EURO BID ENDS IN TEARS AT FINNISH
Heartache for Scots as they crash late on
AMANDA RANTANEN came off the bench to destroy Scotland’s faint hopes of qualifying for Euro 2022 – scoring the game’s only goal four minutes into stoppage time.
Scotland had thrown it all at the Finland defence in a bid to get the goal they needed but with seconds left Rantanen was sent clear behind the backline.
Goalie Lee Alexander slipped but although she blocked the shot it rebounded off the Finnish midfielder’s head and into the net.
The result leaves Scotland seven points behind Portugal and Finland with only two games left.
Arsenal skipper Kim Little said: “That’s three 1-0 results and ultimately you have to take responsibility if you don’t put the ball in the net. I’m incredibly disappointed.”
Scotland made four changes from Lisbon, including the return of top scorer Jane Ross, who has not been getting game time at Manchester United.
And there was a major scare for the Scots with less than a minute on the clock.
PSG striker Linda Sallstrom sent a low ball into the box but it just evaded Emmi Alanen at the far post.
Scotland’s first chance came from the third of several quick corners. Caroline Weir’s delivery was headed goalwards by central defender Jen Beattie but Everton keeper Tinja-Riikka Korpela smothered her effort on the line.
Early in the second half Lisa Evans sent a good cross into the box from the right for Martha Thomas but the West Ham striker’s header missed the target.
The last 10 minutes saw an all-out assault on the Finland goal but the visitors put their bodies on the line and were rewarded at the death.