Gordon Strachan says late Scotland draw against Lithuania could be vital
Saturday 8 October 2016 23:13, UK
Scotland manager Gordon Strachan says James McArthur's late equaliser against Lithuania could be vital come the end of World Cup Qualifying.
Strachan's side put in a disappointing show at Hampden Park against Lithuania, ranked 73 places below the Scots, but the manager was pleased with the fight shown to come back and claim a point.
McArthur's 90th-minute header means Scotland go into their trip to Slovakia with four points out of a possible six, and Strachan says the goal could be all-important in the road to Russia.
"It was exciting in the second half, the first half was a bit like an English Championship game where one team hits the ball at their strikers, the other team hits the ball at their strikers, and it's hard to play football when it goes from end-to-end like that. It was a nothing-nothing first half, which is fine, it was okay.
"The second half we got in some great positions, some great chances, great effort, good on the ball. They've had one or two shots at goal and scored with one of them.
"We've done really well to get back in the game, and really we should win the game, so I've got to say well done to the lads for dragging us back into the game, playing so well, and nearly getting the winner.
"We had some good chances, and a wee bit of bad luck as well. I thought well done, we stuck at it, going a goal behind is never easy, but this group is going to be like that, and it could be a big point come the end."
Strachan accepts that there will be negativity surrounding his side after a game they were expected to win, but the Scot says other teams in Group F of qualifying will be feeling similar this weekend.
"I suppose there will be negativity with Slovenia drawing at Lithuania [last month], negativity at Slovakia as well for their defeat tonight [against Slovenia], and England fans as well will probably be saying they should have scored eight!
"So a lot of people will be going home a little disgruntled."
Strachan also said after the match that captain Darren Fletcher, who went off at half-time with a thigh strain, will strugglle to be fit for the trip to Slovakia on Tuesday.
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