UEFA EURO 2025 Qualifying: Group B2
Serbia 0-0 Scotland
Friday, 5 April 2024
Gradski stadion Dubocica, Serbia

 

Team news

Scotland made three changes from their last outing in the Pinatar Cup, with captain Rachel Corsie returning. Kirsty Smith also came in, making her first appearance in over a year and winning her 50th cap in the process. There was also a first Scotland start for Lauren Davidson who would lead the line.

As it happened…

Scotland suffered a very early blow as goalkeeper Sandy MacIver was forced off with an injury. MacIver went down after collecting an aerial ball and she would be replaced by Lee Gibson.

It was a tight opening 20 minutes to the match, with both teams struggling for rhythm but the Scots began to dominate as the half wore on.

Erin Cuthbert had the first chance of the game in the 25th minute, curling a low effort from just outside the box but Serbian goalkeeper Milica Kostic was equal to it, turning it past the post. 

Sophie Howard saw a header saved while Chelsea Cornet's long-distance shot was blocked as Scotland looked to push forward.

Serbia did have chances of their own, however, and Tijana Filipovic's cross was almost carried over the line by Gibson, who did just enough to keep the ball out. 

Gibson was called into action again in the 35th minute as she got down low to saved a headed attempt from Andjela Krstić. 

A competitive first half ended with no further chances for each side.

Pedro Martinez Losa introduced Jane Ross at the break and the experienced striker almost made an instant impact, turning and striking the crossbar with her left foot from 25 yards. 

Scotland goalkeeper Gibson was then called into action again in the 64th minute as Jovana Damnjanovic bore down on goal but her effort was too close to Gibson who was able to block. 

There was a proud moment for Sarah Ewens minutes later, as she came on for Claire Emslie to make her Scotland debut, while Fiona Brown replaced Lisa Evans to earn her 60th cap.

Like Ross, Brown also had an impact off the bench and her strong run down the right created another chance for Cuthbert, whose curling effort from the edge of the area was tipped just wide.

The home side through bodies forward in the latter stages and Corsie did well to block Filipovic' shot, while Anastaija Ciric fired into the side netting after going through on goal.

It would be the Scots who would have the final chance but Sophie Howard took a poor touch at the far post after being found by Cuthbert and the chance was gone.

The match would end goalless, with both sides unable to find the moment of magic to break the deadlock.

Next Up

Scotland will be looking to build on this hard-earned point as they host Slovakia on Tuesday at Hampden Park. Tickets are still available and they can be purchased here. 

Teams

Scotland: MacIver (Gibson 9), Smith, Corsie, Howard, Docherty, Evans (Brown 67), Cuthbert, Kerr, Cornet  (Harrison-Murray 77), Emslie (Ewens 67), Davidson (Ross 45)

Unused subs: Gallacher, Fife, Hay, Clark, Rodgers, Napier