By James Staniforth
February 19 2004

Messageboard regular James Staniforth gives his thoughts and report on Wales' 4-0 victory over Scotland at the Millennium Stadium. Robert Earnshaw netted a hat-trick helping the hosts to a 4-0 win in the one-sided 'Battle of Britain'.

Match report: Wales v Scotland

 

Date of match: February 18^th 2004

Referee: Michael Ross (Northern Ireland)

 

1^st Half

 

The first half got off to a great start in the stadium, with after just 42 seconds Earnshaw tearing down the centre parted the defence, and quickly drove the ball straight at a startled Douglas, to take Wales up to 1-0.

 

 However, despite the startling goal at the beginning the Scots still seemed to be more or less in control of the ball, they swept back and created many chances keeping pressure on the solid Welsh defence, the Scots looked to score, but Jones, who was on top form, took the ball easily.

 

Wales still kept upfront and had no troubles in making some good shots, the Scottish defence was under pressure to keep out a storming Welsh offence who seemed to be keeping on top of things, another shot from Speed swept a shot over the crossbar and that put Douglas back on his toes.

 

As the game progressed, Scotland made some foiled attempts to get back, and despite their quavering defence, they still were making some good passes up front. Some vague corners were made but nothing was made of them, and just gave a speedy Wales more opportunities.

 

A late run in the 30 minute area proved a chance for Wales, but as Davies looked to make a shot just outside the box he clashed with a Scottish defender and was taken off the pitch. Parry came on, to replace him. The Scots wasted yet another free kick, and Parry seizing his chance pushed forward quickly, the patchy Scottish defence could not deal with this, and Parry’s pass to Giggs allowed Earnshaw to make it 2-0.

Possession:

Wales 54% - 46% Scotland

Score 2-0

 

2^nd Half

 

The second half went off with a bang, Darren Ward to my astonishment replaced Jones. And Taylor, as agreed before the match replaced a rather tired Giggs. There was also a surprising change of Referee, due to the previous one having a hamstring strain. There was also some news that Davies was in Hospital for a precautionary check up.

 

 As before Scotland were keeping control despite the 2 goals from Earnshaw and their poor defence. Scotland now had made a rather significant improvement, to before. Ward was now being made to move, as the Welsh defence became progressively sloppier. Wales made the occasional break but never seemed to be able to quite place the ball.

 

 But despite Scotland’s pressure, Earnshaw was eager to make it 3-0, and in after just 10 minutes his wish was fulfilled, a nice lay off from Savage gave him an opportunity and without any hesitation he put the ball past a rather sleepy Scottish goalkeeper to make it 3-0 and a hat-trick for the Cardiff player.

 

 Wales kept pushing forward, but nothing came of it. Gareth Taylor decided to make a run and tried to make a shot, but was denied due to a rather unsure offside from the linesman.

 

 70 minutes passed and Wales put through a substitution, Gary Speed was replaced by Carl Robinson, Robbie Savage came off for Carl Fletcher. The Scots cheered as Savage went off, as Savage had been rather cocky earlier on. The camera put him on the big screen and he poked his tongue out at the Scots.

 

 Robinson quickly made himself known and proceeded to foul Dicov. Scotland were given a free kick, but missed. Then out of the blue Parry was off again down the wing, set up Taylor, and after first being denied Taylor decided to make it 4-0 and he did it with flair.

 

 The camera turns to show a replay of the reactions on the team benches after Taylor’s goal. It showed a moping Scottish captain while just 3 feet away from him the entire Welsh bench was in jubilation, and Mark Hughes giving a wry smile.

 

And with 3 minutes left to play Wales make one last substitution, Kit Symons for Andy Melville. Then the whistle went…

 

Possession

Wales 52% - 48% Scotland

Score 4-0