Scotland dominate but can’t find net

SCOTLAND did everything right apart from score in their 0-0 friendly draw yesterday at the Pinatar Arena in Murcia, Spain against Russia, who are just two places below them in the Fifa rankings.

Despite making eight changes, the performance was a step up from Friday’s 3-0 loss against Norway.

“I don’t think Russia were in our box the whole game – that says a lot about how well organised we were,” head coach Shelley Kerr pointed out.

“The movement in each of the zones to create chances was excellent and that’s a real positive. The one thing that was missing was the goal, but while that was a bit frustrating tactically the players were spot on – they executed everything we asked them to.

“This has been a huge step in the right direction for us.

“We have played two tough opponents and learned so much more than in the first three games which we won.”

Scotland had two great chances to score towards the end of the first half, but top scorer Jane Ross failed to add to her 53 international goals. She was left unmarked but failed to steer home, then didn’t get enough purchase on a header from a Christie Murray cross.

The second 45 followed a similar pattern with Murray’s clever touches causing the Russians problems but the Scots lacked a killer touch. Hibs striker Abi Harrison debuted near the end but couldn’t make it a dream start.