Scotland (5) v (5)* Afghanistan
Second-ranked Afghanistan saw off reigning champions Scotland after a thrilling match decided by a penalty shoot-out at Fed Square Stadium.
Scotland (5) v (5)* Afghanistan
*Won after penalty shoot-out
By Daniel Woods
SECOND-RANKED Afghanistan saw off reigning champions Scotland after a thrilling match decided by a penalty shoot-out at Fed Square Stadium.
The clash between the two old rivals finished 5-5 after regular time, with a penalty to Afghanistan tying the scores in the dying seconds.
The game began with a lot of posturing by both sides as they passed the ball around attempting to get a feel for the new pitch and the playing style of their opponents.
Afghanistan scored the first goal, with Sayed Qasem taking a short but powerful shot from a few metres out. Scotland was then awarded a penalty but failed to score as the ball rebounded off the bar.
Masih of Afghanistan used the momentum gained from Scotland's failed penalty to deliver a terrific shot, leaving Afghanistan two goals up on the current champs. Unfortunately, Masih had a nasty fall shortly after his goal and had to come off.
Scotland's goalkeeper, Stephen Docherty, continued to have shots rain down on him but he never backed down – managing some cracking saves while he was at it.
Scotland scored their first goal a few minutes before half time, leaving the score 2-1 in favour of Afghanistan. A lightning-fast shot from Alec Wade produced another goal for Scotland but a very quick response from Afghanistan's Qasem left the half-time score at 3-2.
Scotland dominated possession in the opening minutes of the second half and a brilliant header from Michael Brannan equalised the scores. But a well-timed cross and a quick shot gave Afghanistan the lead once more. A number of quick successive goals left the score line 5-4 in favour of Scotland.
A fumble from Scotland almost gave Afghanistan a goal as things started to heat up in the closing minutes. A late penalty for Afghanistan equalised the scores and took the game into a penalty shoot-out. Scotland missed their first penalty but Afghanistan delivered a powerful goal that won them the match.
Photo Glenn Bailey / Photoworx