England vs. Scotland: Thrilling Match Highlights Necessity to Continue Rivalry

By
at Internationaled.org

Published: August 15, 2013

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As dozens of countries around the world participated in international friendlies, England and Scotland were doing something entirely different. 

Although the match was technically dubbed as a "friendly," it was so much more—a continuation of one of the oldest and greatest rivalries in all of sports, a thrilling battle that both sides wanted desperately to win and a prime, firsthand example of why we can't go another 14 years before the next installment.

First, a little history. 

England and Scotland played the first official international match in 1872. In the 140 years since, we've seen it all, from the Tartan Army's destruction of Wembley after Scotland's 2-1 victory at Wembley in 1977 to Paul Gascoigne's goal and "dentist chair" celebration at Euro 96. From Kenny Daglish to Jimmy Greaves to Gerry Francis' mullet to Jim Leighton to Paul Scholes. From not-so-friendlies to countless Euro battles.



Going into Wednesday's match at Wembley, England had won 45, Scotland had won 41 and the teams had battled to a draw 24 times. 

Considering the rich history, considering the fact the "Auld Enemies" hadn't played since 1999, considering the supposed gap in talent and the passionate fanbases, it seemed impossible for the two squads to live up to expectations on Wednesday. 

And, naturally with this rivalry, they blew expectations out of the water.

Scotland struck first when West Brom's James Morrison hit a strike from the top of the box that Joe Hart had all kinds of trouble with:



It wouldn't be Scotland vs. England if there weren't normally world-class players showing a bit of nerves. 

England would make up for the Man City man's blunder later in the first half when Theo Walcott put on a terrific move to free himself for a clinical finish:



The thrilling, back-and-forth pace continued ...
Article Source: Bleacher Report - International Football

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