Martha Thomas' goal gives Scotland the lead after the first leg

Amy Canavan
BBC Sport Scotland at Bozsik Arena, Budapest

Scotland will take a one-goal lead into their Euro 2025 round one play-off second leg against Hungary after claiming their sixth consecutive competitive win.

Martha Thomas' close-range second-half fierce finish ensures Scotland will have the edge when they welcome the Hungarians to Easter Road on Tuesday.

They and Finland will start as favourites to meet in the final play-off round after Marko Saloranta's side also won by a single goal in Montenegro.

Back in Budapest just over three years after a win against Hungary began his Scotland reign, head coach Pedro Martinez Losa said being here "brought back happy memories".

But there was no cause on Friday to look back with any great fondness at a flat first half, as Scotland struggled to get any rhythm into their play.

Real Madrid midfielder Caroline Weir, captain for the evening as she earned her first cap since a long-term injury, forced a punch from Lauren Brzykcy, but Scotland otherwise had a quiet first 45 minutes.

Eyebrows were raised at no half-time changes, but when the first switch did come - Kirsty Smith for Kirsty Hanson - it allowed for a shake-up further up the field and immediately proved fruitful.

Claire Emslie won the free-kick from which the goal came - and it was desperately needed.

Moments before the opener, home midfielder Dora Zeller inexplicably missed an open goal from close range. It was a huge wake-up call for Scotland, a moment to rue for Hungary.

Bar another nervous moment where their hosts failed to force the ball over despite a sea of bodies in the six-yard box, Scotland were much more in control and exuded comfort in the second half.

However, they were far from the level they showcased during their unbeaten Nations League B campaign.

Shaky despite squad strength - analysis

There's always so much excitement when Erin Cuthbert, Sam Kerr and Weir are all fit - and rightly so.

The three ply their trade at Chelsea, Bayern Munich and Real Madrid respectively - on paper, a world-class midfield.

However, in reality, this was a reminder that the three struggle to sing from the same hymn sheet.

It is a classy but congested centre of the park. At times in the first half particularly, they looked restrained and unable to spark a free-flowing creative game.

In his three years in charge, it is a concoction the head coach has struggled to master.

There has been the odd sweet spot, but the consistency is missing and so it was again in Budapest.

Instead, it was a reshuffling of experienced heads that brought about the goal.

With Lisa Evans exploited at right-back in the first half particularly, she was much more of an attacking threat when tugging the touchline after being shifted that little further forward.

The worry for Martinez Losa will be that this is a healthier squad, on paper, than the one from which he was able to pick in the Nations League, yet instead of looking stronger, shaky moments remained despite the victory.

What they said

'Scotland won't lose at home' - Pedro Martinez Losa

Scotland head coach Pedro Martinez Losa: "I think both teams were very prepared.

"Hungary showed the best version of themselves - they were at home and had nothing to lose. They really prepared well for the game and I think we managed the situation, after the first 15 minutes, well.

"Although the score is tight, just 1-0, we didn't concede and we know there's no way we're going to lose the game at home in Scotland."

Scotland striker Martha Thomas: "It was a difficult game. Hungary were organised, they put in a good block that was hard to break down, so we had to be patient.

"It was all about taking that advantage into Tuesday. It was never going to be a walk in the park, but we're happy with the win."

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