Scottish Women's Football

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  1. Hungary 0-1 Scotland: Have your saypublished at 20:06 25 October 2024

    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 2024

    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 2024

    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 2024

    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 2024

    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 2024

    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 2024

    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 2024

    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. Booth returns to Aberdeen as head coachpublished at 11:24 24 October 2024

    Scott BoothImage source, Glasgow City
    Image caption,

    Scott Booth will leave his role with Glasgow City after the international break

    Aberdeen have announced former Scotland striker Scott Booth as their new head coach.

    The 52-year-old will officially depart Glasgow City - where he is assistant head coach - and take up his new role from 30 October.

    Booth had two spells at Pittodrie as a player, either side of time with Borussia Dortmund and FC Twente, and now returns to his hometown club with extensive experience as a coach in Scotland and England.

    Colin Bell was named Aberdeen head coach at the start of this season, but left the club after just two games in charge for "personal reasons".

    "I am delighted to be returning to my old club and taking on this exciting opportunity," Booth said.

    "Having spoken to the director of football and the wider board I share their vision for the future of the women's programme and I am looking forward to playing my part in this project going forward.

    "I know there is a talented young group of players here and I am looking forward to working with them and the fantastic staff to build upon the great work carried out in recent seasons as we look to challenge ourselves to deliver success."

    Aberdeen are currently ninth, one place above the relegation zone, in the SWPL.

  10. Injured captain Corsie 'nervous' for Scotland play-offpublished at 16:32 23 October 2024

    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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  11. Weir pleased to see Scottish interest in Champions Leaguepublished at 17:51 22 October 2024

    Media caption,

    'It's great to be back' - Weir relishing Scotland return

    Scotland midfielder Caroline Weir says it's "great" to see Celtic in the Women's Champions League.

    Elena Sadiku's side have opened their debut group campaign with losses to Twente and Weir's Real, with Weir herself scoring against the Scottish champions.

    However, she commented: "I was following Celtic through the qualifying campaign and I was happy to see them doing so well and then they qualified.

    "I really wanted them in the draw. I thought it'd be so cool to play a Scottish team. I was buzzing with that.

    "To play them and obviously to score was nice and to win, it was important for us.

    "It's great to see a Scottish team doing well, representing Scotland in the Champions League."

    Weir admitted beating Celtic "did feel good".

    "It kind of took me back to my childhood a little bit," she explained. "Growing up a Dunfermline fan, I've been on the end of some big defeats by Celtic.

    "It did feel good to beat them and to score."

  12. 'Rangers may regret two points dropped at Hibs'published at 17:10 22 October 2024

    Hibs v RangersImage source, SNS

    Rangers grabbed an injury-time draw at Hibs on Sunday, but the result is one they may still rue at the end of the season when the title is decided.

    That's according to Scotland captain Rachel Corsie, who regards it as a costly "two points dropped" for the Ibrox side.

    "Rangers may look back and think that was our game," said Corsie on on the BBC's Behind the Goals podcast.

    "I was so surprised at Rangers vs Hibs being 1-1, that is two points dropped for Rangers no doubt.

    "I didn't see the game, I just saw the scoreline and I thought, 'Oh good one Hibs, they've given them a game.'

    "Then I looked at the stats, and when you see Rangers had 75% possession and they only managed about five shots on target, that's not a good enough return. That's not enough to realistically give yourself an opportunity to convert.

    "This potentially will be the game that when we get to the end of the season Rangers may look back and think that was our game.

    "Knowing how tight the league is, you have to find a way to win."

    The Edinburgh sides are keeping pace with the big three so far this season, with Hearts third - just a point off leaders Glasgow City - and Hibs fourth.

    "Hearts are in a fantastic position," added Corsie.

    "For being 11 games in, after one round of playing everyone, that's a real marker for them, the challenge now is can they sustain that, but credit to them.

    "And it's interesting to see City top now as a couple of weeks ago there was a few question marks about them."

  13. City trio feature in SWPL team of the weekpublished at 10:53 22 October 2024

    Jane Lewis
    BBC Sport Scotland Senior Reporter

    SWPL TOTW

    Jenna Fife (Rangers): Made amends by saving Hibs' second penalty. If that goes in it's probably three points dropped but her save on 85 minutes kept the opportunity for Rangers to grab a late point.

    Claire Docherty (Partick Thistle): Was solid in defence for Thistle in the 2-0 win over Queen's Park. Helped build up patient play from the back too.

    Kate Fraser (Spartans): Her head didn't go down when Celtic took an early lead, and she went on to produce an excellent showing at the back in Spartans' narrow defeat. She made some vital interceptions and cleared dangerous balls well.

    Siobhan Hunter (Hibs): The defender put in a tremendous shift and, although there was late heartbreak as Rangers scored an injury-time equaliser, her performance until then can't be underestimated as she kept the visitors at bay for much of the match.

