by Marc RosebladeAfter Tuesday nights winning start against Armenia, all that was really required to progress to the elite round of qualification was another victory against Romania, leaving their final match against Switzerland as a buffer that would hopefully not be required as a must win to help reduce the pressure that such a situation would bring.
The Scot’s under 19s players had no such illusions of needing Sundays game to emerge from group 9 and although they made heavy weather of the match at Falkirk Stadium, they did hit the back of the net once more than their opponents.
Celtics John Herron grabbed the only goal of the game with just three minutes of the first half remaining and although Romania could feel the result was unjust as they had dominated most of the proceedings, the once again found the path to goal blocked – much like they did on Tuesday against Switzerland.
Despite all Romania’s possession, it was Scotland that should have added more goals.
Marcus Fraser saw his header cleared from the line near the end and just prior to the final whistle, Islam Feruz saw his strike slide wide of the post.
The Romanian players were distraught at the end after news filtered through from New Douglas Park that Switzerland had defeated Armenia 4-0 to clinch the other automatic qualifying spot from Group 9. All that remains to be decided in Sundays clash at Falkirk is who will finish in top spot between the two countries.
Let’s hope the weather is better than it was tonight but the 572 crowd that braved the rain and cold left well chuffed at the eventual outcome – Scotland qualifying for the next round of a major championships.
You can follow Marc on Twitter @myscottishfitba
