UEFA European Under-17 Championship Finals
Belgium 2-0 Scotland
Thursday, 5th May 2016, kick-off 4pm (UK time)
8km Stadium, Baku

Corryn 45, Openda 60

Two second-half goals consigned Scotland to defeat at the hands of Belgium their opening match of this year’s UEFA European Under-17 Championship Finals in Azerbaijan.

A Milan Corryn shortly after the interval and a Lois Openda strike leaves Scotland with work to do if they are to have any chance of finishing in the top two group positions and progress to the quarter-finals.

They face Portugal on Sunday in their second match, who defeated the tournament hosts 5-0 in Group A’s other match today.

This year’s finals in Azerbaijan represents Scotland’s third appearance in as many seasons and coach Scot Gemmill sent out a team featuring three players that experienced the finals in Bulgaria last May in the form of Rangers pair Liam Burt and Zak Rudden, and Celtic forward Jack Aitchison.

Norwich City winger Glenn Middleton was also part of last year’s under-17 group and started on the bench in this evening’s match.

Both sides made a patient start to the game, with Scotland skipper Burt having a crack at goal from distance but his tame effort was comfortably saved by the Belgian goalkeeper.

Scotland then had a glorious opportunity to take the lead after 12 minutes through Connor McLennan in what proved to be the best chance of the half.

Burt threaded in excellent pass in behind the Belgian defence for Aberdeen forward but the goalkeeper was quick off his line and made a fine save to keep the sides level.

Belgium soon took control of the match but found it difficult to break Scotland down, with Everton midfielder Fraser Hornby a standout for Gemmill’s youngsters.

Despite a strong first-half showing, it took Belgium only five minutes to make the breakthrough in the second half.

Xiam Emmers looped a cross in from the left and Corryn found space in between the Scottish defence to nod the ball home unopposed.

Scotland struggled to find a way back into the match and Belgium made life even more difficult on the hour mark when they grabbed a second goal.

Openda picked up the ball on the edge of the Scotland penalty box and curled a fine low strike into the corner of the net past the outstretched Aidan McAdams.

Scotland worked tirelessly to try and find a way back into the match but were unable to create any meaningful attacks as Belgium ran out comfortable winners.

Attention now turns to Sunday’s clash with Portugal at the Dalga Stadium in Baku.

The match is live on Eurosport 2 and kicks off at 12.30pm (UK time).

SCOTLAND | McAdams, Meridith, Wilson, Baur, Aitchison, Hornby, Burt (Cpt.), Rudden (Middleton 63), McAllister (Morrison 70), McLennan (Connelly 41), Hegarty.

Subs not used: Wright (GK), Freeman, Adamson, Watson.

Image courtesy of AFFA