WORLD CUP QUALIFIER
SCOTLAND V ICELAND
Venue:
Hampden Park
Date:
Wednesday, 1 April
Kick-off:
1945 BST
Coverage:
Full commentary on BBC Radio Scotland, BBC Radio 5 Live and online, live text commentary online and live commentary on BBC Radio nan Gaideal. Highlights on Sportscene on BBC ONE Scotland at 2245 BST.
Burley says Iceland match a 'cup final'
Scotland manager George Burley says the World Cup qualifier against Iceland is a "massive game" for his side.
And he admits that defeat at Hampden on Wednesday would be a huge blow in their attempts to reach South Africa 2010.
"It's a massive game for the country, not one for caution, I've got to treat it like a cup final," said Burley.
"I think qualification will be very difficult if we don't get the three points tomorrow night. We've got to be really positive."
Burley has secured just one victory in his eight games in charge, which came against the Icelanders in Reykjavik last September.
Both goal-scorers from that 2-1 win - Kirk Broadfoot and James McFadden - are missing this time through injury.
However, as far as the Scotland coach is concerned, that win will count for little when the sides meet at Hampden.
"Iceland are a good side, they work hard, beat Macedonia, and got a good 2-2 draw in Norway," he said.
"They've had some good results, and no doubt they'll make it very difficult for us. We'll have to be at our best to win.
"Tomorrow night's game is going to be completely different to the Dutch game.
"We'll be looking to be on the front foot, put them under pressure for the whole game, and hopefully win the match."
 Scotland maintain Gudjohnsen is not the only Iceland threat
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Scotland assistant manager Terry Butcher agrees that victory for Burley's side is imperative.
"It was always a game we wanted to get three points from and it doesn't matter how we get them, as long as we get those three points," Butcher said.
"We don't have to play fantastic football, as long as we score one more goal than Iceland, then everyone can breathe a sigh of relief.
"All the other teams in our group have two games in June, so we have to win."
Scotland and Iceland are locked on four points from four matches, eight adrift of runaway Group 9 leaders Netherlands, while Macedonia and Norway trail behind, having played a game less.
Butcher believes it is vital the side improve their defending at set-pieces, after being caught out by the Dutch during Saturday's 3-0 defeat in Amsterdam.
"It was particularly disappointing to concede that second goal," he said.
"We know what we have to do. Set-pieces could be a big factor on Wednesday, and we are working on that.
"We have to have that awareness - and we will need that at Hampden."
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We're going to have to come out and attack and try to play to our strengths
Alan Hutton
Scotland defender |
Eidur Gudjohnsen converted a late penalty for the home side to ensure a tense finish and the Barcelona star is the visitors' main threat.
However, coach Steven Pressley is confident of extending Scotland's run of victories against Iceland to six from six, despite the presence of Gudjohnsen.
"He's obviously a top player but we handled him exceptionally well in Reykjavik, when we had Scott Brown in a defensive midfield role," said the veteran Falkirk defender.
"Scott seems to relish that job and he certainly nullified Gudjohnsen that night.
"It's not just about Gudjohnsen - they have many talented players. But I think, if we're at it, we will certainly win the game.
"We're at home and we need to impose ourselves .
"I'm sure Iceland will try to contain us and the emphasis will be on us to go and win and I believe we have the players to do the job."
Spurs defender Alan Hutton is expected to start after appearing for the final half hour against the Dutch and he is also anticipating a defensively-minded approach from the visitors.
"We're going to have to come out and attack and try to play to our strengths," said the full-back.
"We need to take the game to them and go and make things happen."
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