3/1 To Win
Derby County goalkeeper David Marshall was the hero for Scotland on Thursday night as he played a key role in their UEFA European Championships Play-Off Semi-Final victory over Israel.
The 35-year-old, who joined the Rams in the summer from Wigan Athletic, saved Eran Zahavi’s opening spot kick in the penalty shoot-out - following a 0-0 draw after extra-time - to ensure they face Serbia in November’s Final with a place in next summer’s tournament up for grabs.
It came after the shot-stopper had to remain alert throughout the 120 minutes of football as Scotland struggled to make the breakthrough against a stubborn Israelian outfit.
And as the game progressed into penalties, Marshall settled the nerves by saving Israel’s first spot kick from Zahavi to put Scotland in the ascendency.
John McGinn, Callum McGregor, Scott McTominay and Lawrence Shankland all converted, before Kenny McLean stepped up and scored the winning penalty, to make it 5-3, and leave Scotland one game away from qualification to next summer’s European competition.
Should they qualify, it would be their first appearance at a major competition for 22 years, as they would take their place in Group D alongside England, Croatia and the Czech Republic.
Speaking after the game, Marshall revealed he had done his research on the Israel penalty takers which had given him a good advantage.
“We had a good idea of where they were going and I managed to save the first one which probably gave us something to build on,” he said.
“I don’t think it was the greatest game to watch, if I’m honest, but penalties is always dramatic. It’s a bonus that we could get it done and to score five penalties is testament to the lads.
“The biggest game has now been and we’ve got two more games where we can go into them with a bit of confidence but we are obviously looking forward to the Serbia game. It’s going to be massive for the country so we can’t wait.”
Scotland will travel to Serbia on Thursday 12th November as they bid for a place in next summer’s Euros.
Elsewhere, fellow new signing Kamil Jozwiak featured as a late substitute for Poland on Wednesday night as they beat Finland 5-1 in a friendly fixture.
The winger replaced SD Eibar striker Damian Kądzior on 82 minutes as Poland ran out comfortable winners on the night.
Jozwiak could be in action for his country on Sunday as they face Italy in the UEFA Nations League, whilst on Wednesday they take on Bosnia & Herzegovina.
