Scotland maintain perfect record with thrilling 5-4 victory over Kyrgyz Republic
Scotland's unbeaten run continued in dramatic fashion as they edged past Kyrgyz Republic 5-4 in a pulsating encounter on Day 4 of the Oslo 2025 Homeless World Cup.
Scotland had advanced to the top-tier competition after topping Group F in Stage 1 and their debut at this level was a physical battle between two well-organised sides.
The Kyrgyz Republic scored first through number 8 after a nicely worked move starting from their goalkeeper. The Central Asian side then had the chance to double their advantage from the penalty spot, but Scotland's keeper produced a crucial save to keep the score at 1-0.
Scotland responded with sustained pressure, keeping possession well while working against Kyrgyz Republic's solid defensive structure. After a succession of saves from the Kyrgyz keeper, Scotland’s number 6 scored from a well worked corner to even the tie. Just before half-time Scotland’s number 6 slotted his second of the match after a patient build-up, making the score 2-1 at the end of the first half.
The second half began with Scotland showing their intent, the goalkeeper's precise distribution splitting the Kyrgyz Republic defence. From a free kick in their own half, Scotland worked the ball well and despite two excellent saves from the Kyrgyz Republic keeper, number 8 finally found the net at the third attempt to extend the lead to 3-1.
Kyrgyz Republic pushed to close the gap, committing men forward with intent, and number 7 pulled one back with a fine strike from distance to make it 3-2. The game opened up after this goal with the Kyrgyz keeper making numerous saves to keep them in the game. Scotland's number 4 restored the two-goal cushion, but only for a few minutes as Kyrgyz Republic's number 8 leveled the match at 4-4 with a stunning equaliser that upped the ante within the stands.
As the game hung in the balance, Scotland showed real championship credentials. A dangerous free kick in the Kyrgyz Republic half saw number 2 beat his marker, only for another outstanding save from the opposition keeper. However, Scotland's number 5 was on hand to square the ball back to number 2, who applied a neat finish to restore Scotland's advantage at 5-4.
Despite late pressure from Kyrgyz Republic and some nervous moments for Scotland, who had committed numbers forward looking to kill the game, the Scottish defense held firm to secure a great opening victory.
The match showcased outstanding individual performances across both teams, with Scotland's number 2 leading the way with two goals, while numbers 4, 5, 6, and 8 all contributed significantly. For Kyrgyz Republic, their goalkeeper was exceptional, making at least five crucial saves to keep his team in contention throughout the contest.
Scotland's unbeaten record remains intact as they successfully navigate their first match in the top-tier competition, with both sides demonstrating the quality that earned them their places in the elite bracket.
Words by Lewis McKinlay | Photos by John Anderson & Anita Milas