Monday, December 23, 2024

Scotland vs Finland – RECAP

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Here’s how Fraser Wilson rated the Scotland players…

ANGUS GUNN 6

Comfortable early save from Puuki but a spectator for the most part thereafter. Beaten all ends up by Robin Lod goal but saved by offside flag. Replaced by Gordon after 68 minutes.

ANTHONY RALSTON 6

Big audition for the right back ahead of Germany opener and did his defensive duties diligently. Took a couple of heavy dunts in the second half but produced some dangerous crosses.

JACK HENDRY 7

Commanding at the back and surging run forward set up Shankland chance in first half. Looks nailed on for a start next Friday.

GRANT HANLEY 5

Hall of Fame night for defender on his 50th cap but looked uncomfortable. Given a tough time by Teemu Puuki early on and played Kallman onside at Finn’s goal.

KIERAN TIERNEY 7

Saved a certain goal with a brilliant 10th minute block from Casper Terho. Teed up Robertson at opening goal as our left sided artillery did the damage again.

ANDY ROBERTSON 7

Broke Scotland’s armband record in his 49th appearance as skipper, customary forays forward and crosses led to both Scotland’s goals before being replaced.

CALLUM McGREGOR 7

Anchored the midfield with his usual authority and barely wasted a ball before changes saw Scotland lose a grip in latter stages. A sure starter against Germany,

BILLY GILMOUR 6

Neat and tidy without finding that penetrating pass in the first half. Unlucky with a left footed volley just after break as he upped tempo before being replaced by Jack.

RYAN CHRISTIE 6

No Scott McTominay meant a chance for the Bournemouth star to shine beside McGinn in the advanced midfield role. Looked sharp getting in behind early on and had a couple of half chances saved.

JOHN McGINN 7

Industrious as ever. Early effort dinked over bar, pressed and harried Finnish backline all night long but without having a clear sight of goal.

LAWRENCE SHANKLAND 7

Persistence paid off as Hearts hitman got the goal he so desperately craved ahead of Germany by outmuscling Maenpaa at the back post to head home. Just what he needed as was feeding off scraps before then.

Subs

GREG TAYLOR 4

On for Robertson in the 63rd minute as skipper was given a rest.

TOMMY CONWAY 5

Debut for Bristol City youngster who replaced Shankland after 63 minutes and showed a neat touch to get an early shot away. Injury time header drew brilliant save from Joronen.

RYAN JACK 4

Midfielder was given last 22 minutes in place of Gilmour.

CRAIG GORDON 3

Looked like a farewell outing as the 41-year-old keeper came on to win his 75th cap and become Scotland’s oldest ever player. Not a fond one though as he was beaten by Kallman header than harshly penalised at penalty for equaliser.

SCOTT McKENNA 3

Replaced Hanley in 80th minute but could only look on a Gordon gave away penalty.

LEWIS MORGAN 3

On for Christie with 10 minutes to go after late call-up to win his third cap and produced a couple of nice deliveries.

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