Emma Watson playing for Scotland against FinlandImage source, SNS
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Emma Watson (left) came on in the second half for Scotland

Scotland's Euro 2025 hopes remain in the balance after a tense goalless draw with Finland in their play-off first leg.

Pedro Martinez Losa's side, hoping to reach a first major tournament on the Spaniard's watch, were second best for much of the contest at Easter Road.

Linda Sallstrom's first-half lob brought out the best in Scotland goalkeeper Eartha Cumings, who also held shots either side of half-time.

The sides will resume at 0-0 on Tuesday in Helsinki, when Scotland women will hope to reach their second European Championship and first major finals since the 2019 World Cup.

And though Finland boast a strong home record, the Scots are unbeaten in nine and won there in a friendly last year.

Ria Oling shot over early on for the Finns and Sallstrom's lofted shot was met by a fine clawing save by the retreating Cumings.

Eveliina Summanen was next to threaten the Scotland goal from a free-kick and once again the keeper got solid hands behind the effort.

The Scots were restricted to long-range efforts, captain Caroline Weir drilling one at keeper Anna Tamminen.

The half-time introductions of Chelsea Cornet and Kirsty Hanson briefly rejuvenated Scotland, but Finland soon countered the higher press.

Nea Lehtola had the visitors' best second-half effort, the left-back shooting powerfully at Cumings, before captain Sallstrom volleyed wide after meeting the ball at an awkward height.

Emma Watson and later Jamie-Lee Napier took over from Martha Thomas and Claire Emslie in the Scotland attack but got no change from the Finnish space-restricting strategy.

Hanson did have one run and shot in the closing stages, her effort taken comfortably by Tamminen as the 8,800-strong crowd went home without seeing a goal.

What they said

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Scotland head coach Pedro Martinez Losa: "We did well with the dirty part of the game. That's a great credit to the team, not conceding a goal. We expect a little bit more on the ball but it's not as simple in this type of game.

"It's going to be a similar pattern for both teams in the next game. We are going to need just one opportunity to win the game in Finland."

Scotland captain Caroline Weir: "We always want a little bit more. There was a bit of sussing each other.

"We go into Tuesday, it's a cup final, isn't it? It's all to play for. We have to be positive. The support here was great."

Finland head coach Marko Saloranta: "We have to be satisfied with the result. Scotland is a very, very, very good team with unbelievable players. We were missing some important players.

"It will be so nice to play in Helsinki on Tuesday. We have been quite good at home. Everything is open and there's a big prize."

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