Scotland 1 – 1 Wales
Pinatar Cup
Tuesday, 21 February 2023
Pinatar Arena, Spain

Scorers

Scotland – Howard 8’

Wales – Holland 42’

Team news

Pedro Martinez Losa opted for nine changes from the team that faced Philippines. Sam Kerr and Lauren Davidson the only two to retain their places in the starting XI. Lee Gibson returned in goals with a back four of Rachel Corsie, Sophie Howard, Nicola Docherty and Fiona Brown. Kerr was joined in the middle by Caroline Weir and Erin Cuthbert. Claire Emslie, who earned her 50th cap, formed the attacking threat along with Lauren Davidson and Abi Harrison.

As it happened

Scotland got the match underway in beautiful conditions in southern Spain. It didn’t take Pedro Martinez Losa’s side long to settle in, immediately taking control of the game. The first real chance of the game resulted in a goal for Scotland. Cuthbert with the in swinger from the left corner, Howard was waiting inside the 6-yard to smash a header home, giving Scotland a 1-nil advantage on 8 minutes.

There was an extended break in play when Holland collided with Kerr on 15 minutes, the Welsh player grounded by the impact. Scotland continued to dominate in the midfield, pressing Wales high up the pitch in search of that second goal.

Wales made a half-hearted attempt to attack on 22 minutes, Fishlock and Holland pressed but Corsie and Howard combined to extinguish the threat. Gemma Grainger’s side started to press more around the half-hour mark but it was Scotland who came closest again on 31 minutes. Cuthbert with a shot flashing across the face of goal, ball supplied by Davidson who was proving a handful for the Welsh on the right flank.

Docherty marshalled the defence with military precision throughout the first-half, however, Wales managed to grab an equaliser just before half-time.  Against the run of play, Holland slid the ball under Gibson to level the scoring.

A nasty collision between Fishlock and Brown ended the half, Brown getting a knee to the face. Both players received medical treatment into the break.

Brown was replaced by Kirsty Smith for the second-half, Rowe came on for Holland.

Scotland looked to immediately re-establish their lead, Weir forcing Clark into a fingertip save on 50 minutes. A triple substitution for Scotland on the hour-mark, Hay, Hanson and Thomas on for Harrison, Emslie and Davidson.

Wales created their best opportunity of the half on 68 minutes, Rowe cutScotland open through the middle with a mazy run but Smith’s decisive tackle ensured the score remained level. Roberts served up a looping ball forward a few minutes later for Wales but Gibson beat Fishlock to it.

The Wales keeper almost gifted Scotland an opportunity to go back in front with a mistimed clearance on 70 minutes, Cuthbert bearing down on Clark who was relieved to see the ball trundle past her near-post for a corner-kick.

Arthur replaced Kerr on 78 minutes, Kerr the only player to start all three matches at the tournament. In the 80th minute, Corsie conceded a free-kick just outside the box, Fishlock tested Gibson with a low drive but to no avail.

Scotland appealed for a penalty in the 90th minute as Weir looked to be felled inside the box, the referee waved play on.

Scotland were forced to absorb some late pressure as both sides pushed for a winner but in the end, nothing could separate the two sides as the game ended in a draw.

Teams

Scotland: Gibson, Docherty, Corsie ©, Howard, Brown (Smith 46’), Kerr (Arthur 78'), Weir, Cuthbert, Emslie (Hay 62’), Davidson (Hanson 62’), Harrison (Thomas 62’)

Unused subs: Fife, Cumings, Mukandi, K Clark, J Clark, Evans, Murray, Grimshaw, Napier

Wales: Clark, Woodham, Evans, Ingle, Green, James, Green, Fishlock, Cain, Estcourt, Holland

Subs: O’Sullivan, Roberts, Ward, Rowe, Ladd, Hughes, Walters, Wynne, Jones, Filbey, Morgan, Griffiths