Thursday Sep 29 2005 21:34
Scotland have to beat Lithuania in their final Euro 2004 qualifier next month to have any chance of reaching the play-offs after they crashed to a 2-1 defeat to Germany in Dortmund.
Berti Vogts' side also had substitute Maurice Ross dismissed as Germany deservedly claimed all three points that take them to the top of Group Five.
After Steven Thompson had had an early claim for a penalty turned down, the Germans dominated and created the better chances throughout the 90 minutes.
Michael Ballack blasted a ninth minute effort over the bar while only a last-ditch Jackie McNamara tackle denied Fredi Bobic.
Germany finally broke the deadlock in the 25th minute when Rab Douglas could only parry Arne Friedrich's long-range shot and when Kevin Kuranyi turned the ball back into the danger area, Bobic netted from close range.
After the opening goal Kuranyi brought a fine save out of Douglas as Germany retained control while Bobic went close to doubling the home side's lead just before the break.
Germany did score their second goal just five minutes into the second half from the penalty spot. Steven Pressley was adjudged to have brought down Bobic and Ballack stepped up to beat Douglas from the spot.
Bobic should have added a third but miskicked when presented with a clear opening.
Scotland looked to be dead and buried but they pulled a goal back on the hour with a brilliant volley by the Southampton striker Neil McCann.
However, their hopes receded once again eight minutes later when substitute Ross was dismissed for a second bookable offence.
With that red card went Scotland's last chance of getting back into the game and Tobias Rau and Frank Baumann wasted good chances to add to Germany's lead in the closing stages.
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