FRANCE 98 – General Media News Template

Scotland and Colombia warmed up for next month’s World Cup by sharing an exciting 2-2 draw in their friendly international here Saturday.

Scotland, who play champions Brazil in the first match of the World competition in France, were rocked back on their heels after just 22 minutes when American referee Brian Hall pointed to the spot after a seemingly mild tackle by Christian Dailly on Wilmer Cabrera. Carlos Valderrama stepped up and sent Wimbledon goalkeeper Neil Sullivan the wrong way.

But the early goal merely inspired the fighting Scots. They charged forward in a series of fast raids and were rewarded when Monaco midfielder John Collins was on target with a fierce drive-his tenth goal in 48 internationals.

From that moment things went from strength to strength for Scotland and with the South Americans under constant pressure, they took the lead twelve minutes before half-time. Former Chelsea star Craig Burley spotted goalkeeper Miguel Calero marginally off his line and cleverly lobbed into the net. It was his first goal in 24 appearances in a Scotland shirt.

Colombia could have gone even further behind two minutes later but Gordon Durie’s effort went narrowly wide.

With just eleven minutes left to play and the Scots preparing to celebrate a morale-boosting victory-for the South Americans surged back. Former Newcastle United forward Faustino Asprilla got behind the Scotland defence to steer a shot goalwards. The ball hit the post and trundled along the line hitting the other post as well before breaking to Freddy Rincon who tapped it in.

Teams

Colombia : Miguel Calero, Wilmer Cabrera, Jorge Bermudez, Ivan Cordoba, Jose Santa, Mauricio Serna, Harold Lozano, Freddy Rincon, Carlos Valderrama, Adolfo Valencia, Faustino Asprilla.
Manager : Hernan Dario Gomez

Scotland : Neil Sullivan, Jackie McNamara (McKinlay 70), Colin Calderwood, Colin Hendry, Christian Dailly, Tom Boyd, John Collins, Craig Burley, Paul Lambert, Darren Jackson (Buc 46), Gordon Durie (Donelly 62).
Manager : Craig Brown