Scotland v Uruguay: victory or disgrace

Press, 13 June 1986, Page 32

Scotland v Uruguay: victory or disgrace

NZPA-AFP Nezahualcoyotl, Mexico Scotland faces an old, familiar enemy tomorrow morning. Victory or bloody disgrace, there can be no honourable defeat. It must beat Uruguay to stay in Mexico. The South Americans, reeling after the 6-1 thrashing by Denmark, are in exactly the same situation. A draw will condemn both sides to an early plane trip home. The Scots have always believed they could take on anyone whatever the odds and they will have to prove it against the un-

comprising Uruguayans, their macho pride stung by the Danes. “It is the most important game we will play in the World Cup,” said the team’s manager, Alex Ferguson, who will have to show more ambition than against West Germany when he started the match with only one recognised forward in Steve Archibald. “We must forget all about the bad breaks we had against us. This is the time when we have to assert ourselves,” he added.

However, the Uruguayans are just as thirsty for victory.

“After what happened against Denmark, our national pride is at stake,” said Uruguay’s captain, Jorge Barrios, who returns after missing the Denmark debacle because of an ankle injury. The dramatic plot unfolded when Argentina beat Bulgaria to . give Scotland the opportunity to finish as one of the four third place qualifiers from the six groups. It is a peculiar feature of the complex format for the 1986 finals that a country without a single point from two games should still be alive and kicking at this stage of the competition.