{"id":4834,"date":"2017-06-10T14:01:46","date_gmt":"2017-06-10T18:01:46","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lwosonfootball.ms.lastwordonsports.com\/?p=4834"},"modified":"2017-06-10T14:10:23","modified_gmt":"2017-06-10T18:10:23","slug":"scotlands-leigh-griffiths-england","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/football\/2017\/06\/10\/scotlands-leigh-griffiths-england\/","title":{"rendered":"Scotland’s Leigh Griffiths Nearly Plays the Hero Against England"},"content":{"rendered":"

Hampden Park, Glasgow<\/strong><\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain Changes the Game<\/h2>\n

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.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

Leigh Griffiths Nearly Plays the Hero<\/h2>\n

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<\/strong><\/p>\n

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<\/strong><\/p>\n

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<\/strong><\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

Main image credit:<\/p>\n

\n
Embed from Getty Images<\/a><\/div>\n