They got there in the end, which, at this point in time was all that mattered for Pedro Martinez Losa, the Scotland women’s national manager.
A Sophie Howard header just after the hour mark from an Erin Cuthbert free-kick gave Scotland their first competitive win in 18 months and their first win of the European Championships campaign.
The performance itself was largely in keeping with the fare that has been on fare across recent months with large chunks of the performance turgid and insipid. Still, with scrutiny across the winless run and a sense of pressure swirling around the squad, it was a necessary victory.
“We won a competitive game, didn’t we?” said a spikey Martinez Losa afterwards. “We had 70-30 possession of the opponent. For some journalists that doesn’t count. The narrative has been unacceptable.
“The players do feel that. They feel the negativity.
“But we are happy. They were a difficult opponent on the ball and the players showed a lot of heart. What we need here is for us all to be on the same page. We are giving the team the character and consistency. That is four points from the first two games so we are pleased.”
“Every game is important. It is a good day. It is a day to celebrate with Rachel Corsie who won her 150th cap and it is important. It is unbelievable. One cap is incredible. We know what they have faced in terms of breaking barriers and to have a dream and to progress the game. It is execeptional to win 150 caps and it is a privilege to work with her.”
“We can give more levels but the players are here and giving everything.”
Scotland controlled much of the opening exchanges but struggled to get in behind Slovakia.
Veteran forward Jane Ross forced a save from Slovakian keeper Maria Korenciova while Sam Kerr was on target with a header shortly afterwards.
It was Slovakia who ended the opening period and opened the second period looking the more dangerous.
Tamara Moravkova forcing a save from Lee Gibson after she unleashed a fierce effort from the edge of the box before Kirsty Smith and Laura Zemberyova tangled in the box with Slovakia’s appeal for a penalty falling on deaf ears.
Claire Emslie and Jamie-Lee Napier were introduced before the hour mark as Scotland looked to up the tempo.
Within minutes, Scotland got the goal they craved. Erin Cuthbert’s free-kick was met by the head of Howard who gave Scotland the breakthrough, with a tangible sense of relief as it hit the back of the net.
There could have been more. Ross had an effort straight at Korenciova although there was a moment of caution when the visitors had the ball on the back when Dominik Skorvankova netted. She was clearly well offside but it underlined the fragile nature of Scotland’s lead.
Ultimately, the win was all that mattered. For now.
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