Wotherspoon winner shocks the Netherlands
Monday, November 14, 2011
Article summary
Netherlands 1-2 Scotland
David Wotherspoon hit the winner as Scotland jumped to second in qualifying Group 10, ending the Jong Oranje's perfect start to the campaign.
Article top media content
Article body
Scotland moved to within a point of UEFA European Under-21 Championship qualifying Group 10 leaders the Netherlands, ending the hosts' perfect start with victory in Nijmegen.
Hibernian FC forward David Wotherspoon shot low into Marco Bizot's goal ten minutes after the interval to ensure the unbeaten Scots leapfrogged Bulgaria into second spot.
The visitors were in front two minutes in, Huddersfield Town FC forward Jordan Rhodes stealing ahead of a stationary Virgil van Dijk to head in James Forrest's right-wing cross for his sixth goal in his last three qualifiers.
The lead lasted ten minutes before a goalkeeping error from Mark Ridgers drew the hosts level. Adam Maher's over-hit free-kick appeared harmless but the Heart of Midlothian FC stopper fumbled under no pressure and the ball bounced over the goal line.
The keeper showed spirit to respond strongly, producing a number of good saves, most impressively from Luciano Narsingh's stinging ten-metre drive. Ola John and Stefan de Vrij also saw efforts repelled after the interval, but Scotland continued to threaten on the break. Rhodes headed wide Greg Wylde's left-wing cross moments before Wotherspoon won it, while Van Dijk missed two excellent chances to rescue a point in the dying moments.
