Levein happy with forward pressure

Craig Levein
12 April 2012

Scotland manager Craig Levein felt his side created enough chances for two international games during their 2-1 victory over Cyprus, although he admitted his players took time to settle in Larnaca.

Cyprus hit the bar early on but Kenny Miller settled the visitors' nerves at the Antonis Papadopoulos Stadium with a wonderful volley in the 23rd minute and Scotland dominated the remainder of the first half after home midfielder Sinisa Dobrasinovic hit the post from long range.

Jamie Mackie jinked his way past a defender to hit another excellent goal in the 56th minute but Dimitris Christofi, with an angled drive, soon hit back. Scotland held on comfortably for their seventh win in 11 internationals and Levein said: "We got a victory away from home against a very good attacking team."

He added: "In international football you don't often get many chances, and I felt we had enough chances tonight that would normally come our way in two international games. Coming away from home at any time in the international game, it's difficult to win. We managed to do that tonight.

"There were some good performances and overall I'm a happy chappie.

"It was quite a competitive match. Comparing it to a lot of international matches, there were a lot of chances. You have to bear in mind Cyprus went to Portugal in the last campaign and drew 4-4.

"The best part of their game is the attacking side. We were always going to have to defend well tonight, I didn't expect us to have complete domination and not give up any chances. We looked at DVDs and understood we would have to defend properly."

The Scotland manager admitted his side had been careless in their own half during the opening 20 minutes.

"There are a few guys who haven't played for a little while and I felt it took us a little bit to get into the match," said Levein.

"But I felt the first half we passed the ball pretty well going forward and, looking at the nature of the chances Cyprus had, we caused our own problems at times just giving up possession in pretty safe areas and inviting the attacks on top of us. But overall I'm pleased."

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