Scots’ ‘wee hiccup’

Press, 18 June 1982, Page 17

Scots’ ‘wee hiccup’

NZPA London “Wee hiccup” was how the “Daily Mail" described Scotland’s 5-2 win over New Zealand in their first World Cup match at Malaga. “Scotland flirted with disaster before confirming a successful start to the World Cup finals by disposing of New Zealand," Brian Scott reported from Malaga. The “Scotsman” bannerheadlined its report: “Scotland does it the hard way." And the “Daily Express" ran the story under the heading “Old ghosts stalk Scots." “The Scottish streak of self-destruction which has stalked six previous world cup managers has not been dispelled by Jock Stein,” wrote David Miller, from Malaga. "The seven goals which

entertained, us last night, unlike the two Brazil scored against Russia, will hardly become mandatory references for any coaching manual." Miller, like most British football writers, had little good to say about New Zealand. “There were moments when New Zealand — the price we pay for a 24-nation geographically - orientated tournament — looked as if they were going through a physical training routine > rather than playing a World Cup match, though it has to be admitted they do run about with vigour," he commented. The “Daily Telegraph” headlined its .report “Scotland make hard work of beating -’ Kiwis” and the

"Daily Mirror" said it was a “rough ride." “The self-destruction trait, which so often accompanies Scotland in world football, allowed NeW Zealand tc score twice in the second half after the Scots had swept mercilessly to a threegoal half-time lead,” the “Mirror” reporter, Derek Wallis, wrote. Alex Montgomery, in the “Sun,” said: “Scotland's kamikaze footballers managed tc bail themselves out of trouble just in time to avert another disastrous start to a World Cup campaign. “But there was hardly room for celebration in Malaga’s Roson Stadium after this victory against the no-hopers from New Zealand.”