Two goals and total control: Scotland U17s deliver in the MIMA Cup against Wales

After a defeat to Morocco in their first game on Monday, Michael Tuohy’s team was hungry to record their first win of the competition. Other results in the first games showed just how strong the competition could be. The United States defeated Wales 5-0; the Americans advanced to the Gold Medal round after dominating the opening game with goals from Taylor Morrell (2), Loradana Paletta, Amari Manning, and Giselle Aguilar. Norway defeated Poland by a close margin to get to the other Gold Medal semifinal, while England’s Kerri Welsh defeated Mexico 1-0 to begin the competition, with Brodie’s goal in the second half separating the two teams.

Scotland knew they had to dig deep to maintain a good position in the competition, with four changes being made from Monday’s game; Toni Campbell, Erin O’Brien, Fearne Smith and Saoirse Coyle Morrow joined the starting 11, replacing Phoebe O’Donnell, Dara Ositelu, Ava Crawford and Mehak Khanna.

Scotland’s Obrien, Ramsay, and McIndoe worked effectively together in the first ten minutes, with excellent passing patterns across the right flank, eventually winning the first corner. Orla Burn’s left-footed inswinger reached the box, but it was met first by the Welsh.

Minutes later, Scotland’s Orla Burn went on the offensive, twisting the Welsh defence inside out before passing to teammate Fearne Smith on the right wing, who sped down the flank towards the box. Wales’ Emily Giddings denied any chance of a cross, but Scotland’s Freya McIndoe saw the gap and took on two defenders to swing a wonderful cross into the box, which fell to Jess Ramsay, who brought it down, shifted it right and struck it with style, the ball dipping over the goalkeeper to give Scotland the lead.

Scotland’s high press was impressive and very effective. Wales were struggling to play out from the back without a Scotland shirt pressing them immediately.

After only the first 15 minutes, it was evident why Saoirse Coyle Morrow was wearing the Scotland armband. She was the first to every second ball, using her strength and confidence to spin players and keep possession. Following some magnificent one-touch passages of play, Scotland demonstrated their class and poise on the ball, putting the Welsh under tremendous strain.

Despite the Scottish pressure, Wales’ Yao and Howson linked up well down the right, with Howson successfully getting the shot across goal with enough power to deflect off Scotland goalkeeper Gorska and win the corner. The cross was not enough to worry the Scotland side this time.

Seconds later, with Wales’ confidence growing and a misplaced Scotland pass on the edge of the box, Wales’ Sophie Batters stole the ball and took her chance. Fortunately for the Scots, Gorska got a hand to it, knocking it on to the crossbar and out for another corner.

A string of Welsh attacks followed over the next few minutes, but none were enough to even the scoreline.

Half-Time: Scotland 1-0 Wales

Following the break and with some fresh legs on the pitch, it was evident that Scotland did not want to sit back and rely on a one-goal lead, especially following Monday’s game. Three minutes into the second half, a long ball fell in front of Lucy Jane Hope, who raced in, carried it into the box and made the shot, but the Welsh goalkeeper got a foot to it, sending it wide. Perhaps just a warm-up shot for what was to follow…

The Scotland press was excellent again, with three Scottish shirts surrounding the Welsh defence. Phoebe O’Donnell was in on the action straight away, sandwiched in between two Welsh defenders and the goalkeeper; she still managed to get a shot away, albeit wide on this occasion. Her effort was applaudable.

Ten minutes into the second half, Phoebe’s lightning-fast pace was too much for the Welsh defenders to handle. She stormed down the left wing, cut inside and linked up with Lucy Jane Hope, who was ready in the six-yard box to knock the ball beyond the goalkeeper and give Scotland their second goal.

The Welsh fought back, but with more Scottish substitutes making their way onto the pitch, they were unable to break them down.

Full-Time: Scotland 2-0 Wales