    Lisa Evans (Glasgow City): Got City off the mark in the 13-0 thrashing of Dundee United with her first goal since joining the club. Defensively she may not have been troubled but she played a part in City's second with an assist.

    Imogen Longcake (Partick Thistle): Came on a sub just before the hour and made a significant impact. Her two assists were key to Thistle picking up all three points.

    Aleigh Gambone (Glasgow City): With United down to 10 players, City ran riot and Gambone was right in the thick of it. Showed great composure for her opening goal, and set up three others.

    Ciara Grant (Hibs): Performed well in the middle of the park and battled defensively and offensively.

    Emily Whelan (Glasgow City): Also enjoyed having the run of things with City. A hat-trick and an assist, her relentless play was evident.

    Rio Hardy (Rangers): Got in a great position to ensure she was able to pounce on the rebound to score a vital equaliser. Fast becoming a super sub for Rangers - without her goals in their last two games they would have dropped more points.

    Bayley Hutchison (Hearts): Was unlucky to miss out on the previous team of the week, but there's no doubt about her place this time. The striker's goal on 75 minutes ended a frustrating afternoon for herself and Hearts. She then added a second minutes later, effectively sealing the win over Montrose.

  14. Montrose 0-3 Hearts: What the managers saidpublished at 10:59 21 October 2024

    Bayley Hutchison Image source, SNS
    Image caption,

    Bayley Hutchison scored two of Hearts' three goals against Montrose.

    Montrose manager Craig Feroz: "I thought we were superb. We switched off for the goal and that killed us.

    "I didn't think they had that many clear cut chances, before the goal I actually thought we were going to get something out of the game.

    "I'm sure they're frustrated with their performance despite the points."

    Hearts manager Eva Olid: "It was not an easy match, we didn't start well.

    "When we started getting forward we missed that quality in the final third. In the second half we fixed things which allowed us to play a little better."

  15. Hibs 1-1 Rangers: What the managers saidpublished at 10:48 21 October 2024

    Hibs v RangersImage source, SNS

    Hibs manager Grant Scott: "We've now taken points from both Celtic and Rangers and in the games we turn up we're capable of playing against anyone.

    Rangers manager Jo Potter: "I think my players deserve a lot of credit for digging in.

    "In the elements it's not easy, they were up against it with officials but they went right to the last minute and managed to get a point from a really tough game."

  16. Partick Thistle 2-0 Queen's Park: What the managers saidpublished at 10:41 21 October 2024

    Partick Thistle v Queen's ParkImage source, Colin Poultney/SWPL

    Partick Thistle assistant manager Ross Stormonth: "I thought the girls were excellent from start to finish, I thought we controlled most of the game. If we'd taken our chances we'd probably have scored a few more.

    "We've dropped a couple of points we shouldn't have, we've given ourselves a bit of an uphill battle to finish in the top six but we need to go into the break, refresh and come back ready for the second half of the season."

    Queen's Park manager Craig Joyce: "We were really solid up until a certain point in the game and then conceded two goals just from standing off the game.

    "It was the first time we let them in and they punished us for it. I was really proud of the girls for their attitude and effort. Again it's the tale of two boxes for us but there's certainly an improvement."

  17. Dundee United 0-13 Glasgow City: What the managers saidpublished at 10:30 21 October 2024

    Lisa EvansImage source, SNS
    Image caption,

    Lisa Evans opened the scoring with her first goal since returning to City.

    Dundee United manager Suzy Shepherd: "We had a spell of about 22 minutes after we asked the players at half-time to try and get through 15.

    "They did that but the disappointing things was then going on to concede back to back four times within a five minute spell."

    Glasgow City manager Leanne Ross: "I thought we were excellent. We wanted to get a good quick start and I think that's what the players did.

    "We asked them to be ruthless and bring that relentless streak and they did that right from the start of the game through to the end."

  18. Celtic 1-0 Spartans: What the managers saidpublished at 10:17 21 October 2024

    Morgan CrossImage source, SNS
    Image caption,

    Morgan Cross scored her first Celtic goal in Sunday's 1-0 win over Spartans.

    Celtic head coach Elena Sadiku: "We played a Champions League game some days ago and that effort was something I was really proud of but today [Sunday] not so much.

    "There wasn't a lot I was proud about [this weekend]. We know we want to win the league, we want to be dominant, we want to be the best team and show our very best performance and I don't think we did that."

    Spartans boss Jack Beesley: "No points but performance-wise I thought the girls were excellent.

    "We tried to be a little bit more aggressive to offer a threat and I think we did that.

    "Primarily I'm very, very proud of the girls. You're always disappointed not to take points from the match but I think it was far bigger than that. I think the performance was outstanding."