Russia v Scotland
Russia (0pens) v Scotland (1pen)
The Scotland team marched out to '500 miles' by the Proclaimers, and it looked a long road back after they quickly slumped to a 3-0 deficit against last year's champions Russia. That they managed to force the game to penalties and secure a famous win said much for their fearless determination.
The Scots were already qualified for tomorrow's knockout rounds and so fielded an under strength side. That could have meant hungry players fighting for places in the push for the HWC trophy but the Russians had too much class for the reserves and their No.7 had too much accuracy in his finishing. Scotland kept plugging away and exploited a break in play and concentration after a spectator was smacked full in the face by a wayward clearance. Their reward came with seconds left at the end of the first half, forcing home a bouncing ball to give some hope. That hope was bolstered still further by the substitution that brought talismanic captain Paul Smith back into the side.
His arrival shored up the team and gave much-needed cohesion, building pressure on the Russians until the first goal of the second half some 6:15 minutes in. Another followed to send the game to penalties although complaints came later that the 3-3 equalising goal had crossed the line some 3 seconds after the 7 minutes were up. Scotland though brushed aside the row and saw their fine goalkeeper save brilliantly before a cheeky feint from the No.5 and a lashed top corner shot emphasised their championship credentials.
Joel Dimmock