Steven Davis' Northern Ireland side are underway in Luxembourg. Artur Boruc starts for Poland against San Marino. Dani Osvaldo is on the bench for Italy against the Czech Republic.
Even though they are playing a tiny enclave with no notable professional players who didn't have any impact on them in the previous game, Luxembourg do have a chance.
Hate to criticise an ex-Saints player, but Walcott continues to surprise me with his lack of fine technique. I know he was never that blessed with silky skills under pressure, but he doesn't seem to have improved on them that much since he's been at Arsenal. Several passes from him are going astray. He is also taking up incorrect positions and making incorrect decisions regarding where and when to run. Shame really. He has the right physique and bundles of speed. He's still only 24, so he could stiil get better. I'd be slightly inclined to pop Oxlade-Chamberlain in his place though, for later in the second half if he doesn't improve. Of course, now he'll go and score. Rest of the team are playing reasonably well, especially in the centre. We're a bit loose defensively down the sides, but nothing that Ukraine seem to be taking advantage of at the moment. Don't think their penalty shout was valid either.
Walcott makes intelligent runs...not always, but enough to be dangerous. He just should not have the ball at his feet in a situation that dictates passing.
Dani Osvaldo replaces Emmanuele Giaccherini at half-time. Italy 0-1 Czech Republic. Osvaldo and Balotelli up front now.
Italy 2-1 Czech Republic. Chiellini and Balotelli within ten minutes of the start of the second half.
Scotland a goal up. Strange thing happened today - my next door neighbour is an old biddy of 80 - she got a puncture. Who should stop and change her tyre for her ? - former Scotland and Aberdeen boss Craig Brown. Good for him !
Terrible tackle on Walcott. First the UKraine player treads on Walcott's foot, then as Theo is going over, he jabs in in the ankle. To cap it, he puts his hands together to plead for the referee to be lenient. Cynical from start to finish.
