Under-16 International Tournament

Scotland 2-0 Uruguay

Saturday, 29 July 2017, kick-off 1pm

Oriam, Edinburgh

Scotland: Smith (50), Dembele (70)

Scotland won the Under-16 International Tournament as they brushed Uruguay aside by two goals to nil. The Young Scots took all nine points from their three games, scoring eleven goals without reply.

A frantic start ensured in today’s final group game, as both teams pressed high and looked to take control. Scotland moved the ball well but were nearly caught out by Gutierrez who stroked the ball just wide after nine minutes.

Scotland thought they had taken the lead on 11 minutes when Winter was sent through on goal and finished easily past the keeper. However the goal was disallowed for offside.

14-year-old Karamoko Dembele was proving to be a menace on the wing, causing havoc with his direct play.

Uruguay came close following some slack Scotland defending, Robbie Hemfrey making a great reflex save on 30 minutes.

At half-time, Scotland made three subs with Starrs, Smith and Grigor replacing Forrest, Cameron and McAlear.

Scotland started slowly but quickly took control when Connor Barron played an exquisite chipped ball over the defence and was tucked home by Smith on 50 minutes.

Ecrepont and Kettings soon came on for Morrison and Barron as coach Brian McLaughlin showed the real depth of the squad.

Alonso gave a warning to the Scots that Uruguay were still very much in this game, as he drilled the ball just past the post on 59 minutes.

Dembele powered a 25-yard drive just over the bar as Scotland pushed forward. On 70 minutes, Starrs made his move in the box and was taken out by the Uruguayan keeper, who received a yellow card.

Dembele stepped up and confidently slotted the ball down the middle. 

The drama didn’t end there; Fernandez was sent-off on 73 minutes for a stamp after an altercation with Josh Grigor.

Scotland held out for the victory as they recorded a fantastic showing in the tournament, finishing on top of the group.

Scotland starting line-up | Hemfrey (GK), Hamilton, Morrison, Cameron, Patterson, Forrest, Weir (c), McAlear, Barron, Winter, Dembele

Subs | Starrs, Smith, Grigor, Ecrepont, Kettings, Logan, Newman

Man of the match: Jamie Hamilton