Bergkamp strikes as Netherlands edge out Scotland in EURO 1992 Group 1
Sunday, October 5, 2003
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Netherlands 1-0 Scotland
Dennis Bergkamp scored the only goal with 15 minutes to go.
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Dennis Bergkamp scored 15 minutes from time to settle the Netherlands' opening EURO '92 game against Scotland, but the holders' made heavy work of it.
Rinus Michels' side boasted a wealth of talent but showed their class only in flashes at Gothenburg's Ullevi Stadium until, from a corner on the left, Ruud Gullit moved the ball on and Frank Rijkaard's header invited Bergkamp to prod under goalkeeper Andy Goram from five metres out.
For all of the heavy footballing ammunition trained on them, Andy Roxburgh's Scotland never looked to be out of their depth in this Group B meeting. Netherlands keeper Hans van Breukelen may have had almost nothing to do for the duration of the game, but opposite number Goram was not exactly rushed off his feet either.
Richard Gough kept a tight rein on Marco van Basten, and Goram had only one meaningful save to make – from a fierce Rijkaard shot – until Bergkamp plundered the winning goal.
Lineups
Netherlands: Van Breukelen; Wouters (Jonk 54), Van Tiggelen, Ronald Koeman, Van Aerle, Rijkaard; Witschge, Bergkamp (Winter 84), Gullit (c); Roy, Van Basten
Substitutes: Blind, Van’t Schip, Kieft, Menzo, Bosz, Frank De Boer, Viscaal
Coach: Rinus Michels
Scotland: Goram; Malpas, McPherson, Gough, McKimmie; McClair (Ferguson 78), McCall, McStay, McAllister; McCoist (Gallacher 73), Durie
Substitutes: Smith, Nevin, Boyd, McInally, Whyte, Bowman, McLaren
Coach: Andy Roxburgh
Referee: Bo Karlsson (Sweden)