In the first of three matches Scotland women lost 4-2 to France in Marseille. Today’s game was uncapped, but tomorrows and Saturday’s matches will be capped matches.
In the sweltering heat at 39 degrees France got off to a great start and put Scotland under pressure from the off. The game was only 15 seconds old when the French won their first penalty corner, but Scotland defended well and cleared the danger.
Five minutes later and the French made their fast start count, and took the lead 1-0.
Scotland bounced back, however, and soon got back on level-pegging. A penalty corner routine was finished off by Jen Eadie with a shot across the keeper for 1-1.
The French got their noses back in front right before half time and went in 2-1 up at the break.
The second half saw Scotland get back on top; enjoying lots of the ball and creating opportunities, but missing the final connection.
Despite Scotland’s positive play, it was France who struck next and went 3-1 ahead.
Again, Scotland clawed their way back into the match, and Ruth Blaikie slapped the ball to Sarah Jamieson for a far post finish to make it 3-2.
A France tap-in from a pass from the baseline saw them go 4-2 ahead in the final quarter and see out the victory.
Head Coach Chris Duncan said, “It was a tough day today, we really struggled in the heat, and were just sluggish from the start. France deserved the win; we were off beat in our technical detail today.
“We want to win every game. We know our standards and we want to meet them in every match, so we’ll dust ourselves down, learn, and look to show what we’re all about tomorrow.”
