Brown Leads Scotland to Belgium Draw
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Scotland travelled to Belgium to face a side studded with stars, including Kevin De Bruyne, Eden Hazard, Marouane Fellani and Vincent Kompany. The media and fans followed, not expecting any kinda of positive result, but noting that, in order to come away with anything, they would have to keep the attacking talents in the side at bay.
There was controversy after only 8 minutes, when Charlie Adam was sent off for a tackle deep inside the Belgian half, after what looked like a dive from Belgian right-back Gillet. Jordan Rhodes was sacrificed, as Miller brought on James Morrison to shore up the midfield, and still maintain an attacking outlet.
Scotland's makeshift midfield looked to be holding out, and the Scots thought they were leading after 21 minutes, only for Steven Fletcher to be ruled offside; fans all around the stadium were incredulous, but the Scottish side soldiered on.
They didn't have to wait long to finally make the breakthrough, Scott Brown lashing the ball into the back of the net after a flowing move which started with goalkeeper Allan McGregor. The travelling fans were beside themselves with joy, and manager Miller was straight out onto the touchline, urging his side to hold it together, and the teams went in for half-time with Scotland 1-0 up, and 5 points clear of Belgium in the race for Qualification.
Steven Fletcher almost doubled the Scots' lead after 52 minutes, but Courtois did well to tip his raking shot wide. Graham Dorrans' corner came to nothing, and the support were hoping the side didn't rue the wasted opportunity.
Scots star Steven Whittaker was forced off injured after 75 minutes, and it was Inverness left-back Graeme Shinnie who replaced him, winning his second international cap.
The final 15 minutes were tense, and Belgium broke Scottish hearts, Axel Witsel scoring in the 90th minute to pull them level, after some great passing in and around the Scottish penalty box.
A draw was to be the final result, and Scotland can be incredibly proud of the performance they put in here; A result which means that a win in Serbia will guarantee qualification, although the suspension and injury to 2 key players mean that may be a more difficult task than expected.
Scotland XI v Belgium
Match Facts
Belgium 1-1 Scotland
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Scott Brown (37)
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Alan Hutton (7.1)