Defenders help Scotland to easy victory over Armenia
The Independent|June 09, 2022
Anthony Ralston and Scott McKenna bagged their first international goals as Scotland began their Nations League campaign with a comfortable 2-0 win over Armenia at rainsoaked Hampden Park.
RONNIE ESPLIN
Defenders help Scotland to easy victory over Armenia

A week after 2022 World Cup hopes ended with a demoralising defeat to Ukraine in the play-off semi-final at the national stadium, Steve Clarke’s side took care of a team ranked 92nd in their Group B1 opener.

Celtic full-back Ralston, making his first Scotland start, headed the home side in front in the 28th minute as they dominated before Nottingham Forest defender McKenna doubled that lead with a header five minutes from the break.

It was a less than stressful night for Scotland who travel to play the Republic of Ireland on Saturday before an away game against Armenia in Yerevan on 14 June, with Ukraine also in the group, but three points is a positive start.

There had been an air of despondency around Scottish football since the chance to go to Qatar later in the year was taken away.

Hampden Park, packed out for the visit of Ukraine, was less busy and certainly less noisy for Scotland’s first-ever game against Armenia, who had begun their campaign with a surprise 1-0 home win over the Republic of Ireland at the weekend.

This story is from the June 09, 2022 edition of The Independent.

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This story is from the June 09, 2022 edition of The Independent.

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