Luxembourg 1 Scotland 2

14 November 2012 22:25
Played one won one. Let's hope Billy Stark can keep a 100% record as national coach

Jordan Rhodes continued to act like the saviour for Scotland as he scored both goals in the nervy 2-1 international friendly win  over Luxembourg. The Blackburn Rovers player scored in the 11th and 24th minute for the visitors while Luxembourg scored their first ever gaol against Scotland in the 46th minute though Lars Krogh Gerson's pin-point free-kick. Interim manager Billy Stark will be glad his first game in charge will be recorded as a win albeit an unconvincing one. 

Jordan Rhodes in the right place t the right time  (c) Gerry Schmit | SportPix

Rhodes could have opened the scoring in the eighth minute following a mistake by defender Guy Blaise, but he shot wide with only keeper Jonathan Joubert to beat from the edge of the penalty area. The Blackburn striker did find the back of the net two minutes later when Ante Bukvic failed to deal with Paul Dixon's cross, giving Rhodes the simple task of heading home from close range. Luxembourg had chances. Firstly Matthew Gilks saved Mario Mutsch's back post header while Charles Leweck's shot after Christophe Berra's slip was poor and well off target. Scotland doubled their lead in the 23rd minute when Andrew Shinnie was allowed the cross in the box. Joubert could only parry the effort which fell kindly for Rhodes to slot home. Gilks was called into action again before half time as the Blackpool keper easily saved Gilles Bettmer's effort from distance before blocking Leweck's drive. Luxembourg pulled a goal back two minutes after the intervalas they took full advantage of the free-kick awared for a foul by substitute Liam Kelly for Gerson to curl the resulting free-kick beyond Gilks. Both teams made a number of changes in the second half and it was substitute Stafano Bensi who came close to equalising in the 71st minute. He connected with Mutsch's cross, but Gilks, albeit unconvincingly, scrambled the ball to safety. For a second Rhodes thought he had secured his hat-trick in the 83rd minute when he guided a header into the net, but the offside flag was already raised. Hibs Leigh Griffiths was a late substitute but he could not bring his league goal scoring talents to bear on the international stage.

Source: ScottishFitba

Source: FOOTYMAD