Scotland men win first ever Nations Cup 2 in Muscat

Scotland 4-2 Egypt

The first ever Men’s FIH Nations Cup 2 trophy is heading back to Glasgow as Scotland beat Egypt 4-2 in the final, in Muscat, Oman. Two goals from Struan Walker and strikes from Jamie Golden and Tommy Austin sealed the deserved win for the Blue Sticks, who will now play in the next Nations Cup.

The Egyptians started the contest well and enjoyed good possession with attacking phases, but Scotland was very comfortable with the pressure and coped well.

Calum Douglas was soon called into action and produced a double near post save to keep Egypt at bay.

Towards the end of the quarter Scotland began to play their way into the contest, and was rewarded with the opening goal. A superb mazy run by Ali Richmond saw him play a lovely pass to Struan Walker who thundered the ball into the bottom right corner on the turn for 1-0.

At the start of the second quarter there was very nearly a second goal for Scotland when Walker had a low shot cleared off the line.

Scotland’s second goal would come soon enough and it came courtesy of a Jamie Golden drag flick. Ali Douglas went on a great run into the circle and won a penalty corner, then Golden stepped up to fire the ball into the roof of the net.

Another penalty corner opportunity went the way of Scotland, and it was taken advantage of by Walker. While the Egypt defence was preparing itself for another Golden drag flick, the ball made its way to Walker who rattled it low into the bottom left corner for 3-0.

In the second half Tommy Austin scored his first goal for Scotland when he pounced on a rebound off the goalkeeper to find the net with a clever finish into the surface and past the goalkeeper. 4-0.

Egypt dug deep and enjoyed some good possession as the quarter continued, but the Scots contained the threat well.

The final quarter saw Egypt throw everything they had at Scotland and they eventually found the back of the net from a penalty corner. A Mohamed Ragab drag flick found the top corner of the net despite the best attempts of Calum Douglas in goal. 4-1.

Douglas in goal for Scotland was tested by the Egyptians and made countless saves to answer their questions. Then Egypt was awarded a penalty stroke with four minutes to go and Ahmed Alganaini found the bottom right corner for 4-2.

Scotland managed the game well in the closing stages and put out the Egyptian fire to retain their 4-2 lead and lift the trophy in Oman.

Struan Walker, receiving the player of the match, said: “The party starts right away for us. The boys are absolutely on fire at the moment and that was a brilliant performance from some really talented players that we have in our side. A very deserving victory for us in the end I think.”

OMAN – FIH Hockey Men’s Nations Cup 2 Oman 2024-25
00 Ceremony
Picture:
Gold team Scotland
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