There were contrasting fortunes for two Vancouver Whitecaps FC players during Wednesday's international fixtures.
Whilst FIFA World Cup qualifying campaigns are still the primary focus for a lot of teams, this week mostly saw a number of friendly matches being played. National teams were either looking to fine tune their side with qualifying games on the horizon or looking to get game time if their qualifying campaign had already come to a premature end.
Kenny Miller's Scotland still possesses slim hopes of making the World Cup in Brazil, although after going winless in their first four matches their chances seem remote at this point. The 'Caps 2012 acquisition came on with 20 minutes remaining for his country as Scotland earned a 2-1 victory over Estonia. The Scots came through with a solitary goal from Celtic’s Charlie Mulgrew in a match they dominated.
Since back-to-back losses last October, Scotland have brought in new coach Gordon Strachan and have renewed optimism. Miller will look to continue to make his mark with Strachan and earn himself a spot on the Tartan Army squad for March’s crucial upcoming qualifiers against Wales in Glasgow and away to Serbia in Novi Sad.
Carlyle Mitchell (pictured, #19), meanwhile, donned the national colours of Trinidad and Tobago as they took on Peru in a friendly. Though the Soca Warriors are out of World Cup qualification, they are currently preparing for next summer's CONCACAF Gold Cup tournament. Mitchell impressed in central defence against Peru despite a 2-0 loss to the South Americans.
