Scotland walked into the changing room at half-time in their crucial Euro 2025 qualifier against Finland frustrated that a ‘stonewall’ penalty wasn’t awarded moments before.
Erin Cuthbert’s dribbled into the box as the ball bobbled. It bounced up and appeared to clearly strike the arm of Finland midfielder Ria Oling, whose arms were raised above her head. Referee, Ewa Augustyn, meanwhile was having none of it. BBC co-commentator, Rachel Corsie, labelled it a “stonewaller” and it would have given Scotland a clear way back into the game.
Gemma Fay, former Scotland goalkeeper, on BBC Radio Scotland Extra said: “The fact that penalty has not been given, I want them to have that fire in their belly. I want them to show that fight and be spurred on by that ludicrous decision.”
Scotland went in at half time 2-0 down with the home side looking more dangerous from the off in Helsinki. Having struck the bar just moments into the game Natalia Kuikka score from 25 yards on eight minutes. Things got worse on the 28th minute whenJenna Clark failed to clear the ball properly before it fell to Nea Lehtola.
Her strike deflected past a helpless Eartha Cumings just before the half hour mark. Scotland had a mountain to climb but they did look the brighter up until half time. Erin Cuthbert put the ball wide from the centre of the goalmouth when it looked easier to score after a parry from the Finland goalkeeper,Tinja-Riikka Korpela.