Scotland Women's Football Team

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  1. Hungary 0-1 Scotland: Have your saypublished at 20:06 25 October

    Have your say

    It's advantage Scotland after the first leg of their Euro 2025 play-off against Hungary.

    The second leg take place at Easter Road on Tuesday night where Scotland will need to extend their one goal lead if they want to edge one step closer to Euro 2025 in Switzerland.

    Before that, we want to know what you made of Scotland's performance.

    Give us your thoughts here, external.

  2. Hungary 0-1 Scotland: Analysispublished at 20:01 25 October

    Amy Canavan
    BBC Sport Scotland in Hungary

    Caroline WeirImage source, Scottish FA
    Image caption,

    Caroline Weir was in the starting line-up for Scotland on her return to international duty following an ACL injury.

    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 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 class 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 bit 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.

  3. Hungary 0-1 Scotland: What they saidpublished at 19:57 25 October

    Scotland manager Pedro Martinez LosaImage source, Getty Images

    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."

  4. 'Scotland should beat Hungary home and away'published at 12:21 25 October

    Scotland womenImage source, SNS

    Former Scotland goalkeeper Gemma Fay says Pedro Martinez Losa's side "should be beating Hungary home and away".

    The Scots face Hungary in Budapest on Friday (17:15 BST) in the first leg of their Euro 2025 round one play-off, with the return at Easter Road on Tuesday.

    The winner of the tie will progress to a meeting with either Finland or Montenegro for a place in next summer's finals in Switzerland.

    Scotland are currently 23rd in Fifa's world rankings, with the Hungarians 46th.

    Fay, who earned 203 caps, told the BBC's Scottish Football Podcast: "There's an expectation [to win] because of the quality of players that we have.

    "And I think Scotland have failed to live up to their expectation in last couple of qualification campaigns.

    "Martinez Losa was saying that reaching the Euros is a dream bigger than any dream. I don't think it's a dream.

    "Dreams are things which couldn't be attainable, this is absolutely attainable. It should be attainable.

    "And if you look at the standard and quality of player that we have, we should be beating Hungary home and away.

    "We should be stepping out on that pitch with a level of confidence within ourselves that we should be able to beat Hungary away and we should comfortably be able to beat them at home."

  5. Mukandi and daughter make Scotland squad a happy familypublished at 11:13 25 October

    Amy Canavan
    BBC Sport Scotland in Budapest

    Emma MukandiImage source, SNS
    Image caption,

    Defender Emma Mukandi has daughter Innes with her in the Scotland camp

    "She actually thinks she's getting a rest here and I think, 'Oh my God, I'm exhausted watching you!'"

    Erin Cuthbert isn't the only one amazed by Scotland team-mate Emma Mukandi's approach to international football.

    While there is excitement among players at linking up with the national team, few would say they see it as a time for downtime. It's high intensity, high standards and high pressure.

    The norm for mother Mukandi.

    Since giving birth to baby Innes nearly three years ago, Mukandi - fully supported by the Scotland national team - brings her little girl to camp, and this time in Budapest is no different.

    Many were, rightly, buzzing at the return of the wonderful Caroline Weir, but reuniting with Innes has everyone beaming.

    "Having a baby in the camp, it’s just total fun," Cuthbert said, previewing tonight's play-off semi-final first leg against Hungary.

    "It keeps everything light-hearted. When you've got Innes there, no matter if you've had a good or a bad day, she's always there to pick you up.

    "Mitch [Emma Mukandi] is a great mother, you see the work that she does behind the scenes. It's remarkable what she does, honestly."

    Media caption,

    'We can't let this pass us by' - Cuthbert confident for play-off

  6. Boogieing at the Bozsik Arena...published at 10:58 25 October

    Amy Canavan
    BBC Sport Scotland in Budapest

    Bozsik Arena

    In the Budapest sun, Bozsik Arena is a belter.

    A nifty wee ground which, despite its small size, doesn't feel crammed or caved in, instead open and inviting.

    It welcomes a Scotland side tonight full of confidence and belief following the unbeaten Nations League B campaign which got them here.

    Pedro Martinez Losa's side recorded five wins and one draw - in the opening group game - and conceded just one goal along the way while playing some pretty decent football.

    More of that will need to come across the - hopefully - four games which stand between Scotland and next summer's Euro 2025 Championships.

    It's a case of keeping up tradition for the Scots, who have a steady record against the Hungarians. They've enjoyed the lion's share of victories in recent times with three wins and one draw in the last decade.

    There were plenty roars of excitement to be heard from the squad as they trained in the sunshine on Thursday, ready to get back to international action after three months without pulling on the dark blue shirt.

    If the pre-match excitement and eagerness can be matched come the peep of the whistle, there may be a few boogieing at the Bozsik Arena with the big bronzed lion tonight.

