Euro 2025: Goalless first leg vs Finland keeps Scotland hopes alive | OneFootball

A frustratingly equal match-up saw Scotland draw 0-0 against Finland in the first leg of their Euro 2025 qualifying playoff, leaving all to play for on Tuesday night. The winner of Tuesday’s match will qualify for the tournament in Switzerland next year.

Both sides showed promise but failed to capitalise on their many chances. Prior to Friday’s match, Scotland beat Hungary 5-0 on aggregate in the first round playoff, while Finland triumphed 6-0 over Montenegro.

Starting XIs

Scotland

Cumings; Docherty, Howard, Kerr, Weir (C), Evans, Clark, Smith, Emslie, Thomas, Cuthbert.

Finland

Tamminen; Lehtola, Tynnilä, Kuikka, Koivisto, Summanen, Hartikainen, Öling, Sevenius, Siren, Sällström (C).

Dicey first half shows equal match-up

After a cagey opening with both teams moving box-to-box, Eartha Cumings made a stunning save in the 15th minute to prevent an early Finland lead courtesy of Ria Öling. Six minutes later, Martha Thomas showed threat down the other end of the pitch which the Finnish defence shut down well.

A risky tackle from Nicola Docherty gave Finland a free kick on the edge of the penalty box in the 32nd minute, but it fell easily to Cumings. The threat shocked Scotland awake. The side looked lively through the remainder of the first half, though Finland’s defence held firm.

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Missed chances mark frustrating first leg

Scotland started the second half on the attack, but their spirit died down within ten minutes. A strange tactical decision saw Scotland’s key goalscorer Thomas replaced by midfielder Emma Watson in the 61st minute. Nevertheless, chances followed.

First, a Kirsty Hanson cross which didn’t make good enough connection with Claire Emslie. Then, an Emslie cross which fell just shy of Watson. Finland fired back, with shots from Nea Lehtola and Linda Sällström in quick succession.

Scotland looked closest to drawing blood in the 82nd minute, but Erin Cuthbert’s shot was safely collected by Anna Tamminen. It ended goalless in Edinburgh.

Scotland and Finland will meet again for their Euro 2025 playoff second leg on Tuesday in Helsinki.

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