Alexander Out Again as Scots Humiliated
Dutch Go Through
By Chris O'Brien
November 21 2003
City's Edinburgh-born 'keeper Neil Alexander was once again left out of the Scotland match-day squad, as the Tartan Army were hammered 6-0 by a rampant Netherlands side in the second-leg of the European Championships' play-off. Manchester United's Ruud Van Nistelrooy netted a hat-trick in the rout.
| Alexander Out Again as Scots Humiliated |
| Neil Alexander was once again left out
of the Scotland match-day squad, as Bertie Vogts' sides chances of
qualifying for the European Championships' in Portugal next year were
shattered, following a 6-0 hammering at the hands of a rampant Netherlands
side. Alexander has been left off the bench for both of these play-off games, with Jonathan Gould coming straight back in as number 2 after a spell out with injury. Paul Gallagher is currently out injured and he is also expected to leap-frog Alexander in the Scots pecking order, meaning the City shot stopper could be down to 4th choice on the international scene. Prolific Manchester United forward Ruud Van Nistelrooy, who had been left out of a recent Holland squad due to a much publicised spat with strike partner Patrick Kluivert, couldn't have had a better return to his national side in his native country, with a magnificent hat-trick, as the Dutch fought back in style from the 1-0 defeat they suffered at Hampden Park. It was a bitterly disappointing night for the Scots, and their travelling support, especially after the fantastic result in the opening leg on Saturday. After a poor start to the campaign, Bertie Vogts turned things around with a number of impressive results, but the Tartan Army will once again be absent from a major championships. Wales' play-off anguish means England are the only British side to qualify for the European Championships', which will be held in Portugal next year. |