Russia crush Scottish dreams after Mcginn’s opener

Steve Clarke previewed this contest by stating that Scotland were overdue a win that would make the world sit up say, ‘Ooof, where did that come from?’. Instead, the world slumped back into its armchair as the Scots’ chance of qualifying for Euro 2020 from Group I evaporated after goals by Artem Dzyuba and Yuri Zhirkov nullified John Mcginn’s early opener – and the fact that David Marshall was Scotland’s best player sums up the lamentable story.

Hampden was two-thirds full but the Tartan Army footsoldiers were gratified by Scotland’s forceful start as Mcginn shot wide after 20 seconds.

The Aston Villa midfielder was finding range, as would be confirmed by his strike 10 minutes later. Oli Mcburnie could not get a clean contact on a menacing Ryan Fraser cross but the ball bounced back to Mcginn, who took a touch with his right foot and stabbed home with his left.

Scotland’s menace soon ebbed and worried murmurs were heard from the support as their players began to play troublingly deep. The concern proved prescient by a Ruseddie sian thrust down the right five minutes from the break.

Andrew Robertson cut out a pass played wide by Aleksandr Golovin but the ball rebounded from the Scottish captain to his Russian counterpart inside the box. Dyuba had work to do but he got his bulk over the ball to trim the equaliser low past Marshall.

This was a pivotal moment, fuelling Russia’s confidence for a second half that saw their control rewarded by Zhirkov’s inelegant but effective intervention for the winning goal after carelessness by Fraser and Liam Cooper.

It was more enough, though to make Russia favourites for the runner-up spot and leave the Scots in fourth place, behind Kazakhstan. Scotland:

Foden’s low cross was missed by two defenders, allowing Nketiah to stab the ball in from seven yards.

Nelson had an even clearer opportunity to score in the first half, but the teams went into the interval level after Dogukan Sinik raced clear and scored after 25 minutes.

England made a sluggish start to the second half and they paid the price six minutes in. A well-worked corner saw Mert Muldur get away from his marker and his free run to the near post saw him flick the ball past Aaron Ramsdale.

Turkey were sensing that they might be able to put the game beyond England. However, two goals in as many minutes turned the match on its head.

Foden was the architect again, darting goalwards before threading a lovely pass to Nketiah just inside the box and the Arsenal forward, on loan at Leeds, provided a tidy finish.

Nelson followed that up with the winner with a low shot that may have taken a deflection.

The hosts had a goal chalked off and England held on.

Turkey U21