Scotland let two-goal lead slip to draw with Finland in final Euro 2024 warm-up

Scotland’s final warm-up game before Euro 2024 ended in a stalemate, as Finland held them to a 2-2 draw at Hampden Park.

The hosts took a 2-0 lead early in the second half through a Arttu Hoskonen own-goal and Lawrence Shankland header.

However, Benjamin Kallman pulled one back, before Oliver Antman’s penalty completed the comeback five minutes from time.

It was a first half of few chances, with Kieran Tierney producing a perfectly timed sliding intervention to deny Teemu Pukki in the 10th minute.

But, Scotland broke through in the 54th minute when Hoskonen turned Andrew Robertson’s centre beyond his own goalkeeper.

Robertson was the provider again four minutes later as his deep cross to the far post was powerfully headed home by Shankland.

However, Finland hit back in the 72nd-minute as an unmarked Kallman glanced home Antman’s centre.

The visitors then earned a share of the spoils with five minutes remaining, when Kallman calmly sent Craig Gordon the wrong way from 12 yards after the substitute goalkeeper fouled Tomas Galvez.

Although, the Scots almost snatched a dramatic victory right at the death, as Viljami Sinisalo brilliantly saved Tommy Conway’s header to deny him a dream debut.

The Scots looked in control at the hour-mark as they looked to build momentum ahead of opening Euro 2024 against host nation Germany in seven days’ time.

And it was a momentous night for Gordon, who was introduced for his 75th cap at 2-0. At 41, he became his nation’s oldest ever player and his international career now boasts the longest span, having made his debut against Trinidad and Tobago back in 2004.

However, the occasion was marred somewhat when he conceded a penalty, which Kallman subsequently converted to deny Scotland a winning send-off to Germany.

Clarke will be looking to guide the Boys in Blue beyond the group stage for the first time and, with one win from nine matches now, there is work to do if he is to achieve that feat.

It was a historic night for Robertson. Captaining Scotland for the 49th time, the Liverpool defender overtook George Young to become his nation’s most-capped skipper.

He marked the occasion with a couple of trademark deliveries that led to both the hosts’ goals.

Robertson led the way with three chances created, while his tally of eight crosses was only equalled by team-mate Ralston on the other flank.

Scotland: Gunn 7, Hendry 7, Hanley 7, Tierney 8, Ralston 7, Gilmour 7, McGregor 7, Robertson 9*, Christie 8, McGinn 7, Shankland 8. Subs: Taylor 6, Conway 6, Jack 6, Gordon 5, Morgan 5, McKenna 5.

Finland: Joronen 6, Niskanen 6, Hoskonen 5, Vaisanen 6, Ollila 6, Lod 7, Maenpaa 6, Peltola 6, Terho 7, Pukki 5, Pohjanpalo 5. Subs: Sinisalo 7, Antman 8, Galvez 7, Talvitie 6, Kallman 8, Walta 5.

10′ – GREAT DEFENDING: Finland threaten and former Celtic striker Pukki has a sight on goal, but Tierney blocks his shot with a brilliantly timed sliding intervention.

47′ – SAVE: Finland made a change in goal at the break with Sinisalo replacing Joronen between the sticks. The substitute goalkeeper is called straight into action, with a smart reflex save to keep out Gilmour’s 20-yard drive.

54′ – GOAL!!! SCOTLAND 1-0 FINLAND (HOSKONEN OG): The hosts have the breakthrough, as Hoskonen puts through his own net. Found by Tierney, Robertson sends in a first-time cross, which the Finland defender turns beyond his own goalkeeper.

58′ – GOAL!!! SCOTLAND 2-0 FINLAND (SHANKLAND): Two goals in the space of five minutes give the hosts breathing space! Robertson is the provider once again for Scotland. The skipper retrieves Ralston’s cleared centre and sends a deep cross to the far post, where Shankland buries his header past Sinisalo.

72′ – GOAL!!! SCOTLAND 2-1 FINLAND (KALLMAN): The visitors pull one back inside the final 20 minutes! Kallman, just on as a substitute, is unmarked to glance home Antman’s deep cross. Following a VAR review, the goal stands.

83′ – PENALTY TO FINLAND: Silence descends around Hampden as Gordon clatters into Galvez, and the referee points to the spot.

85′ – GOAL!!! SCOTLAND 2-2 FINLAND (ANTMAN PEN): Antman, also on as a substitute, steps up and calmly sends Gordon the wrong way. With five minutes remaining, Finland are level.

90+3′ – GREAT SAVE: It is almost a dream debut for Conway, who meet a cross from the left and powers a header towards goal. Thankfully for Finland, Sinisalo is alert and makes a fine reflex save to deny him.