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Craig Levein insists Scotland will put in an improved performance against Lithuania
Scots lost 3-0 to Sweden in August...
2 Sep 2010 18:06:00
By Kevin Emery
Scotland manager Craig Levein has promised the nation a much-improved display against Lithuania after his side's 3-0 loss to Sweden last month.
It will be Levein's first competitive match on Friday night as they look to get off to a flying start to their Euro 2012 qualifying campaign.
Levein, who has hinted he may start veteran David Weir, said: "I assure you we will be better than we were in Sweden.
"I hesitate to go back too often to the Sweden game.
"There are lessons to be learned but there could be seven or eight players different in this match from the last one so it's probably not a fair comparison.
"We have learned lessons and the most important one is the manager has learned that friendlies are quite important.
"The tempo of training has improved enormously and I think it's because of the importance of the game."
However, despite wanting to get off to a good start Levein does not believe Scotland's chances of qualification hinge on winning their first game.
The former Hearts boss said: "I don't know where the points are going to come from in the group.
"We might draw all our away games and win all the home games and go through.
"But I understand the importance of this game. I think it will be evenly balanced.
"Lithuania are the home team and arguably because of that might be favourites."
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It will be Levein's first competitive match on Friday night as they look to get off to a flying start to their Euro 2012 qualifying campaign.
Levein, who has hinted he may start veteran David Weir, said: "I assure you we will be better than we were in Sweden.
"I hesitate to go back too often to the Sweden game.
"There are lessons to be learned but there could be seven or eight players different in this match from the last one so it's probably not a fair comparison.
"We have learned lessons and the most important one is the manager has learned that friendlies are quite important.
"The tempo of training has improved enormously and I think it's because of the importance of the game."
However, despite wanting to get off to a good start Levein does not believe Scotland's chances of qualification hinge on winning their first game.
The former Hearts boss said: "I don't know where the points are going to come from in the group.
"We might draw all our away games and win all the home games and go through.
"But I understand the importance of this game. I think it will be evenly balanced.
"Lithuania are the home team and arguably because of that might be favourites."
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provides the best breaking news online and our football fan community is unmatched worldwide. Never miss a thing again!| Sign up with 188BET for a FREE bet up to £25 – Great Prices, Every Game |
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| Open an account with Sportingbet today and get up to £50 in free bets! |
|
| Sign up with William Hill for a free bet up to £25 |
|
| Sign up with bet365 for a free bet up to £200 |
|
| Sign up with Paddy Power - Bet £10, Get £20! |
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21:38 BST -
And it's now 3-1 to Turkey! An own goal from Pepe and we're into time added on. Do people think Portugal will qualify from their group?
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