The wait for major tournament qualification for the Scotland U21s continues after a 1-0 defeat to Greece has them fall short of next year’s U21s European Championship.
A goal from Efthymis Christopoulos sealed a win for the eliminated Greeks. Scott Gemmill threw on the likes of Manchester City starlet Lewis Fiorini but nothing sparked for Scotland in attack on a disappointing night.
A disappointing night. (Photo by Dean Mouhtaropoulos/Getty Images)
Allan Campbell had a chance to put the young Scots ahead in the first few minutes but his chance was squandered. Greece didn’t have many chances in the first half but their one big opening was converted.
Christopoulos put the hosts ahead as he was left in acres of space just six yards from goal, Alexandros Katranis’ cross beating Hibs’ Ryan Porteous and ending up in net via his Greek teammate’s boot.
Barry Maguire stabbed the ball wide in the second half but Scotland struggled to create much going forward after the opening goals. Players like David Turnbull were brought on whilst Manchester City starlet Fiorini was handed his debut.
The Manchester City man made his debut (Photo by Geert van Erven/Soccrates/Getty Images)
Neither the Celtic man or Manchester City’s attacker, currently out on loan at NAC Breda, could do anything to alter the course of this match. Ross Doohan made a couple of good saves late on as the game petered out.
It’s a sore one for Gemmill as his team, a 25-year wait for tournament qualification at this level alluding Scotland once again. Now many of this talented crop will move on ahead of the 2023 qualification cycle.