Scotland Women's Football Team

Amy Canavan
BBC Sport Scotland at Firhill Stadium

Image source, SNS

Job done. Every job done.

Play-offs secured, undefeated campaign and promotion to League A confirmed.

Not without another challenge at Firhill with Serbia, as expected, getting up into Scotland's face but as the players and staff have said post-match, it's the sort of attitude they'll come against later in the year.

Martinez Losa's side had to dig deep and defend more than they have done in the four games against Slovakia and Israel respectively, and did so fairly soundly.

There was the odd scary moment, but given the time of season for the bulk of these players, a little slowness can be expected.

There was no such trait in the celebrations after the final whistle, though, which shows how morale-boosting this unbeaten campaign has been.

This squad are in a far better place than they were at the beginning of the year, on and off the pitch.

The mood is different, the togetherness is even more evident and the confidence is brimming.

Six games, five wins, one goal conceded. Bring on the play-offs.

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Scotland head coach Pedro Martinez Losa: "We have a run that not many teams have in Europe at the moment.

"We want to encourage the fans to connect with the team. It has been a long time for us to sing with the fans.

"It was about fighting for the future of the women’s game. More than the outcome of this group, it is about the ultimate ambition is to make fans identify with this team."

And the Scotland manager also believes his side are better placed now to cope with the play-offs than they were two years ago when they headed into the World Cup play-offs, a run that ended with defeat to the Republic of Ireland at Hampden.

"100% [we are in a better place]," he said. "100%. The mentality is different. We know there are areas we need to improve to reach the next level.

"What we expect now is the draw. We celebrate now and then we will prepare for the first play-off. We have to keep the feelings on the floor. It is a good moment for the players to feel proud.

"The last three or four games we have shown we are at a good level. We believe we can beat everyone at this moment.

"We knew how difficult it was going to be and Serbia were the hardest opponents in League B and they proved that.

"The game was much more tactical than anything. We felt it was our opportunity after a run of good results and our objective was to take the group to the next level.

“I am so pleased for the group. They give everything in every game and every camp."

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Reaching 50 caps for Scotland is one of Kirsty Smith’s biggest achievements in football, the 30-year-old has revealed.

West Ham defender Smith could win cap number 55 should she feature on Tuesday against Serbia, the team she reached the half century of international appearances against in April.

The former Hibernian and Manchester United defender made her Scotland debut back in October 2014.

"It was a really big achievement for me personally,” she said. "It’s taken me a while.

"It’s something that growing up you would never have thought would happen, so to actually reach 50 was probably one of my biggest achievements, and I am very proud of that."

Reaching 50 caps for Scotland is one of Kirsty Smith’s biggest achievements in football, the 30-year-old has revealed.

West Ham defender Smith could win cap number 55 should she feature against Serbia, the team she reached the half century of international appearances against in April.

The former Hibernian and Manchester United defender made her debut back in October 2014.

“I think it was a really big achievement for me personally. It’s taken me a while,” she said.

“It’s something that growing up you would never have thought would happen, so to actually reach 50 was probably one of my biggest achievements, and I am very proud of that.”

Image source, SNS

Pedro Martinez Losa says the decision to play Scotland’s final Euro 2025 qualifying group B2 game with Serbia at Firhill will help the team “connect with the fans”.

Scotland have played all their recent home qualifiers at the 52,000-seater Hampden Park, though the crowd was just 3,127 against Slovakia in April while June’s win over Israel was played behind closed doors.

The Spaniard hopes Firhill’s smaller capacity can help harness a better atmosphere as his side bid to stay top of the group.

“That was one of the reasons for moving away from Hampden, was to connect with the community, to give all the Scotland fans an opportunity to connect with the team,” he said.

“So I think we’re going to have that part on our side tomorrow and give us the last push, especially in July when the energy levels are not that big.

“I think the behaviour of the players the other day in terms of mental resilience and commitment was very big, and it will be the same tomorrow.

“You want to feel the energy of the fans and when it’s a smaller stadium it’s more full, then you can feel that. We don’t say enough how important that support is for us. We have all seen moments in the men’s Euros where everything is decided in key moments when the players are at the limit. And in that one minute, one substitution can make an impact, that one player can make an impact, but also the fans can make an impact.

“Hopefully we can inspire everybody to follow us, not just in a major tournament but in the future games.”

