Better tidings for Belarus

An early goal from Leonid Kovel set Belarus on their way to a home victory against Scotland and third place in UEFA European Under-21 Championship Group 5.

Winless streak
Kovel found the net after just three minutes as the Belarussians, who had slipped up at home against Slovenia on Friday, set about returning to winning ways and extending Scotland's run of matches without victory to 14.

Quick goals
Rainer Bonhof's Scots held on until half-time, when heavy rain delayed proceedings, but found themselves 3-0 down soon after the restart. In the first six minutes of the second half, Yuri Puntus's side scored two quick goals, the second of which was neatly tucked in by Mikhail Afanasijev.

Scottish comeback
The visitors, who had only scored one goal in five matches prior to kick-off, rallied and on 58 minutes Hibernian FC midfield player Steven Whittaker pulled a goal back. When 19-year-old David Clarkson made it 3-2 four minutes from time, there were nerves in the Belarussian camp. The home side held on though to take all three points and move third in the group, back above Slovenia and only one point adrift of Norway in second.

Azzurrini next
Both sides are next in action on 2 September, when defeat at home against group leaders Italy could mathematically eliminate Scotland, while Belarus will look to further strengthen their position by securing victory in Moldova.