Scotland fall to defeat against Wales in opening Euro U19 Qualifier

Wales triumphed in an away win to Scotland grabbing their first three points of the European qualifiers after a first-half Gabriele Biancheri goal which cemented the result.

The first half was very much balanced from the outset with both sides eyeing each other up to penetrate gaps in the final third. Wales found success from a lovely piece of wing play from Frederick Issaka and a ball across for the Wales striker to tap home.

Scotland responded in the second half keeping the ball and demonstrating tremendous build-up play to grant themselves an opportunity at goal but the execution for the side unfortunately was not to be.

After the game kicked off in a still Stirling environment, Scotland midfielders Rory MacLeod and Rudi Molotnikov didn’t hold back in causing the Welsh defenders issues winning their side a free kick and two corners in the first five.

Ryan Oné took advantage of a slip from Welsh defender Brayden Clarke flashing a ball across goal but unfortunately finding no one as it was cleared for a throw-in.

Wales however soaked up the pressure and found gaps in the Scotland midfield from their long ball approach when deep. When Issaka was isolated with full-back Mitchel Frame his layoff for Vimal Yoganathan at the edge of the box was shut down as Kyle Ure nipped in front last minute and regained possession for Scotland.

Then came the goal for Wales after their patient start, winger Issaka beat Frame with pace and precision down the right-hand side firing a ball across to Biancheri who scored from point-blank range. Giving Wales the lead.

Rory MacLeod’s electric pace was turned on shortly after the mishap his drive from the wide right into a central possession at the edge of the Wales box was impressive breezing past three players and having an effort at goal-directed for the top left but Wales keeper Lewis Benjamin aerobically saved with a stretch to deny an incredible goal scoring opportunity at minute 25.

Wales’s chances came again as midfielder Alfie Tuck struck from a loose ball in the box this was saved solidly from Rory Mahady and parried wide, Issaka and Yoganathan again creating and being at the forefront of each attack.

Encouraging their attacking play, Wales’ short sharp passes broke through Scotland’s lines breeding an opportunity for goal scorer Biancheri to have another crack at goal which ended up straight into the hands of Mahady.

Half-time – Wales 1-0 Scotland

The second half began brightly for the Scots as Molotonikov pursued into the box with purpose before elegantly laying off his teammate Josh Dede who was overlapping the midfielder. His attempt to put a ball into the box was deflected for a corner.

Soon after it was the first of Scotland substitutions, Sam Chambers and Aidan Borland came on for Rory MacLeod and Kyle Ure in the 51st minute.

Mitchell Frame showed great attacking intent driving past Elliot Myles and finding Josh Dede at the back post from a lovely, floated ball but his header was narrowly wide as frustration began to build.

Shortly after it was Lennon Miller whose chance to equalise was denied by the post from outstanding creativity by Molotnikov who cut back for the captain leaving Scotland still asking questions.

Yoganathan was hungry for his side to score more goals teeing up his fellow striker Biancheri to grab a second his placed shot was blocked off the line heroically by Dylan Smith using his back keeping Scotland in the game with 20 to go.

Wales enforced their high press trying to trap Scotland and nearly became successful in doing so when Aiden Borland was caught with the ball in his own six-yard box he dug his way out of trouble brilliantly finding his teammate Miller weaving through the Welsh forwards who tried to capitalise on the vulnerable position.

As the window for opportunity started to close for Scotland, Sam Chambers bravely carried the ball from his own box all the way to the Welsh final third powering on past the Welsh midfield down the left side of the pitch swinging a cross in from deep eventually ending the tremendous sequence of individual play, deflecting for a corner.

The Wales defence continued to stay organised, compact, and solid as Scotland constantly tried to break it down, Captain Daniel Cox was the general of the backline leading excellently.

Daniel Cummings had the last gasp when he rolled the ball out his feet at the edge of the box to become his nation’s saviour, however, his strike found the hands of Benjamin as the curtain came to a close in the European Qualifier.

Full-time – Wales 1-0 Scotland

Scotland Player of the Match: Josh Dede

Dede was phenomenal throughout the match working extremely hard offensively and defensively switching between the wing and wing-back positions in different scenarios also defending well against the Welsh wingers.

Wales Player of the Match: Frederick Issaka

Issaka for his exceptional performance out wide right for his country constantly attacking the Scottish defence with his pace and precision being direct and an out ball for Wales to get up the pitch and carry attacks.

Scotland Magic Moment:

Rory MacLeod’s solo run from the halfway line in the first half, comfortably beating the Welsh midfield and unleashing an outstanding strike gave Scotland their best chance of the game.

Wales Magic Moment:

Gabriel Biancheri’s goal for his side cemented the victory for his nation. His positioning in the box was excellent as well as the finish being comfortable and controlled.