The Tartan Army turned out in their numbers for a party. But they trudged home from Hampden Park disappointed.
Scotland will head off to Euro 2024 on the back of another less than convincing performance as they were forced to settle for a 2-2 with Finland in their final pre-tournament warm-up clash.
Steve Clarke’s side spurned a two-goal lead at the national stadium on a night that was billed as an opportunity for supporters to give the squad a proper send-off on the back of an encouraging performance.
For an expectant crowd of just over 40,000 in attendance, there was very little to cheer during the opening 45 minutes. The Scots knocked the ball around well but lacked any kind of of urgency and looked bereft of ideas at the top end of the pitch, which will be a slight cause for concern ahead of their date with destiny against the Germans on June 14.
Ranked 61st in the world rankings, Finland were content to sit in allow Scotland the lion’s share of possession. For all the ball retention, thr hosts struggled to seriously test visiting keeper Jesse Joronen. Shankland snatched an a effort inside the box but there was very little else of note for fans to get excited about.
The Finns looked a threat on the counter attack and arguably had the best chances of the opening 45 minutes, with former Celtic striker Teemu Pukki testing Angus Gunn with a glancing header after Grant Hanley’s lapse in concentration.
However, Scotland did eventually open the scoring through an ugly own goal when Andy Robertson’s low cross was turned into his own net by Arttu Hoskonen. That goal lifted spirits in the stands following a subdued start.
And Hearts skipper Lawrence Shankland nodded home Robertson’s perfectly-weighted cross minutes later to ramp up the atmosphere and led to chants of “We’re going to Germany”.
Clarke rung the changes thereafter, with veteran goalkeeper Craig Gordon receiving a standing ovation as he replaced Angus Gunn between the sticks to potentially make his 75th and final appearance in a Scotland jersey. The Hearts stopper - who at the age of 41 became the oldest player to represent his country by overtaking David Weir - soaked up every last moment of the adulation.
Just when it appeared Clarke’s men had all-but wrapped up the victory, the visitors hit back when Benjamin Kallman’s header flew past an outstretched Gordon. Finland were then given a VAR-awarded penalty, depitte Gordon appearing to win the ball first. The spot-kick was slotted home by Oliver Antman and met by an eerie silence from a stunned home crowd.
All eyes now turn to Munich as Scotland prepare to fly out to training base in Germany, Garmisch-Partenkirchen on Sunday. Here is how the Edinburgh Evening News rated the players at Hampden, including Hearts star Shankland and Hibs hero John McGinn.

9. John McGinn - 7/10
A constant bundle of energy. Lofted a 20-yard effort from the edge of the box over the bar. Got into some promising areas but not everything came off. Can be satisfied with his display. | SNS Group

10. Ryan Christie - 6/10
Excellent pass sent Robertson through inside five mins. Quick feet took him away from his marker before cut-back was intercepted shortly after. Had a weak shot on the turn saved comfortably at the front post. Not as influential in the second half. Subbed. | SNS Group

11. Lawrence Shankland - 7/10
Needed a goal to lift some weight off his shoulders ahead of the Euros and he took his moment well. Had a first sight at goal after 20 mins, chesting the ball down before snatching at his shot which sailed over. Fed off scraps and looked a tad frustrated on occasions but that all changed when he nipped in front of his marker to head home Robertson's cross to make it 2-0 - his third international goal. Subbed. | SNS Group

12. Tommy Conway (SUB) - 6/10
Called up to the senior squad after scoring for the 21s against Turkey earlier this week. Replaced Shankland with 25 mins left to earn his debut. Looked lively and had a few neat touches. Wasted no time getting a shot away which was deflected behind. Denied at point blank range by the Finnish keeper deep into injury time. | SNS Group

