Men secure semi place (Bericht Schottland)

Derek Forsyth’s U21 Men won today’s important pool match against Italy 5-3 in an enthralling  match where both teams rose to the occasion and provided an entertaining encounter in Vienna. Scotland made life a little harder than it might have been by having to play large parts of the second half with ten men through a lack of discipline. This result ensures qualification for the semi final stage with Wednesday’s game against the bottom placed team, Azerbaijan, determining whether they go through as group winners.

Once again lackadaisical defending left Scotland under a little pressure with the concession of a first minute goal. Something Forsyth will no doubt be looking to avoid as the tournament progresses. However ten minutes later a low Josh Cairn’s drag flick levelled. The Scots continued to dominate but were finding it difficult to break down a stuffy Italian defence  and Kenny Bain saw two efforts saved by the keeper.

Very much against the run of play Italy regained the lead, with only their second attack, after again some questionable defending. Then a brilliant solo run from Kenny Bain was rewarded when he rounded the keeper and fired a low reverse shot to level the scores at the break.

Scotland managed to finally get  ahead for the first time with a second carbon copy short corner strike from Josh Cairns. It was around this time that yellow cards began to be brandished and yet the Scots managed to extend their lead after a brilliant six man move down the right was finished off by Ross McIntyre to give them a 4-2 lead.

Italy did take advantage of Scottish indiscipline to reduce the arrears but this “ding dong” affair was not quite finished and when a short corner routine broke down Kenny Bain retained his composure to slam home the clinching goal with minutes left on the clock.