Image source, SNS

Image source, SNS

Pedro Martinez Losa says the decision to play Scotland’s final Group B2 game with Serbia at Firhill will help the team “connect with the fans”.

Scotland have played all their recent home qualifiers at the 52,000 capacity Hampden Park, though the crowd was just 3,127 against Slovakia in April while June’s win over Israel was played behind closed doors.

The Spaniard hopes Firhill’s smaller capacity can help harness a better atmosphere as his side bid to stay top of the group.

“That was one of the reasons for moving away from Hampden, was to connect with the community, to give all the Scotland fans an opportunity to connect with the team,” he said.

“So I think we’re going to have that part on our side tomorrow and give us the last push, especially in July when the energy levels are not that big.

“I think the behaviour of the players the other day in terms of mental resilience and commitment was very big, and it will be the same tomorrow.

“You want to feel the energy of the fans and when it’s a smaller stadium it’s more full, then you can feel that. We don’t say enough how important that support is for us.

"We have all seen moments in the men’s Euros where everything is decided in key moments when the players are at the limit. And in that one minute, one substitution can make an impact, that one player can make an impact, but also the fans can make an impact.

“Hopefully we can inspire everybody to follow us, not just in a major tournament but in the future games.”

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Kirsty Howat was "over the moon" to make her long-awaited Scotland debut on Friday night.

The 27-year-old has made numerous appearances for the Scots at youth level but her substitute appearance in the 2-0 win over Slovakia was her first for the senior side.

"I'm over the moon," the forward said.

"I've dreamt of that moment since I was a wee girl so for it to finally happen, I'm absolutely delighted.

"I will remember this day for a long time, I'm lost for words a little bit. I'm absolutely buzzing."

It was a tough night for Pedro Martinez Losa's side who had to contend with a 40-minute delay after a storm hit the Nitra Stadium in the second half.

"It was pretty extreme, we couldn't even see the girls on the pitch," Howat added.

"We stayed professional, kept warm and got a good warm-up in and got the job done in the end.

"We didn't really know much about what was going on but we just kept warm as if the game was going to happen again.

"It was all we really could do. It didn't really phase us, we were just expecting to come back out and play."

Amy Canavan
BBC Sport Scotland at Stadion pod Zoborom

Image source, Scottish FA

It wasn’t the goal-fest show Scotland put on against Israel in the recent double-header, but Scotland continued to show their strength against this level of opposition in Group B2.

On another night, similarly to the reverse game at Hampden, the Scots could have buried more, but given they were stunned by the sun in the first half, then shuddering after the storm in the second, this was no normal game of football.

But it’s another challenge this side has overcome. They remained calm and committed to their game plan, using their width and looking to serve Thomas.

It was a quieter night for the Scotland number 20 given her recent high standards, but she still proved a nuisance. As did her replacement, Kirsty Howat, on her long-awaited international debut.

This campaign was all about reconnecting with winning, something Scotland didn’t taste during their Nations League campaign.

Should they finish top of this group, they’ll return to League A, so gathering momentum is crucial, even at this crazy stage of the season.

Some players had a few days of pre-season at their clubs before joining up with squad, while others won't have a sniff of competitive football again until the end of September.

When their fitness and mentality was put to the test, they came out with flying colours - as they have done so at nearly every time of asking in this campaign.

Image source, Scottish FA

Scotland manager Pedro Martinez Losa

"It was a proper team performance.

"From the staff for the preparation, the challenges coming here in July for the players and the responsibility from them to make sure they'd done the proper preparation and also working together.

"On the pitch, I was really proud of the way we performed, it was a good result. Not conceding goals was key for us, we're top of the group and we created a lot of chances. You have to be happy with winning a competitive game and the girls playing good football.

"This team has mental robustness to face the challenges on and off the pitch and also the mental resilience to face the challenges that happen from time to time.

"That is what we have been wanting to build, not making excuses, putting in the performance here and against Israel. Now we go onto Serbia."

Amy Canavan
BBC Sport Scotland in Nitra, Slovakia

Image source, SNS

"I'm excited for what's to come, you need to watch out for her."

Kirsty Hanson is not the only one to be impressed by Mia McAulay.

After her breakthrough season with Rangers, the 17-year-old earned her first call-up to the national team earlier this week and could make her debut tonight in Nitra.

With goals in domestic cup finals and Old Firm derbies, the youngster has never shied on the big occasion, and while Hanson hasn’t come up against her, given she plays down south in the WSL with Aston Villa, she has already seen why everyone has a buzz about McAulay.

