Fletcher relieved after Lithuania win
Darren Fletcher upset with Lithuanian penalty
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Saturday, 08, Sep 2007 04:26
Scotland captain Darren Fletcher was a relieved man after his side won 3-1 against Lithuania at Hampden Park today but hit out over a dubious penalty which almost cost his side victory.
Scotland took the lead through a Kris Boyd header, but then referee Damir Skomina of Slovenia was fooled by a blatant dive by Hearts' Saulius Mikoliunas to award Lithuania a penalty. Tomas Danilevicus converted to level things up.
It looked as if the penalty would severely dent Scotland's Euro 2008 qualifying hopes as they failed to break down the Lithuanian defence. But late goals from substitutes Stephen McManus and James McFadden saved the Scots.
"It would have been sickening if we had dropped points because of something like that," said Fletcher. "It really hurts when players try to gain an advantage like that.
"It's a bit embarrassing for him but we've got to be bigger than that and come back from it.
"The players showed great character. It was similar to the Georgia match when we got pegged back before going on to win," added Fletcher.
Scotland manager Alex McLeish added: "It's disappointing but it happens more outside of Scotland."
McLeish, however, chose to speak more about the quality of his squad after the impact substitutes Shaun Maloney and McFadden had from the bench.
"We needed inspiration, a change, and I'm glad to say we've got great options on the bench to give us that and it happened," said McLeish.
"I spoke to James before the game very briefly and said that things can change 'like that' - I clicked my fingers - and those were prophetic words. I told him to link up with the strikers and he did it beautifully."
Today's win was even more vital for Scotland as they head to France on Wednesday to take on the leaders of group B.