Ben Doak Shines as Scotland U21s Defeat Belgium 2-0
Ben Doak, known for his natural position as a right winger, once again played as a centre-forward for Scotland U21s in their impressive 2-0 victory over Belgium. This win is seen as a significant milestone for the team’s development, according to manager Scot Gemmill.
Doak’s Versatility and Impact
Despite being out of position, Doak’s adaptability has paid off for Gemmill. In the match against Belgium, Doak played a crucial role in both goals. The first goal came from a corner routine, with Doak pressuring the Belgian goalkeeper into making a mistake, leading to Jeremiah Chilokoa-Mullen’s header. Doak then assisted the second goal by forcing another error from the goalkeeper and providing an assist to Lyall Cameron.
Doak’s influential performance led to his substitution after an hour, as Gemmill sought more defensive stability. The victory against Belgium showcases the potential of this generation of players and their ability to compete against top teams.
Gemmill’s Delight and Future Challenges
Gemmill expressed his delight at the result, emphasizing the resilience and determination shown by the players. He compared this victory to previous generations’ successes against formidable opponents like Croatia and the Netherlands. However, Gemmill also acknowledged the need to build on this achievement and replicate it in future matches, starting with the upcoming clash against Hungary.
Potential Senior Call-Up
Ben Doak’s impressive performances for Scotland U21s have caught the attention of national team manager Steve Clarke. With one goal and one assist in four games since his promotion from the U17s, Doak is being closely monitored for a potential senior call-up.
Qualifying Campaign for U21 Euros
Scotland currently sits in second place in Group B of the U21 Euros qualifying campaign for 2025. They have secured three wins and a draw from four games. However, only the top spot, currently held by Spain, guarantees a place in the tournament. Scotland has six more fixtures over the next 11 months to secure their qualification.
Sources:
- Ben Doak – This Is Anfield
- The Daily Record