The final of the 2011 All Nations Tournament after six weeks of competition was a tight affair with commitment from both sides and bit of controversy to spice the game.
Scotland for the most part dominated the first half with only sporadic attacks from Australia. Shane Tagliaferro in the Scots midfield and John Cummins and Craig Elvin in the defence ensured that Australia had very limited opportunities.
Shane Tagliaferro for Scotland tried his luck early having received a pass from Steve Weir but his shot went just wide of the right post. Scotland continued to have possession and most of the half was played in the Australian half of the pitch. Scotland through Luke Sherbon tried a header from right in front but somehow missed the target followed by another header from John Little which also came to nothing.
Towards the end of the half Australia came back into the game and Chas Di Petta and Aleksander Pavasovic combined for the latter to shoot over the bar. Sasa Vranesevic for Australia was probing away but was not able to make much impression.
The controversy came In the 40th minute when Scotland found themselves down to ten men when Luke Sherbon was sent off by the referee for what could have only been serious case of dissent and with still over half the game to play. However Scotland did not let this deter them and right on half time they took the lead when Australia lost possession of the ball on the left flank in their half of the pitch near the half way line. The ball was swiftly played to Shane Tagliaferro whose shot took a deflection and gave Nicholas Abougelis in the Australian goal no chance.
The second half with Scotland a man down and trying to maintain their lead and Australia showing more determination, the Australian team were able to set up more attacks. Aleksaander Pavasovic was the first to try his luck with a determined run and shot which sailed wide. Next Sasa Vranesevic for Australia shot over the bar after good lead up play by Murat Kaliskan and Dejan Erakovic. Erakovic followed up with another shot soon after. Scotland were able to get out of their half occasionally and had a few opportunities including a free kick just outside the penalty area but Wayne Gordon’s shot hit the Australian wall and came to nothing. Australia did hit the post twice in quick succession during one attack but with time running out and both teams tiring chances became fewer.
In the end the Scotland defence held firm and the score remained 1-0 and a win to Scotland for their third win in the last eight years and fourth overall.
A notable achievement in this tournament was that Scotland did not have a goal scored against them.