PEDRO Martinez Losa refused to criticise Scotland's performance despite an 8-0 dismantling by Spain in Seville.

It might have reached double figures but goalkeeper Lee Alexander made a string of fine saves.

Although the result ended Scotland's chances of winning Group B, paradoxically the night brought them a better chance of reaching the World Cup play-offs. Third seeds Ukraine lost 4-2 in Hungary in the earlier match.

“It's not the result we expected but we are still in with a chance to qualify after the Ukraine result,” Martinez Losa said.“I have told the players I believe in them. We are not the only team who has been suffering this type of result from Spain.”

The opening five minutes could have brought a goal at either end, Jenni Hermoso sent a back heel flick in the direction of the Scottish goal but Corsie managed to get a touch to deflect it just past the post.

Scotland came even closer two minutes later in what was to prove to be their only meaningful attack of the game. Lisa Evans and Rachael Boyle set up a chance for Abi Harrison, but her shot from 12 yards crashed off the bar.

The opener arrived after 20 minutes. Leila Ouahabi crossed from the right after a corner wasn't cleared and Amaiur Sarriegi headed home. The second goal didn't show the Scotland midfield in a good light because Mariona Caldentey collected the ball near the halfway line and was allowed to run unchallenged past three players before sending in a powerful shot from 25 yards.

The third goal of a totally one sided first half arrived four minutes from half time Indecisiveness in the box from Nicola Docherty and Sophie Howard gifted Aitana Bonmati a chance and she lashed the ball past Alexander from twelve yards.

Howard's unhappy night continued when she opened the door for Sarriegi to score her second, and that was quickly followed by Bonmati getting hers. Alexia Putellas got the sixth midway through the half and further goals from Putellas and Hermoso completed the rout.

The earlier kick off saw fourth seeds Hungary beat Ukraine 4-2 in Kisvarda. The hosts led 2-0 after just eleven minutes and added a third on the half hour.

The result means that Hungary are now third in the table, but are four points behind Scotland, while Ukraine remain six adrift having played a game less than the sides above them. Scotland's next qualifier is in Ukraine on April 7, and even a draw looks set to guarantee a World Cup play-off place.