  7. Scots in 'better position' on Budapest return - Martinez Losapublished at 18:43 24 October

    Amy Canavan
    BBC Sport Scotland in Budapest

    Pedro Martinez LosaImage source, SNS

    Pedro Martinez Losa is back to where it all began as Scotland head coach.

    The Spaniard took charge of the national team for the first time just over three years ago here in Hungary.

    It was a 2-0 win in a World Cup qualifier, and how he and his side would love a similar result in Friday's Euro 2025 round one play-off first leg.

    "It brings back good memories," Martinez Losa told BBC Scotland.

    "It's been three years of a lot of work, good, very positive things and we're in a better position now to face the next challenge."

    That next challenge is making it past Hungary over two legs to advance to round two, the final hurdle standing between Scotland and next summer's finals in Switzerland.

    Scotland have a decent recent record against their opponents, with no member of this squad ever suffering defeat to them. Another trend they will be keen to keep up.

    However, Martinez Losa is under no illusions of the task at hand, albeit Hungary are under new stewardship, with 32-year-old former midfielder Alexandra Szarvas having taken charge in March.

    "With a new coach comes fresh ideas probably, but the last Nations League campaign was good for them," the Spaniard said.

    "They lost against Belgium but now they are rebuilding all these ideas after competing well in qualifiers. I am sure they will be very prepared, a play-off is always a great to showcase."

  8. Martinez Losa on Budapest memories, Hungary threat & captain conundrumpublished at 16:22 24 October

    Amy Canavan
    BBC Sport Scotland in Budapest

    Pedro Martinez LosaImage source, SNS

    Scotland head coach Pedro Martinez Losa has been speaking to BBC Scotland before Friday's Euro 2025 round one play-off first leg against Hungary in Budapest.

    Here are the key lines:

    • He has "good memories" of his last game here - a 2-0 win that began his Scotland tenure in September 2021.

    • Scotland are in "a better position" than where they were back then.

    • Hungary, under new management, have "fresh ideas" and will be a competitive threat.

    • Martinez Losa has a selection headache with a healthier squad and said it is "the most difficult part of the job".

    • He refused to confirm if Caroline Weir will captain Scotland on Friday night, though says she is "an option" alongside fellow vice-captain Claire Emslie.

  9. Injured captain Corsie 'nervous' for Scotland play-offpublished at 16:32 23 October

    Media caption,

    Scotland captain Rachel Corsie - who will miss the matches through injury - is "nervous" about the nation's upcoming Euro 2025 play-off against "difficult" Hungary.

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  10. Weir Scotland return 'emotional' - Martinez Losapublished at 15:51 14 October

    Media caption,

    Scotland boss Pedro Martinez Losa says Caroline Weir's return to the squad after a lengthy lay-off is an "emotional" moment for her and her teammates.

  11. Euro 2025 spot would be 'highlight of my career' - Martinez Losapublished at 14:14 14 October

    Scotland boss Pedro Martinez Losa and playersImage source, SNS

    Pedro Martinez Losa says leading Scotland to Euro 2025 would be "the highlight" of his career.

    The first leg of Scotland's play-off against Hungary is on 25 October and although the manager has the likes of Emma Watson and Caroline Weir returning to his squad, he will be without captain Rachel Corsie.

    If they emerge victorious over the two legs against Hungary, they will face either Montegro or Finland for a spot at next summer's Euros in Switzerland.

    "Obviously there's four games that have to be played at the end and we don't know the outcome yet but I’m totally convinced these players can make it," Martinez Losa said.

    "For me it will mean probably one of the highlights of my career in terms of football, in terms of transmitting all my knowledge, my experience to a group of players, but not just a group of players but to inspire a nation and I can't wait to play the Euros to be honest.

    "Our conversations with the players were always, if we qualify, I think we can be a much better team. I think we can be a team that continues the development, we could express well on the pitch and we could compete at a good level but that's the ultimate objective."

  12. Weir return 'emotional' - Scotland coachpublished at 13:27 14 October

    Media caption,

    Caroline Weir return to Scotland squad 'emotional' - Pedro Martinez Losa

    Head coach Pedro Martinez Losa says midfielder Caroline Weir's return to the Scotland squad will be "emotional".

  13. Martinez Losa on returns for Weir & Watson, reaching the Euros & Corsie absencepublished at 13:01 14 October

    Jane Lewis
    BBC Sport Scotland Senior Reporter

    Pedro Martinez LosaImage source, SNS

    Scotland head coach Pedro Martinez Losa has been speaking to the media after announcing his squad for the upcoming Euro 2025 play-off against Hungary.

    Here are the main points from his press conference:

    • Says it's great to have Caroline Weir back in the squad, and believes she will be fit to start the game, having played for club Real Madrid this season.

    • Admits that her return will be emotional for her and the squad but she brings energy and confidence to the side.

    • Emma Watson has been training and playing for Manchester United's youth side and is in contention to start for Scotland but they will evaluate that when she's with the squad.

