Scotland enjoy semi-final success

Scotland reached the final of the UEFA European Under-19 Championship for the first time as Calum Elliot's instinctive header early in the second half proved enough to defeat the Czech Republic in this semi-final in Grodzisk Wielkopolski.

Spanish encounter
The Heart of Midlothian FC striker struck two minutes into the second period to settle an even encounter and set up a final meeting with Spain - 5-0 victors against Austria earlier on Wednesday - in Poznan on Saturday evening. The Scots lost 4-0 against Spain in their second match in Group B but, having qualified for these finals for the first time since 1986, when the competition was played at U18 level, Tommy Wilson's side will have every confidence they can emulate their countrymen who claimed the European U18 Championship in 1982.

Early saves
Both sides fashioned clear chances in the opening moments during a positive start to the match, Simon Ferry and Elliot combining to provide Steven Fletcher with a sight of goal as early as the second minute only for Radek Petr to race off his line and block. At the other end, Scotland goalkeeper Andrew McNeil had to be equally alert to prevent Martin Fenin capitalising on some uncertain defending, diverting the Czech striker's shot over the crossbar. Elliot and Fletcher then worked a shooting chance for Michael McGlinchey, but once more Petr blocked with his legs.

Czech possession
As the half wore on the Czechs began to enjoy more possession and one such spell ended with Marek Strestik heading Ondrej Mazuch's looping right-wing cross just past the post. Ferry then side-footed wide after more good work from Elliot before both sides threatened from free-kicks, Petr palming away Fletcher's curling effort and Petr Pavlík narrowly failing to turn in Strestik's curling right-wing cross at the far post. Another Czech set-piece almost undid the Scots before half-time as McNeil was unable to gather another Strestik delivery, but the goalkeeper recovered smartly to block Pavlík's follow-up effort.

Elliot breakthrough
Fletcher was injured in that incident and has to be replaced at half-time, but his replacement Robert Snodgrass had an immediate impact, winning a left-wing free-kick that Steven Cuthbert swung into the goalmouth where Jamie Adams was waiting to head it back for Elliot to nod beyond Petr. The Czechs rallied swiftly, with Petr Janda, Marek Jungr and Fenin all threatening the Scottish goal but in the main Wilson's side looked comfortable, although Ivan Hasek side-footed a golden opportunity over the crossbar in the closing stages. There was one disappointment for Wilson; both Fletcher and his replacement Snodgrass will miss Saturday's Spanish reunion at the Stadion Miejski through suspension.