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Rugby Park Report

Last updated : 07 June 2003 By Meganjack

Rainer Bonhof continues to get his Under 21 side gaining points in EURO2004 Group 5. Tonight they fought back with goals from Simon Lynch and Gary Caldwell balancing out Germany's goals scored by Benjamin Lauth and Hanno Balitsch. The single point was gained after an entertaining 2-2 draw with their German counterparts at Rugby Park. All the goals came in a frenetic first half with the second 45 minutes comparatively uneventful.

Scotland started brightly with Simon Lynch almost turning Peter Canero's cross home in the fifth minute. However, Benjamin Auer wasted a good chance for the visitors before Germany took the lead in the tenth minute. Derek Soutar did well to parry Thomas Hitzlsperger's powerful header but Benjamin Lauth was on hand to blast home the rebound. Kevin Kyle was brought into the Under 21s to strengthen the side and he almost scored as he fired wide as Scotland responded well to the Germans taking the lead. Scotland deservedly equalised in the 15th minute when Lynch profited from some more good wing play by Canero. Bonhof's side continued to attack and they took the lead ten minutes later when Gary Caldwell bundled Stephen Crainey's corner over the line.

However, as the first half continued to fizzle, Germany equalised just three minutes later when Hanno Balitsch blasted the ball home from close range after Soutar had again made a fine save. The Scotland keeper continued to impress as he made another fine save to stop Hitzlsperger's 25-yard free-kick while at the other end Stephen Pearson fired wide.

Early in the second half Scotland had penalty appeals waved away by the referee when Kyle appeared to be upended. Substitute Tom McManus headed over the bar as the second half failed to spark with clear-cut chances few and far between. Germany appeared to be content to hang on for the point that kept them in pole position in the group. Let's hope the A Squad can do that bit better on Saturday.

Scotland U21: Soutar, Caldwell, Kennedy, Murray, Crainey, Canero, Kerr, Fletcher, Pearson, Kyle, Lynch.
Subs: Gordon, McCracken, Montgomery, Hammell, Duff, McManus, Gallagher.

Germany U21: Starke, Preuss, Madlung, Tiffert, Lapaczinski, Gemiti, Feulner, Balitsch, Auer, Hitzlsperger, Laugh.
Subs: Haas, Franz, Schlicke, Azaouagh, Kringe, Burkhart.

Referee: L Tantelejo (Spain)

Editorial Team

Ger Harley (ger@scottishfitba.net)
Vanderhogg (vanderhogg@scottishfitba.net)

Scottish-Fitba.Net

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