Hampden Park, Glasgow
A Harry Kane-captained England traveled to Glasgow to meet up with rival Scotland in a World Cup qualifier. With England in cruise control on 13 points atop Group F, Scotland were in dire need of points.
Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain Changes the Game
The two sides spent much of the first two-thirds of the match in midfield, neither really mounting a lasting attack. To say it was dull football might be an understatement. For many, the game really started with the inclusion of Arsenal’s Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain.
A timely substitution in the 65′ from England had Oxlade-Chamberlain stepping onto the pitch and immediately making a difference. Wenger’s winger seemed smart on the ball, linking with with Adam Lalana. And then in the 70′, he found the back of the goal on a shot that should have been stopped. It was a nice run into the box, with a cut back in front of goal that handcuffed the keeper. Scotland 0-1 England.
Leigh Griffiths Nearly Plays the Hero
But then Leigh Griffiths, who many thought might start on the bench, took over. A glorious free kick that curled away from Joe Hart to his left leveled. Scotland 1-1 England
And then Scotland got the go-ahead with another Leigh Griffiths free kick beat Joe Hart, this time to his right. Glasgow erupted, many feeling this was their moment. Scotland 2-1 England
But England leveled late on a beautiful volley from Tottenham’s Harry Kane that found its way to the back of the net, rescuing a point. Scotland 2-2 England
It wasn’t a great 60 minutes in Glasgow, but the final 30 provided much excitement. With four matches left in qualifying, England still sit atop the group while Scotland earn a much needed point against the group leaders.
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