Penalty shoot-out defeat for Scotland in Toulon Tournament third-place play-off

Posted Sunday, June 10, 2018 by PA

Scotland Under-21s missed out on a third-placed finish at the Toulon Tournament as they lost on penalties to Turkey following a goalless draw in Martigues.

Scot Gemmill’s side suffered semi-final defeat to rivals England for the second year in a row in this tournament but could not secure victory in the third-place play-off as they did in 2017.

Harvey St Clair saw a second-half penalty saved and Scotland went on to lose 5-3 in the shoot-out, with Oliver Burke unable to convert.

Turkey midfielder Baris Alici had an early effort well saved by Celtic goalkeeper Ross Doohan, the hot weather leading to a water break for the players at the midpoint of a tight and
uneventful first-half.

Elliot Watt forced a smart save out of Altay Bayindir with a well-struck second-half free-kick.

Scotland were awarded a penalty just before the hour mark as St Clair danced into the box before being cynically tripped by Fatih Aksoy.

St Clair dusted himself off to take the penalty himself but the Chelsea youngster’s low effort was easily pushed away by Bayindir.

Neither side could create another meaningful opening to win the game in normal time, with the contest heading straight to penalties following the conclusion of the 80 minutes.

Turkey stroked home all five of their penalties, with Burke of West Brom seeing his tame effort saved by Bayindir as Gemmill’s men were beaten.