Scotland spurned a 2-0 lead to draw their final match before their Uefa Euro 2024 opener against hosts Germany as Finland capitalised on disjointed defending to score two late goals at Hampden Park.
Steve Clarke’s side went ahead when Arttu Hoskonen diverted a cross from Liverpool’s Andy Robertson – captaining the hosts for a record 49th time – past half-time substitute goalkeeper Viljami Sinisalo.
Lawrence Shankland nodded in Robertson’s delivery to double the advantage four minutes later but Benjamin Kallman replied with a free header after 72 minutes and Oliver Antman converted a penalty five minutes from time to complete the comeback.
Craig Gordon became the oldest Scotland international when he came on for his 75th cap at the age of 41, although the goalkeeper’s night was soured by conceding the penalty which afforded Finland, who have not qualified for the finals, a spirited draw.
Scotland take the lead! 🏴
Robertson and Tierney link up brilliantly to force the Finland own goal 👏#SCOFIN | @ScotlandNT pic.twitter.com/ircBUEKODW
— Premier Sports (@PremSportsTV) June 7, 2024
Scotland v Finland ‘really difficult’
Despite having 64% of first-half possession, a lack of urgency and edge hindered Scotland on an occasion when manager Steve Clarke conceded many of his squad might have held concerns about accumulating injuries.
Even after Scotland’s second, there was a warning sign when Finland midfielder Robin Lod’s curled finish into the back of the net was disallowed.
“It’s a really difficult one because the players are human and they’re all thinking about what’s going to happen next week,” said Clarke, who revealed afterwards that Gordon and John Souttar have missed out on selection for the finals.
“The changes come, because I’m trying to manage the minutes, and it becomes a little bit disjointed towards the end, just because you make so many changes.
Finland equalise against Scotland 🇫🇮
Oliver Antman converts from the spot to make it 2-2 at Hampden Park#SCOFIN pic.twitter.com/BDCorAPRqN
— Premier Sports (@PremSportsTV) June 7, 2024
“The game drifted a bit and we lost two pretty poor goals. I’m not too sure on the penalty: [Gordon] gets a little touch on the ball and the referee’s decided to give it.
“It’s a decent exercise and some of the play was good. I’ve been excited since we qualified, I just never show it. It’s going to be great.”
After facing Germany at the Allianz Arena on June 14, Scotland face Switzerland on June 19 and Hungary four days later.
“We don’t want to stop at this one – we want to keep going forward and qualifying for major tournaments,” said Clarke. “The feeling within the dressing room is that if we play as well as we can, the results will come.”
