Scotland 1-1 Finland (4-5 on penalties): Debutants win Pinatar Cup final

Scotland missed out on a second victory in the Pinatar Cup as they lost the 2024 final of the invitational tournament in a penalty shootout against debutants Finland.

Scotland dominated possession and were relentless in their press as they sought an equaliser – although their opponents had several very presentable chances to increase their lead.

But Scotland’s persistence was rewarded when Martha Thomas struck for the third time in the tournament, cushioning in from close range after Erin Cuthbert’s free-kick was parried.

Cuthbert then had the opportunity to clinch victory from the spot in the shootout after Sandy MacIver saved Heidi Kollanen’s effort, but the Chelsea midfielder’s effort was palmed away.

Rangers’ Nicola Docherty then had her penalty kept out as Finland won 5-4 to deny Pedro Martinez Losa’s side the trophy.

Scotland’s confidence was high on the back of the 2-0 semi-final win against the Philippines thanks to Thomas’ double, and it was the Tottenham Hotspur striker who threatened first when she let fly after three minutes.

In a frantic start to a match again affected by windy conditions, a loose Finnish pass across the backline was intercepted by Thomas and her shot from distance was struck with venom but failed to drop in time to beat Tinja-Riikka Korpela.

However when Finland got their foot on the ball, Scotland’s confidence changed into confusion – and their disarray was punished.

Mixed messages from the bench were debated with management from the pitch and that ultimately led to Sevenius’ sweet opener.

Cuthbert made clear she was confused by the tactics being suggested from the dugout and was heard to shout “that’s not the game plan”.

The experienced midfielder led the charge as Scotland clawed their way back in the contest though, forcing a strong parry from Korpela with a trademark strike from distance while creating numerous opportunities her team-mates could not execute.

At the other end, MacIver made some errors with her feet and the Manchester City goalkeeper was fortunate to see Linda Sallstrom twice connect with the woodwork rather than find the net.

The substitute first hit the post after MacIver made a stray pass following some indecision and her crossbar was then struck after the goalkeeper mistimed a burst out of the penalty box.

Cuthbert’s well-hit free-kick could not be held by Korpela though and after a few near-misses from Thomas and Claire Emslie, the former calmly struck the ball home for the equaliser.

However Scotland could not follow their 2020 triumph with a win to take into the 2025 Euro qualifying campaign which begins in April.

Player of the match – Erin Cuthbert

What they said

Scotland head coach Pedro Martinez Losa: “I am very happy with the performance, I think we had a very complete game in and out of possession, the levels of commitment were very good at high pressing and counter-pressing.

“We played against a very serious opponent who play very good football and I think it was a very good test that helps us to develop the team.”

Scotland defender Sophie Howard: “They had one chance in the first half and they capitalised which is frustrating, disappointing and not good enough from us, but the fact that we came back shows who we are.

“We are Scottish, we have neglected that a bit in the past and I think today was a massive shift to come back and we dominated most of the game. I think we deserved to win in the 90 minutes.”