Scotland topple Venezuela in their final women’s international of 2022

Scotland signed off for the year with a 2-1 win over Venezuela in their women’s friendly match in Cadiz, Spain.

Kelly Clark headed in her first goal for the national team in the 36th minute at the Estadio Antonio Bardillo and Claire Emslie doubled their lead four minutes later to ensure Pedro Martinez Losa’s side were well in control by the interval.

Manchester City striker Deyna Castellanos pulled a goal back in the 59th minute with an outrageous strike from 45 yards but Scotland reasserted themselves in the closing stages to take victory in their final match of 2022.

Venezuela were organised defensively in the early stages and Scotland found it tough to penetrate.

Fiona Brown found herself between keeper Nayluisa Caceres and a couple of Venezuelan defenders in the 28th minute when Emslie’s cross came in from the left and the ball rolled into the net but the South American side were awarded a free-kick for a foul.

However, the Scots kept pressing patiently and got the breakthrough when Clark rose at the front post to head in a Caroline Weir corner.

The Scots soon doubled their lead when Emslie deftly nodded in a cross from Brown from 12 yards.

Venezuela were more positive after the break and Mariana Speckmaier was denied a goal by the offside flag.

However, their change of tack was soon rewarded when Castellanos noticed Jenna Fife was out of her goal and, with terrific technique, she fired over the keeper’s head from just inside the Scotland half.

It was a stunning counter and Venezuela piled forward looking for the leveller with Scotland looking less assured.

The Scots, though, made chances of their own as they calmed down with substitute Kirsty Hanson striking the post and, in the end, they were worth the win, with substitute debuts for Brogan Hay and Rebecca McAllister providing further positives.