Burley: Team did country proud
Burley is optimistic Scotland can beat the Dutch in their next game
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Saturday, 05, Sep 2009 07:40
By Matt Hallam.
Scotland manager George Burley praised his team's performance after they beat Macedonia 2-0 at Hampden Park.
Second-half goals from Scott Brown and James McFadden secured the win for Burley's team after a nervous first-half display.
The game was a must win for Scotland and their victory means they still have a chance of reaching a World Cup qualifying play-off if they beat the Netherlands on Wednesday.
"I thought it was a great team performance, including the whole of Scotland and the fans," said Burley.
"Overall the atmosphere was absolutely tremendous. They did their country proud."
However the victory was slightly marred after McFadden received a yellow card which means he will miss the game against the Dutch.
The Birmingham striker was a major threat for Scotland and Burley admitted after the game his suspension was a blow.
"He will be a huge miss, but it gives other people opportunities and that's the way football is," said Burley.
"You know you can't look back, James won't be available, Shaun Maloney came on and did really well, but I thought the passion and the commitment of the whole side and from the fans was great.
"It's all about the team and everybody played their part. It was a great feeling to come off the park with so many happy, smiling faces."
Scotland now look forward to their final game of the group stages knowing they must win, and Burley is optimistic his team can beat the Netherlands.
"We're taking it to the last game of the group against a top-class Dutch team," Burley remarked.
"If they show the same commitment and passion and generate the same atmosphere on Wednesday, who knows?"