Serbia 0-0 Scotland: Scotland start Euro 2025 qualifying with draw in Leskovac

Scotland started their Euro 2025 qualification campaign with a lethargic draw with Serbia, extending their winless run to eight games in all competitions.

Top-seeded Scotland were hoping to record their first competitive win since October 2022, but will have to try again in Tuesday's second match against Slovakia.

Serbia were the more dangerous side, but they will be encouraged by facing the team at the top of their group.

A sloppy and disjointed start was summed up by Scotland goalkeeper Sandy McIver's early sending off after landing harmlessly while collecting a routine ball.

In a first half with few chances, Erin Cuthbert's shot from the edge of the area could not be untied, and her meek shot was deflected wide by goalkeeper Milica Kostic.

Glasgow City's Lee Gibson came on in place of the injured McIver, but the Serbian players claimed to have won the ball back behind the goal line and I think they were lucky that she spilled a comfortable catch. Maybe.

The hosts created few clear chances, but a perfectly timed challenge from Nicolas Docherty stopped Allegra Polyak running towards goal, with only Gibson beating.

Glasgow City winger Lauren Davidson failed to make an impact in her first international start and was replaced by Jane Ross at the break.

Within minutes, the veteran striker hit a shot from outside the area that hit the crossbar.

This near miss failed to inject any life into a lethargic Scotland team, who failed to produce anything in the final stages.

Instead, Sophie Howard, who had enjoyed a heated altercation with Jovana Damnjanovic, lost her footing and gifted the Bayern Munich forward a brilliant goal-in, but her shot rolled into Gibson's lap. .

This is also a performance and result that leaves many questions about the national team.

Player of the match – Sophie Howard

Scottish laziness and slapstick – analysis

In the days leading up to the opening game of this Euro 2025 qualifying campaign, Martinez Rosa spoke of the energy and passion he saw from the players in camp. His desire to demonstrate this through action did not come true.

The Scots were slow, unruly and dominated the ball, but it was the Serbs who probed the most.

Perhaps it is due to the presence of Damnjanovic. The 29-year-old has played at Germany's highest level and was by far the best player at Stadium Dubochka.

In contrast, Scotland started Davidson in midfield. Davidson is probably the best performer in club football on the wing.

It's a close call at elite level and a star striker could really make a big difference.

But it wasn't just a problem that was notable for Scotland. There was a lack of movement in the midfield.

Bayern's Sam Kerr was the complete opposite of his team-mates at the club and was very quiet, while Cuthbert, often relied upon for a moment of stardom, had no skill at all.

On paper, this was the most difficult match in the group. However, Scotland are still the top seeds in this group and the longer they go without a win in this match, the more criticism will grow.

what they said

Scotland national team head coach Pedro Martínez Rosa: “I think it was a game with two different phases. We had some good moments with the ball, we had chances in the final third, and in the second half they were at a good level in the final third and we I think there were moments when we could have confirmed that.''We didn't lose the match, and there were moments when we could have won, but we couldn't take advantage of them.

“If we can get three points on Tuesday, or if we can beat Serbia at home, this result could be good. I think this is about this season, we have the most difficult opponents at home and away. We got one point. Everything else is relevant.”

Scottish national team defender Sophie Howard: “I think it's a shame that we didn't score more, but in the end it was a well-deserved point for both teams.

“I think we could have given the game away at the end, but we showed great character by being persistent and putting our bodies on the line and it was just disappointing that we couldn't get more points.”

What's next?

Scotland will play Slovakia at Hampden on Tuesday 9 April, kick-off at 19:35 BST, while Serbia will play Israel at 15:00 kick-off on the same day.