Hardie double seals semifinal clash with England

A former Raith Rovers loanee has fired the Scotland U20s into the semi-finals of this year’s Toulon Tournament – and set up a clash with England.

Rangers striker Ryan Hardie, who scored 13 goals during a loan spell with the Kirkcaldy club last season, hit a double in a 2-1 win over Indonesia yesterday to hand Scotland all three points.

It also put them in pole position to qualify as the best-place runner-up from the three groups.

Following the win, Brazil and Czech Republic drew 0-0 in the early evening kick-off, meaning Scotland’s place in the last four was sealed.

Scot Gemmill’s men will now face England at 4pm (UK time) in the first of two semi-finals at Stade Parsemain – the scene of Scotland’s memorable win over Brazil earlier this week – with Ivory Coast taking on Czech Republic in the other fixture.

Hardie almost handed Scotland the perfect start but his 25-yard effort after three minutes flew just over the bar.

Dundee striker Craig Wighton went close midway through the first half after taking the ball beyond the goalkeeper but his effort from a tight angle hit the side netting.

But then Putra Saghara pounced on some slack defending from the Scots to fire the Indonesians into a shock lead on 33 minutes.

Scotland grabbed a deserved equaliser just minutes later, however, when Hardie curled a beautiful shot into the top corner.

The lively Wighton almost turned things in Scotland’s favour minutes later with a fine shot that was tipped over the bar.

Scotland continued their dominance in the second half and were awarded a penalty after 65 minutes when Ralston was tripped in the box.

Hardie stepped up and smashed the ball into the bottom corner to give Scotland the lead.

Scotland: Ruddy, Ralston, Taylor, Iacovitti, McCart, Hardie (Jules 80), Frizzell (Thomson 69), Wilson, Nesbitt (Holsgrove 50), Wighton (Sammut 75), McCrorie. Subs not used – Doohan, Burke, Magennis.

Scotland’s two-goal hero Ryan Hardie.