Scotland Under-21s suffer agonising Euro 2025 exit after failing to capitalise on shock result

Scotland Under-21s’ hopes of reaching next summer’s European Championships ended in agonising circumstances after they failed to capitalise on Belgium’s shock defeat by Hungary.

Scot Gemmill’s side knew they needed a win against Kazakhstan in Almaty on Tuesday night to stand any chance of finishing second in Group B and landing a play-off spot - but they also required Belgium, three points ahead of them in the standings, to lose to already eliminated Hungary.

However, the visitors sprang a major surprise in Heverlee by winning 1-0 - only for Scotland to lose themselves 3-2 against the Kazakhs, meaning they finish third in the standings.

Scotland knew early on that Belgium, who defeated them 2-0 at Tynecastle on Friday, were struggling after a ninth-minute penalty from Andras Nemeth put the Hungarians ahead. But it was the Kazakhs who drew first blood at the Almaty Central Stadium when Aybar Abdulla netted on the half-hour mark.

Scot Gemmill's Scots lost out in Kazakhstan. | SNS Group

Scottish hopes were restored on 61 minutes when Lennon Miller netted with a fine strike, but their task was made even harder when defender Dane Murray was sent off three minutes later, thwarting a one-on-one chance following a Lewis Neilson slack pass. Adilbek Zhukmakhanov converted from the penalty spot to make it 2-1 to the hosts.

Substitute Yan Trufanov then put Kazakhstan further ahead on 74 minutes and while defender Jeremiah Chilokoa-Mullen scored on 86 minutes, there was little time left for Scotland to muster a comeback.

The defeat means that no Scottish side has ever won in Kazakhstan - and puts manager Gemmill’s future under scrutiny after the failed qualifying campaign.