Scottish Women's Football

Amy Canavan
BBC Sport Scotland at Easter Road

Image source, SNS

Pedro Martinez Losa has disregarded any notion that his bold comment, "no way will Scotland lose at home," on Tuesday will give Hungary additional motivation ahead of the second leg of their Euro 2025 Round One play-off.

After the 1-0 win in Budapest, the head coach stressed he was speaking "in the moment" when he made the outlandish statement.

He played down the impact of his words as he spoke with the media at Easter Road, Tuesday's venue, on Monday afternoon.

"I think both teams are more focused on the inside processes," he said. "I think Hungary were very well prepared for the first leg and they will be prepared again.

"And we will be prepared, so I think that the details of the game, apart from what we can perceive from outside, is more about what we are going to do well on the pitch or not.

"So I will respect the opponent to the maximum level, and the best way to respect the opponent is to prepare to the maximum details also, to prepare the team in the best way possible.

"We got a result the other day through the way that the game was, and I think that is an aspect that the team is doing now consistently.

"On the other side, we are excited about having very talented players coming back to the squad and that gives us that confidence that we can offer a good game to our fans.

"It was more the excitement after the game to come back home with building the atmosphere with everyone and be able to face this challenge together.

"I think that what you speak at the end of the game is about how you feel."

Amy Canavan
BBC Sport Scotland at Easter Road

Image source, SNS

Scotland head coach Pedro Martinez Losa addressed the media before his side's Euro 2025 Round One play-off second leg tie against Hungary at Easter Road tomorrow.

Here are the key things he said:

• Martinez Losa dismissed any suggestion his post-match comments - "no way will Scotland lose at home" - would give Hungary any more motivation.

• He stressed when making such remarks to the BBC, he was, "referring more in the motivation in the group and the confidence that we have inside, while obviously respecting the opponent".

• The Spaniard believes this group "are ready" to compete in next summer's Euro 2025 finals.

• He said the team are "really happy" to be in Edinburgh and "connect with the fans here".

• Everyone is available for tomorrow night's game.

Amy Canavan
BBC Sport Scotland at Bozsik Arena, Budapest

Image source, Getty Images

"It was never going to be a walk in the park, but we're happy with the win."

Martha Thomas can say that again.

At times in Scotland's 1-0 win against Hungary in Budapest, their hosts piled on the pressure with their aggressive approach and were a danger to the defence.

But, Pedro Martinez Losa's side stood strong and have a "small advantage," but an advantage all the same, thanks to her second half close-range smash.

"It was a difficult game, Hungary were organised and put in a good block that was hard to break down so we had to be patient," Thomas told BBC Scotland. "It was all about taking that advantage into Tuesday.

"I think we were patient at times, but the times we forced it Hungary were looking to catch us on the break. You can't lose a game if you don't concede and that’s what we pride ourselves on. It was about finding the right moments and we did that in the second half."

Scotland have now kept a clean sheet in six of their seven qualifying games, while Thomas herself has six goals across the campaign.

"We defend from high up and as forwards, we try to put their defenders and goalkeeper under pressure and finishing chances is a part of it," the Tottenham Hotspur striker added. "Luckily, right place right time for me tonight.

"We talk so much about how many goals we've scored from crosses, it fell nicely to me and I made sure to put it away.

"It's half time, we know we're going in with an advantage. We know it's a small advantage, but it's still an advantage.

"It was never going to be a walk in the park but we're happy with the win."

Amy Canavan
BBC Sport Scotland at Bozsik Arena, Budapest

It's safe to say Emma Watson is buzzing to be back for Scotland.

After over a year out with an ACL injury, the 18-year-old came off the bench in Budapest during the 1-0 win against Hungary.

The Manchester United midfielder had just broke into the national team, and impressed, when she suffered the brutal injury last year, but she - along with idol Caroline Weir - have made their much anticipated return.

"I'm buzzing with getting back out there, playing with the girls back on the international stage. It's an emotional night and I'm just happy to be back," she told BBC Scotland.

"These are the moments that you look back and think all the long hard days and hard work has paid off. I'm really proud of myself and just so happy to be here.

"When I got injured I was looking ahead at what camp I could maybe get picked for and this was definitely on the cards.

"Abig thank you to Pedro for still having the belief in me, and that just shows you what kind of a manager he is. It's really special that he still feels that I'm a big part of this team.

"The girls are great, we always have good vibes in camp and there's a really special energy about us, a real togetherness and I think you could see that tonight.

"We're all playing for each other and it's a really special group to be part of."

"Proud" midfielder Emma Watson savours a "special night" after marking her Scotland comeback from a year out injured with victory over Hungary in the Euro 2025 round play-off first leg.

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.

Amy Canavan
BBC Sport Scotland in Hungary

Image source, Scottish FA

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.

Image 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."

Image 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."

Amy Canavan
BBC Sport Scotland in Budapest

Image source, SNS

"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."

Amy Canavan
BBC Sport Scotland in Budapest

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.

Amy Canavan
BBC Sport Scotland in Budapest

Image 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."

Amy Canavan
BBC Sport Scotland in Budapest

Image 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.

Image source, Glasgow City

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.

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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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."

Image 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."

Jane Lewis
BBC Sport Scotland Senior Reporter

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.