Imagination and incision were strangers in Edinburgh as the first leg of the Euro 2025 qualification playoff ended in a frustrating goalless draw. With the second leg taking place in Helsinki, Finland might be slight favorites to reach next summer's finals in Switzerland, given Scotland's worrying lack of creativity.

"We did well with the dirty part of the game," said the home manager, Pedro Martínez Losa, whose side extended their unbeaten run to nine games. "If we keep defending like that, we'll just need one opportunity to win in Finland."

Chances were scarce in this nervy encounter. While Scotland defended well, with Sophie Howard particularly shining, they were poor in possession and offered the 8,800 crowd little excitement. The modest attendance raises questions about why this fixture wasn't staged on a Saturday afternoon. Friday nights, especially in late November, are far from ideal for live football audiences. It's safe to assume that a more family-friendly daytime kick-off would have filled the empty seats at Easter Road.

In reality, television dictates the schedule, but the broadcasters must have been dismayed by the scrappiness on display. Martínez Losa, formerly of Arsenal and now under pressure in his new role, had called this playoff "the most important moment" of his career. However, as Marko Saloranta's Finland dominated, the home players seemed overwhelmed.

Fortunately for the animated Scotland manager, goalkeeper Eartha Cummings was impressive, making crucial early saves, notably from Linda Sällström. With Martínez Losa's side slowed down and the crowd subdued by Finland's smart game management, Caroline Weir struggled to make her usual impact. The Real Madrid creator, returning after a year out with a knee injury, found herself largely restricted to long-range shots.

The introduction of Aston Villa's Kirsty Hanson from the bench improved Scotland, bringing the best out of Weir, though not Chelsea's often subdued Erin Cuthbert. Unfortunately, this mini-renaissance seemed to galvanize Finland, ranked 26th in FIFA's world rankings. Scotland, three places higher, struggled to establish a cohesive rhythm and remained poor in possession.

Had Sällström connected better with Sanni Franssi's fine pass, Finland would surely have scored. Instead, Martínez Losa's players travel to Helsinki with their hopes of reaching Switzerland still alive, albeit not exactly kicking.

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