Maloney magic inspires Scotland
Tuesday, September 9, 2003
Article summary
Germany 0-1 Scotland Scotland are one win away from qualification after Shaun Maloney's goal.
Article body
Scotland moved to the top of UEFA European Under-21 Championship qualifying Group 5 with a 1-0 victory away to previous leaders Germany in Ahlen.
Single-goal success
The win, achieved through Shaun Maloney's 61st-minute strike, moved Scotland level with Germany, with both sides having ten points from five matches. Lithuania, on nine points, dropped to third. Scotland are ahead thanks to their superior record in matches between the two sides, with the game with Germany in Kilmarnock in June having finished 2-2.
Auer denied
Germany started well and created chances for Mimoun Azaouagh and Alexander Madlung but could not find a way past Derek Soutar in the Scottish goal. The Scots stuck to their task though and found the net when good work from Darren Fletcher set up Maloney to score. Three minutes later. Benjamin Auer had a chance to equalise but his shot hit the post
Victory essential
Scotland now know that victory at home to Lithuania in their final qualifier on 10 October will guarantee that they finish top of the section. Germany are at home to Iceland the same day, and must hope that they better the Scots' result to progress.