Scotland’s hopes of automatic qualification for next year’s World Cup suffered a blow last night, despite Shelley Kerr’s side securing a 2-1 win over Switzerland. However, there remains hope that the Scots can make it to their first-ever World Cup.
The Scots’ victory at the Simple Digital Arena in Paisley was enough to put them level on points with the Swiss at the top of Group 2 but automatic qualification is now out of their hands, with the Swiss’ better head-to-head record putting them in pole position. Now, for Scotland, who travel to Albania on Tuesday, to guarantee a spot at France 2019, they must better Switzerland’s result in Poland, although a play-off place remains a possibility. .
There were numerous positives for Kerr’s side to take away from last night’s win over a team ranked three places above them in the world in 18th spot however. It was a nervy opening to the game from both sides in front of a record crowd of 4098 but Scotland made the perfect start, with Erin Cuthbert finding the back of the net after just two minutes. And just four minutes later, the Scots doubled their lead with Kim Little making a hazy run into the box before her left foot shot was deflected into the back of the net.
However, the home side had little time to enjoy their two-goal cushion, with the Swiss striking back almost immediately. Lara Dickenmann, who scored the only goal of the game when the sides met previously in this campaign in April, got onto the end of pass into the box and finished clinically from 12 yards out.
The Scots looked the better side for much of the first half although as the second half progressed, the Swiss found their footing.
The Scots continued to push as the final whistle approached but could not find the finishing touch, leaving a nervy few days for Kerr’s side ahead of the final round of group matches.
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