Aleksić acrobatics stun Scotland

Acrobatic opener
Aleksić, who last year became the youngest player to appear in the Serbian Superliga five days after his 16th birthday and opened his goal account for FK Vojvodina in April, conjured up an acrobatic strike with the final kick of the first half and added a second not long after the break. Scotland pressed gamely on their U17 finals debut but were kept at bay by a well-drilled Serbia outfit.

Slick passing
It was clear from the off that nothing would come easily for either side but Serbia's slick passing was worrying Scotland; Aleksandar Ignjovski's cross was turned over by the advancing Goran Brkić and Vuk Mitošević shot just wide. At the other end 1.94m-tall FC Lokomotiv Moskva defender Milan Milanović was assured, though Scotland captain John Fleck was threatening from distance.

Aleksić strikes
Robert McHugh got around Serbia goalkeeper Vilson Čaković only for the No1 to recover while Aleksić, the leading scorer in qualifying, headed just over after an accurate Predrag Stevanović free-kick. Scotland's Gordon Smith did not see out the half, though, forcing Daniel Thomson into action, and his team were behind on the stroke of the interval, Ignjovski's centre met by a stunning Aleksić overhead volley similar to that which launched their successful Elite round campaign against Slovakia.

Clincher
Within three minutes of the restart Serbia captain Aleksić had done it again wit a more conventional though powerful finish after Adem Ljajić's pass. Scotland were seeing little of the ball and Serbia closed the game out well, though substitute Alex Cooper did come close with a flick and volley. Hosts Turkey will provide Scotland's next challenge at the Mardan Sport Complex on Wednesday while Serbia face the Netherlands here.