Australia 0-1 Scotland: Docherty stunner earns Scots victory
- Published
Highlights: Australia 0-1 Scotland
Scotland produced one of their best results under manager Pedro Martinez Losa as they defeated World Cup hosts Australia in London.
Nicola Docherty scored just her second goal for her country with a magnificent long-range drive off the post and into the top corner.
And Scotland were well worth their win with a string of further chances coming their way in a stirring performance.
Australia did hit the crossbar twice, but Scotland bravely held on.
And it will be a huge confidence booster before the Nations League and Euro 2025 qualifying campaigns, beating a side who have their eyes on winning the World Cup when it gets under way in July.
The strength in depth of their illustrious opponents was clear with Chelsea star Sam Kerr being left on the bench, despite Australia's recent top scorer Caitlin Foord missing through injury.
In front of a crowd of 2,136 in South London, Scotland found it tough early on.
Mary Fowler had a shot deflected wide, then Hayley Raso couldn't finish at the back post from a lobbed free-kick, but in the main Scotland rarely looked like conceding, and instead two huge chances fell their way.
Emma Watson, making her Scotland debut at just 17, charged down a clearance. Kirsty Hanson picked out Martha Thomas in space, but goalkeeper Mackenzie Arnold was equal to her effort.
Moments later Thomas again had a chance inside the box, but this time sent it over the bar.
The chances kept coming. Scotland's Sam Kerr - determined to outshine her Australian namesake - shot wide of a post from distance. Watson had a shot blocked before only a timely intervention stopped Caroline Weir unleashing a volley at the back post.
Half-time arrived with Scotland in the ascendency, but it did little to dent them. Two minutes after the restart and they took the lead.
Docherty saw goalkeeper Arnold off her line, and launched the ball towards the top corner from the edge of the box only for it to bounce off the upright and in.
The expected fight-back was soon upon Scotland. Cortney Vine and Clare Hunt both rattled the crossbar. Scotland goalkeeper Lee Gibson had to get down low to deny Fowler and Larissa Crummer.
But then Scotland broke and could, and should, have made it 2-0. Weir and captain-for the-day Claire Emslie linked up to lay the ball on a plate for Thomas, but she poked the ball the wrong side of the post.
Gibson saved from Raso and Alex Chidiac was inches away from the far post as Scotland again were forced back.
But Scotland charged forward again and after Hanson played a one-two with Weir Arnold had to tip her shot over.
Player of the match - Nicola Docherty
The Scotland full-back had to contend with Manchester City's Hayley Raso but did a sterling job, then added a brilliant goal to win it.
What's next?
Scotland host Costa Rica at Hampden on Tuesday 11 April (19:45 BST), while Australia take on England at Brentford's Gtech Community Stadium at the same time.