Hungry Scots devour hopeless Hungary at home

An impressive 5-0 win on aggregate was more than enough for the Scotland Women’s Football Team to progress through to the Finals of the European Play off. Finland will be tough, but how did the Scots end up in that position in the first place? 

Displaying an impressive unbeaten record in the group stages of the European qualifiers was more than enough for Scotland to progress to the semi-finals. Drawn against a fierce, young and talented group of Hungarian players, Scotland were still strong favourites going into this tie.

In the first leg of play offs, Scotland went away to Hungary, Caroline Weir took the captain’s armband and made her first appearance for the side since her almost career-ending injury over a year ago. Scotland didn’t give their strongest performance away from home. Hungary were much more dominant in the first half, the Scotland defence had a tough job at hand. However, in the second half, the Scots came out fighting. 

Fifteen minutes into the second half, Tottenham Hotspur’s superstar Martha Thomas gave her side a much needed goal. The Scotland side managed to cling onto a win, but Hungary almost equalised in the dying seconds to give the Magyars hope for the second leg.

Scotland Manager, Pedro Martinez Losa spoke to the BBC and controversially said “There was no way that Scotland would lose at home.” With his extreme confidence, an impressive 7,000 people turned out in the capital to support their team. 

In the first 15 minutes at Easter Road, Scotland seemed to be stuck in their own box, defending crosses and attempts on Eartha Cummings Budd’s goal . However, the small band of travelling supporters were silenced when newly developed attacking full-back Lisa Evans crossed the ball to Bayern Munich’s Sam Kerr. The power of this strike led to the ball hitting off the inside of the post and off helpless goalie, Lauren Brzykc.

After this early lead it seemed like Hungary’s fire was gone, lacking any real attempts in the first half. All attempts were Scotland’s and less than 15 minutes later, fan favourite Erin Cuthbert scored a wonder strike from outside the penalty area. A stunned crowd erupted into rapture as she ran over to the main stand tapping her badge, showing what it means to her to be a Scotland international. 

Half time couldn’t have come any sooner for the Hungary side, with several substitutions made Scotland were still dominant. Quickly into the second half Caroline Weir had her first goal for Scotland for over a year. This clearly meant a lot to the Scotland captain, beaming over to the fans, she looked over the moon. The final nail in the coffin for the away team was from Martha Thomas who slotted home from close range –  the final goal of the tie.  

Fans were ecstatic with the win, their 7th in a row. With the date and opposition already confirmed for the final. Scotland are due to host determined side Finland. With only one win from 4 in their previous meetings, Scotland certainly aren’t going into this match as favourites. 

Scotland host Finland in the first leg of the finals on the 29th November. But it will be decided who are the winners in the second leg, away from home on the 3rd December. 

Scotland have the momentum and talent to progress through to the Euros in Switzerland next year. However, it’ll all depend on who shows up for the ties on the day.