U17 International - Belgium 0-0 Scotland - Young Ranger Stars

The U-17s took the field against a strong Belgian side in the first of
three games to determine who will go to the European finals in France in
the summer. Earlier, Northern Ireland won 3-2 against Belarus. Only the top
team from the group will qualify.

The attractive stadium of Royale Entente Blegnytoise, set among the
picturesque slagheaps of the Liege region of eastern Belgium, made a
fitting venue for the face-off between the group's two favourites. In the
bar, the families of both squads mixed with locals and a small but noisy
troupe of Scots from around Belgium and the Netherlands.

Aside from Agnew, right half Brian Gilmour from Rangers also made the
starting side, with Calum Reidford as reserve keeper. Agnew, a wee winger
of the old school, showed plenty of skill and commitment, while ex-Rangers
and now Blackburn youth Bryan Hodge also showed class. In fact it was a
very good performance all round from the Scots, even though most appeared
like midgets next to the Belgians - and particularly Agnew and Gilmour.
Perhaps in Scotland we don't get enough of the Belgian staples of chips,
beer and chocolate...

In the first half the Belgians dominated possession but the Scots looked
more dangerous on the attack, coming close on three occasions. Gilmour and
the rest of the midfield moved the ball up well, but the final pass tended
to be overplayed. In the second 40 the Scots upped the tempo, with Agnew
tormenting Ngalula on the left and firing across a succession of dangerous
crosses. A glancing header from an Agnew free kick brought out a marvellous
fingertip save at the back post from Ruttens. However, the game at that
stage could have gone either way, with the Belgians hitting both the bar
and the post in a frantic goalmouth scramble.

The Belgians finally got a bit rattled, picking up a few yellows and one
red in the dying minutes. Skipper Vanden Borre, who has been starting
lately for top-of-the-league Anderlecht, chucked his armband away and went
off in the huff when substituted. They will have been satisfied with the
draw from a game which the Scots could have won.

Altogether a fun day out and a very good game, the Scots making several
good chances but just unable to get beyond an excellent Belgo keeper. While
slightly disappointed with the result given their pressure, they are still
in with a shout. All in all, some hopeful signs, and a good level of energy
and commitment from the boys. Their next two games are on Monday and
Wednesday afternoon.

Starters:

Andrew McNeil (Southampton)
Patrick Boyle (Everton)
Scott Cuthbert (Celtic)
John Kane (Hibs)
Steven McKeown (Leeds United)
Brian Gilmour (Rangers)
Bryan Hodge (Blackburn Rovers)
Michael McGlinchey (Celtic)
Scott Agnew (Rangers)
Calum Elliot (Hearts)
Steven Fletcher (Hibs)

 

Scott's dad (left) and Gers' Brian Gilmour's da and granda (middle and right front) in the bar at the ground.