    • Believes having these "key players" back will help the squad, and insists their talent will help in the final third where Scotland have struggled at times in recent games.

    • On hopefully leading Scotland to the Euros, he says it would be the "highlight of his career" and he believes this squad can achieve that and can compete at a good level if they get there.

    • On captain Rachel Corsie missing out, Martinez Losa stresses she will be a "big loss" on and off the pitch but acknowledges it gives others an opportunity to step up. Admits he hasn’t decided who will captain the side in her absence.

    • Martinez Losa has been impressed by Shannon MacGregor since her move to Celtic and says she has "evolved as a player". Says it is exciting being able to give her an opportunity to prove herself with the national side.

  14. Corsie disappointed to miss out on 'big opportunities' for Scotlandpublished at 10:53 11 October

    Rachel CorsieImage source, SNS

    Captain Rachel Corsie insists she will be getting along to watch Scotland as a fan while out injured.

    The Aston Villa defender is sidelined until early December after knee surgery and will miss Scotland's upcoming Euro 2025 play-off against Hungary.

    Although disappointed to be missing out, the 35-year-old intends to cheer on her team-mates from the stands.

    "Since we've known who our opponents were there's been a good anticipation for the games," Corsie said on the BBC's Behind the Goals podcast.

    "Everyone has wanted to start the season well because everyone knows there's some big opportunities around the corner.

    "That [injury] is really disappointing, I've worked hard to be available for the national team so it's always tough to have to make that phone call to the manager.

    "I will still plan to get along to the games and be in the stands for the home games."

  15. Corsie to miss Scotland play-off after knee surgerypublished at 18:31 4 October

    Rachel Corsie in action for ScotlandImage source, SNS

    Captain Rachel Corsie will miss Scotland's Euro 2025 play-off with Hungary this month after undergoing knee surgery.

    The 35-year-old defender's club, Aston Villa, confirmed Corsie has undergone a "routine" knee operation that will keep out of action for eight weeks.

    Scotland's first leg against Hungary takes place in Budapest on 25 October (17:15 BST), before the return on 29 October at Easter Road (19:35).

    If Pedro Martinez Losa's side progress, they will face either Montenegro or Finland for a place in next summer's tournament in Switzerland.

  16. Team with new name and new city eyeing Celtic scalppublished at 16:13 9 September

    Vorskla Poltava nameImage source, Getty Images

    Vorskla Poltava stand between Celtic and reaching the Women's Champions League group stage for the first time, with the Ukrainian side hoping to make the same history themselves.

    Natalya Zinchenko's side were seeded for the "champions path" section of Monday's draw courtesy of being 29th in Uefa's co-efficient table, 53 places above Celtic.

    But it was one of the kindest draws the Scottish champions could have had, avoiding five teams ranked between 10 and 17 in Europe, with only the Netherlands' Twente ranked below their Ukrainian counterparts.

    It should also be pointed out that Gintra, who Celtic beat 2-0 in Lithuania to qualify from their first-round group tournament, were themselves rated 36 spots ahead of the Glasgow side.

    The higher ranking is largely because, while Celtic clinched their first national title last season, Vorskla Poltava have won theirs four more times since their first in 2016.

    Not all those were under their current name as, until 2022, they were known as Zhytlobud-2 Kharkiv before changing title - and moving 89 miles south west to a different city further from the border with Russia.

    They have played Scottish opposition once previously, under their previous name, drawing 1-1 with Hibernian in the 2017 Champions League league qualification group stage when the Edinburgh side finished second behind hosts Olimpia Cluj of Romania.

    Indeed, under both guises, they have only progressed beyond the qualifying rounds once - before losing to Shymkent of Kazakhstan in the round of 32 three years ago.

    Former Ukraine midfielder Zinchenko has been team boss since 2021, the 44-year-old having spent the previous three years as national head coach.

    Eleven of her squad are part of Volodymyr Pyatenko's current Ukraine set-up, including 60-times capped attacking midfielder Yana Kalinina.

    They currently lie second on goal difference behind Metalist 1925 Kharkiv after winning their opening four games of their new Premier League season.

    Meanwhile, they set up their meeting with Celtic by easing aside Latvian side Riga 5-0 before beating mini qualifying tournament hosts Ferencvaros 2-0 in Hungary, with Ukraine defender Kateryna Korsun scoring twice in the semi-final and once in the final.

  17. Weir scores twice on Real Madrid returnpublished at 11:27 7 September

    Caroline WeirImage source, Getty Images

    Caroline Weir scored twice on her return for Real Madrid in their 5-0 victory over Espanyol.

    The midfielder also grabbed an assist on her first start since rupturing her anterior cruciate ligament.

    The Scotland international has been sidelined for almost a year with the injury picked up in the nations league match against Belgium back in September 2023.

    She returned to competitive action for club Real and scored two goals in the space of 20 minutes to help the Spanish giants to a huge victory.