The Courier & Advertiser (Perth and Perthshire Edition)
Scots clinch third as Wighton scores
TOULON: Gemmill’s side beat Czech Republic in play-off
Dundee attacker Craig Wighton was on the scoresheet as Scotland clinched third place at the Toulon tournament with a comfortable win over Czech Republic at Stade de Lattre-de-Tassigny in Aubagne on Saturday.
Former Raith Rovers loanee Ryan Hardie also netted for Scot Gemmill’s side and a late own goal sealed Scotland’s best finish at the competition in style.
The manager said: “I was delighted with how the players responded after a disappointing defeat to England in the semi-finals.
“They have finished third from 12 teams so it’s a great achievement and we are really pleased to finish the tournament on a high.
“We’ve been away for more than two weeks now and played five matches in 12 days.
“The players deserve credit for how they have applied themselves in France and how they have responded to the demands we have placed on them.
“I’m sure they will take a lot from this experience and hope they go back to their clubs in a positive frame of mind and ready for the new season.”
Scotland had opened their group campaign with a defeat by the Czech Republic, but victories over Brazil and Indonesia set up a last-four meeting with England.
The English won that game 3-0 and went on to lift the trophy with a penalty shoot-out victory over Ivory Coast after the final finished 1-1.
That left the Scots in the play-off for third and, after an evenly-fought first half, Hardie, netted the opener in the 44th minute with a stunning curling strike.
The striker scored 13 goals for Raith during a loan spell from Rangers last season and that was his third of the tournament.
Wighton added a second midway through the second half and a late own goal by Denis Granecny made it 3-0.
Kilmarnock’s Greg Taylor, who scored the winner against Brazil in the group stage, was named fourth-best player of the tournament.
Scotland: Doohan, Ralston (Frizzell 51), Taylor, Iacovitti (Holsgrove 40), Jules, Burke (McCart 58), Magennis, Hardie, Wilson, Nesbitt (Wighton 54), Thomson. Subs not used: Ruddy.