RESOUNDING VICTORY OVER TURKIYE FOR SCOTLAND MEN IN ROME

Scotland men are one step closer to securing their place at the EuroHockey Championships 2027 next summer in London, after a resounding victory over Turkiye to reach the semi-finals.  

Scotland faced Turkiye in a battle for the remaining EuroChamps27 qualification spots at the EuroHockey Championships Qualifier’s in Rome, Italy. The format is straight knock-out with the winners of both semi-finals qualifying for the showpiece next summer in London. 

Last time Scotland Men faced Turkiye it was three years ago where Scotland came out on top with a strong 10-0 win. With Scotland pulling on the all-white strips, it was set to be strong game in the mid-day Italian sun.  

Before the match we caught up with Head Coach Neil Allan; ‘This is a great opportunity to put a good build up phase into a performance to be proud of. Important match today where we focus on ourselves and continue to develop our own style.’ 

Despite a contested start with both teams had their chances, it was Scotland that made the breakthrough; amazing teamwork led to an Andrew McConnell deflection, scoring Scotland first goal on the final whistle of the quarter.  

Overall, Scotland held the majority of the possession, pressing Türkiye’s defence hard.  A couple fast breaks from Türkiye but Scotland held off well which was rewarded with McConnell’s getting on the scoresheet.  

Both teams came into the second quarter strong. Turkiye saved a well worked Scotland attack, couldn’t have been much closer, with Struan Walker not quite making the connection he would have wanted to get the finish.  

This didn’t last long with Jamie Golden’s famous drag flick making an appearance in the 25th minute of the game, getting Scotland second. 

The Golden brother’s both hit the scoreboard in the second quarter, Cammy Golden joined his brother just before the half-time whistle went, another team goal with Cammy Golden getting the final strike. 

Both teams regrouped at half-time; much needed in the challenging heat conditions. Scotland again holding the possession but no luck in an immediate outcome, despite being awarded a number of short corners.   

Türkiye kicked on in the second half of this quarter showing some good plays leading into their 25. We witnessed Turkiye enjoying quick turnovers throughout this game and in the third quarter this led to their first short corner of the match, compared to the 5 for Scotland. Turkiye score with a pinpoint accurate drag flick. 

Scotland fought back and was awarded their 6th short corner of the game, it went wide of the post. Struan Walker won another corner for the team in white, unfortunately denied again by Türkiye’s defence. The hard work quickly paid off, after a strong Scotland press, they stole the ball leading to Scotland’s 4th goal of the game before the end of Q3. 

Scotland had the momentum going into the final quarter, Türkiye still worked hard to get another on the score sheet. Both teams were still looking energetic despite the European heat reaching 34 degrees in the mid-day sun.  

Amazing skills through the midfield from Callum Mackenzie finished with a pass through to be received by fellow Scot Jamie Green, who finishes and put Scotland 5th goal in the back of the net. Keir Robb follows 4 minutes later to get his second from a well worked field goal, impressive performance from the Edinburgh University player. 

Despite Türkiye’s best-efforts Scotland continued to attack going into the final minutes of both first match of the tournament, the full-time whistle goes and Scotland take the victory. 

Scotland Men started their EuroHockey Championship Qualifier campaign with a bang!  The 6-1 win against Turkiye gives the team momentum going into their Semi-Final against Croatia, 15:15 tomorrow.  Another victory will seal their ticket to the EuroHockey Championship 2027, next summer in London. 

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