there always a few idiots?
Many of the England fans urged for respectful silence, but some simply couldn’t help themselves, the loudest chant of “Eng-ger-land!” erupting towards the end, drawing loud boos from the Scottish fans.
It was a shame, given that while a ferocious atmosphere provided the backdrop for this iteration of international football’s oldest rivalry, dating back to the goalless draw played in Glasgow in November 1872, it had all largely been good-natured.
Indeed for the first 20 minutes of the game the toing and froing and needling was more entertaining than the action on the pitch.
The majority of the stadium in navy blue booed England’s every touch. And England had so much of the ball that midway through the first half “booing” was trending in the UK on X, formerly known as Twitter.
With no shots forthcoming from Scotland in the entire first 45 minutes and really very little for their supporters to cheer about, despite their best intentions, they resorted to celebrating the little moments.
Callum McGregor snapping Jude Bellingham, who had attempted to slip the ball delicately through the Scotland midfielder’s legs as he advanced exuberantly towards him.
The gleeful jeers when Marcus Rashford found himself in a good position down Scotland’s right and rolled the ball into the free Phil Foden who side-footed a shot well over the crossbar.
Into the second half and the celebrations extended to the appearance of Harry Maguire on the big screens and the announcement that he would be replacing Marc Guehi after the break.
On the pitch England, to their credit, mainly countered their opponents’ aggression with possession and passing, although they gave a bit back, too. Bellingham had a bite at Scott McTominay during a rare Scotland attack, and Rice had another go, winning the ball fairly but firmly.
They rode the rugged atmosphere well, keeping hold of the ball, Rashford constantly finding space down his side, Bellingham in the No 10 roaming around the pitch with the swagger of a 20-year-old who is Real Madrid and La Liga’s top scorer.
By the 27th minute, when England took the ball up the length of the pitch with a quick passing move, including a velveteen pass from Bellingham halfway through, the Scotland fans struggled to maintain the intensity.
The two goals in three minutes, from Foden and Bellingham, temporarily sapped the energy from them altogether.
Even so, after the second, a few extra neon-jacketed stewards emerged to surround the away section, by which time a few among them were now shirtless and wheeling them above their heads, just to be sure.
But the introduction of Maguire — and perhaps the half-time break and a chance to refuel — roused the Scots once more. Maguire provided a point of focus, his every touch met with ironic cheers. It reached the point that, not having any of that, the England fans began chanting “Harry Maguire, he’s taking the piss!” in defence of their player.
Obviously, not long afterwards Maguire would score an own goal to let Scotland right back into the game. The home fans chanted his name. For a brief period, Maguire was one of their own.
Fortunately for Maguire, more brilliant work from Bellingham, losing two Scotland players then slipping in Harry Kane for a fine finish, made sure of the win.
Such was the magnificence of Bellingham’s performance when he was substituted with six minutes remaining and sauntered towards the touchline, even a few of the Scotland fans applauded him from the field.
There are always a few idiots.
from Football - inews.co.uk https://ift.tt/M0lDGWx
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