Scotland dropped Women’s EURO 2022 Qualification points for the first time with a narrow defeat against Finland in Helsinki.
Despite dominating the first half and having chances throughout, a goal at the start of the second from former Scotland head coach Anna Signeul’s side was enough to secure victory for the hosts.
Erin Cuthbert tested the towering Finland goalkeeper and Kirsty Smith had claims for a penalty waved away, before Caroline Weir played Martha Thomas through inside the box but she failed to hit the target.
Finland began to grow into the game as the half drew to a close but failed to test Lee Alexander. At the other end, with the last kick of the half Erin Cuthbert went close from distance.
At the start of the second period, a corner was cleared off the line by Lizzie Arnot but Evelina Summanen was able to smash the rebound into the net.
Emma Mitchell went close to a leveller with a smart turn and shot which Korpela saved and a Leanne Crichton half volley also tested the Finnish goalkeeper.
Finland had gone close, rattling the frame of the goal with a cross, while Jane Ross hit the crossbar with a looping header two minutes from the end.
Head coach Shelley Kerr told scottishfa.co.uk:
“It’s frustrating we’ve come away with nothing after putting in all the plans to get the win.
“Credit to Finland who hurt us on the second phase of a set play which normally we would deal with.
“There wasn’t a lot in the game. We controlled more of the game than they did but at the end of the day they’ve got the three points.
“We’re disappointed but we know what’s at stake and what we’ve got to do now. We’ve got to beat a good Portugal team away from home and then beat Finland at home.
“We’ve dropped three points and Finland and Portugal have dropped two so far. Nothing changes for us.
“It’s good that we have two games next month. Hopefully we get some of our players back and we’re in a strong position to get two good results.”
Northern Ireland Women clinch crucial win despite red card for keeper
