UEFA Under-21 Championship Qualifying
Scotland 0-2 v Belgium
Friday, 11 October 2024
Tynecastle Park, Edinburgh

Scorers

Scotland 0
Belgium 2 (Stassin 72, 90)

Team News

Scotland made three changes from the team who defeated Malta 5-0 in Ta-qali last month. Captain Josh Doig and midfielder Connor Barron returned after being a part of the 'A' squad in September, while Lewis Budinauckas came in for his debut, replacing Cieran Slicker. 

As it Happened

After a cagey start to the game, Scotland has the first chance on 12 minutes as Dire Mebude drove down the left and picked out Lennon Miller on the edge of the area but the 18-year-old - who found the net in the last game against Malta - was only able to curl the ball into the arms of goalkeeper Senne Lammens on this occasion.

Belgium's first chance came three minutes later as Killian Sardella had a shot from range but it was well blocked. 

Sardella's effort had been a half-chance but Youssuf Sylla gave Scotland a real scare in the 20th minute as he controlled a long ball before firing narrowly wide of Budinauckas' left hand post. 

The next chance of note for either side came in the 35th minute when Josh Mulligan had an effort from 25 yards but it was well held by keeper Lammens.

Scotland then had the final chance of the first half in the 44th minute as Mebude's accurate reverse pass found Jeremiah Mullen who jinked inside before firing just over with the outside of his boot. 

Debutant Budinauckas had a quiet first half but he was called into action in the 54th minute, diving to his left to parry a shot from the dangerous Samuel Mbangula.

Scotland had struggled to get on the ball in the early stages of the second half but a weaving run from Mebude got Scotland up the park before Connor Barron won a free-kick in a dangerous position 25 yards from goal. 

Max Johnston stepped up but his effort did not have enough dip as it sailed harmlessly over. 

Neither side had created much during a tense second half before Belgium opened the scoring in the 71st minute. 

Sardella was released down the right hand side and although his shot was well saved by Budinauckas, substitute Lucas Stassin forced home the rebound, despite the efforts of Mullen, to break the deadlock. 

Scot Gemmill introduced Lewis Fiorini and Ryan One for his Under-21 debut as the young Scots looked to find that crucial goal, while Calvin Ramsay and Daniel Kelly also came on for some fresh legs. 

The tireless Barron almost created that bit of magic with moments remaining as he jinked to the byline but his cutback was cut out as the game ended 1-0.

And Belgium would extend their lead with the last kick of the game, as Stassin fired in via the far post to add insult to injury.

Scotland now sit three points behind Belgium and - although Scotland have a better goal difference - the young Scots now require a favour from Hungary, who travel to Belgium, while Gemmill's side face Kazakhstan.

Teams

Scotland: Budinauckas, Johnston (Ramsay 83), Mullen, Murray, Neilson, Doig, Miller, Barron, Cameron (Kelly 83), Mulligan (Fiorini 77), Mebude (One 77) 

Subs: Milne, Apter, King, Watson, Wilson, Newman

Next Up

The Young Scots will now make the long journey to Almaty to face Kazakhstan in their final Group B qualifier, knowing that a win is required if they are to have any hope of securing second place in the group.