The Tartan Army turned on George Burley in Cardiff as Scotland crashed to a 3-0 friendly defeat against Wales. Scotland were booed at half-time and at the final whistle while many of the travelling fans left the ground early.
Scotland had started brightly and had the bulk of the possession as debutant Danny Fox and Alan Hutton pushed forward from the full-backs to contribute to a number of attacks. James McFadden and Kenny Miller both had opportunities to put Scotland ahead but found themselves behind after 17 minutes.
The goal came against the run of play but was inspired by teenager Aaron Ramsey, who was undoubtedly the man of the match. The Arsenal youngster played a one-two with Sam Ricketts before pulling the ball back for David Edwards to volley home acrobatically.
After going a goal to the good, Wales played with freedom and invention while Scotland became nervy and retreated into themselves. Fifteen minutes later, Wales doubled their lead after some shoddy defending by the visitors.
The home side were allowed the freedom of the left flank and when the ball made its way to Ramsey he played it into the path of Joe Ledley and his low ball across the box was prodded home by Simon Church.
Three minutes later Ramsey virtually sealed the win with a great individual effort. Pouncing onto a loose ball from Darren Fletcher, the youngster ran at Stephen McManus and sold him a dummy before keeping his cool as Fletcher raced back to shoot below David Marshall. The goal ended Scotland’s hopes of getting back into the game and they were perhaps lucky not to concede a penalty before half-time.
After the break, numerous substitutions changed the pace of the game but not the balance of play. Scotland failed to regain control of midfield and Wales were content to see out the game, showing purpose when given the chance to attack but happy to play the ball around in midfield for the most part.
Burley looked a miserable figure in the dugout and had no positive words after the game. The coming days will undoubtedly bring calls for the manager to be replaced and the Scotland coach had no words of defence for his side after a dismal performance and another heavy defeat on the road.
