Spain 3 Scotland 1:SCOTLAND HAD too much at stake to appreciate Spain's latest dismantling of all before them. A routine home win here, coupled with a similar canter for the Czech Republic in Lithuania, ended Scottish hopes of a Euro 2012 play-off place. David Silva's double before the break wounded Craig Levein's team on this occasion.
The irreparable damage to the Scotland campaign was dished out earlier. Scotland claimed just a single point from a possible six in matches against the Czechs, their main rival for second spot. Four from six against a poor Lithuania team proved equally wounding.
Spain represented an ominous prospect for the Scots without the world champions being afforded an early goal. The visitors were pulled apart in a move which culminated in Jordi Alba placing a cut-back at the feet of Silva. Gary Caldwell was unable to reach the forward, with Scotland goalkeeper Allan McGregor also likely to be unhappy with the way the ball went underneath him and into the net. Within six minutes, the notion Spain might be taking Scotland lightly had been forcibly dismissed.
And yet Levein’s men should have offered an instant riposte. A Barry Bannan cross presented Steven Naismith with a glorious opportunity to plant a header past Victor Valdes, but he failed to connect.
Still, it already seemed as though Scotland were seeking positive news from Kaunas. Quite the opposite arrived, the Czechs claiming two early goals to leave Scotland needing snookers.
As Naismith was played in again, this time by Darren Fletcher, the Scottish contingent appealed in vain for a penalty. In reality, Gerard Pique’s challenge seemed perfectly legal with Naismith’s poor first touch more worthy of attention.
Darren Fletcher was the next player to try his luck, 11 minutes before the break. The Manchester United midfielder shot over, however, after Naismith head-flicked Phil Bardsley’s pass into his path. Those opportunities belied Spain’s control of possession and general menace when they had it. Villa highlighted that threat with a shot from 20 yards which was deflected only just wide. Moments later, McGregor produced an excellent save to deny Santiago Cazorla.
Actual damage was to follow for the Scots before half-time. Silva played a one-two with Pedro before supplying a low finish. Any lingering Scottish hope was extinguished shortly after the break. Silva turned provider, Villa the grateful recipient before passing the ball beyond McGregor.
There followed some minor cheer for the Scottish fans. A foul by Valdes on Craig Mackail-Smith overshadowed a rare start for the goalkeeper when on international duty. David Goodwillie, with his first touch after coming on as a substitute, scored the penalty. For their campaign too little, too late was the predictable cry.
Guardian Service
SPAIN:Valdes, Sergio Ramos, Puyol (Arbeloa 46), Pique, Jordi Alba, Xavi (Llorente 64), Busquets,Silva (Thiago 55), Santi Cazorla, Villa, Pedro. Subs not used: Casillas, Javi Martinez, Torres,Mata. Booked: Sergio Ramos.
SCOTLAND:McGregor, Hutton,Berra, Caldwell, Bardsley, Morrison, Fletcher (Cowie 85), Adam (Forrest 63), Bannan (Goodwillie 63), Mackail-Smith, Naismith. Subs not used: Marshall, Whittaker, Robson, McManus. Booked: Fletcher, Goodwillie, Morrison.
Referee:S Johannesson (Sweden).
