UEFA Women's European Championships 2017
Scotland 1-2 Portugal
Sunday, 23 July 2017, kick-off 5pm (UK time)
Sparta Stadion (Rotterdam)

Scotland: Erin Cuthbert (67)

Portugal: Caroline Mendes (26) Ana Leite (72)

Scotland need to beat Spain on Thursday by two goals to continue their Euro 2017 journey following a 2-1 loss against Portugal in Rotterdam.

Scotland hit the woodwork twice during the match but were behind at half-time and despite an Erin Cuthbert leveller, a 72nd minute goal ended Scotland’s hopes of a positive result.

Following Jane Ross’s injury to her right shoulder Lana Clelland began the game after scoring 23 goals in Italy’s Serie A last season.

She fired a shot narrowly over the bar after 11 minutes and was then presented with a golden opportunity five minutes later. 

A Caroline Weir shot was saved and with the goal gaping, Clelland missed the ball on the rebound but then caught it a second later, seeing it smack the post.

After 26 minutes, Portugal took a shock lead, against the run of play when a Lisa Evans slip allowed the Portugese possession where they darted up the other end of the pitch. A ball into the box wasn’t dealt with by Vaila Barsley and Carolina Mendes rifled home.

Before the break Rachel Corsie tried her luck from distance but saw the ball fly over the crossbar.

In the second-half Scotland desperately searched for an equaliser with Leanne Crichton rattling the ball over the bar from distance.

Erin Cuthbert came on for Lana Clelland and looked dangerous from the outset. With 67 minutes on the clock, she drew Scotland level, tucking in a Caroline Weir cross from inside the box.

The level scores didn’t last long though and Portugal were in front just five minutes later when Ana Leite latched onto a long ball and knocked home the winner.

Scotland now take on Spain on Thursday evening in their final Euro 2017 group match.

Scotland | Fay, McLauchlan (Love, 81), Dieke, Barsley, Smith, Corsie, Evans, Crichton, Weir, Fiona Brown (Lauder, 66), Clelland (Cuthbert, 53)

Unused subs: Lynn, Alexander, Murray, L Ross, J Ross, Howard, Murray, Frankie Brown, Arthur

Attendance: 3,123