“I’ve obviously heard of her from Rangers, there are a few exciting wingers and players coming in but she’s came in and fitted right in perfectly,” Hanson told BBC Scotland. “I knew she would, we’re a really tight-knit group so we welcomed her straight away and I think she feels comfortable – well I hope she does!”

A fellow winger, Hanson welcomes her introduction and competition and has relished the opportunity to be a bit of a support network in McAulay’s maiden days in camp, knowing herself how daunting that can be.

“I like to encourage young players because I’ve been there and struggled as a young player especially when you’re around big and experienced players, so I’ve just encouraged her when she’s done something well, I’m like ‘oh well done’,” she added.

“I like competition as well, I want her to push me and I want to push her and I want her to get her debut hopefully very soon, because what she’s been doing in training is really, really good.

“She’ll be a really exciting prospect to come and I want to help her because she can score the goals, provide that excitement for the fans and I just want to help her. I’m excited for what’s to come, you need to watch out for her.”

Amy Canavan
BBC Sport Scotland in Nitra, Slovakia

Image source, SNS

"When you get Martha in that good place, she's unstoppable."

Given Martha Thomas has eight goals in her last four games, team-mate Kirsty Hanson can say that again.

Along with Claire Emslie, the Scotland front three have been firing on all cylinders, with seven goals among them in the last two games.

But Thomas' record didn't make such kind reading just a matter of games ago. At the turn of the calendar year, the Spurs striker's international stats read as 11 goals in 32 games.

But her move to the London club from Manchester United at the start of last season has brought her "happiness" back, according to Hanson.

“They’re obviously in good form, Claire is smashing it out in the NWSL, Martha is scoring loads for Spurs and I think they both believe in me and I believe in them," Hanson told BBC Scotland.

"If I put the good crosses in for them, they’ll score and I just need to make sure I do the same for them.

"It’s just nice, we work well off one another, we encourage each other, we really speak positively to each other and I think that’s really helped us on the pitch and off it.”

“I know Martha had a tough time, but that season just there she really found her happiness and smile again.

"It just shows when you get Martha in that good place, she’s unstoppable and we know that as a team. If we get the crosses in, she’ll get it, she’ll score no matter what."

Scotland boss Pedro Martinez Losa says their Euro qualification job "is not finished yet" even though they're guaranteed a play-off place before their final two games.

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Pedro Martinez Losa wants Scotland to deliver another high-level performance against Slovakia on Friday night (18:00 BST).

The Scots are top of their Euro qualifying group with three wins and a draw so far, but Martinez Losa challenged his team to be ruthless in their two remaining fixtures.

"In the last camp we were more clinical in the final third but that’s not something you can assume is going to happen all the time," Martinez Losa said.

"We just have to go one step at a time and face the scenarios.

"Slovakia are playing for everything tomorrow because they need a point at least or three to still have options of being in the play-offs, so as much as we can have a feeling of part of the job is done, the job is finished when it’s finished.

“For us, it’s a new opportunity to prove ourselves, to prove the level of the team, to prove that we can be competitive in this context again and the more we repeat, the more we can feel the reward of doing a good job, I think the mentality and the development of the team will progress."

Amy Canavan
BBC Sport Scotland in Nitra

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Pedro Martinez Losa caught up with BBC Scotland ahead of Scotland's penultimate Euro 2025 qualifier against Slovakia on Friday.

Here are the key points he made:

• Scotland will have to "adapt and be ready" for the challenge the unusual heat in Nitra will present on Friday night.

• The head coach insists his side have "reached decent levels" in the campaign, but is calling for "consistency and repetition of the good moments".

• While Scotland found their "clinical edge" in the last camp, the Spaniard says "that is not something you can assume is going to happen all the time," though his side do lead the group on goal difference.

• Finishing top of Group B2 and ensuring promotion to League A in the Nations League would "would be a great motivation because it gives you that feeling of being unbeatable in one way, being solid," he said.

• Martinez Losa has urged Mia McAulay to "represent Scotland in the same way Jane Ross does" as the 17-year-old replaces the injured striker.

Amy Canavan
BBC Sport Scotland in Nitra, Slovakia

Image source, BBC Weather

There's a severe high temperature warning in place here in Nitra, and one can vouch it's needed.

It's in the mid-high 30s at peak time, but still in the high 20s or low 30s during the night. Not comfortable for sleep.

One can't imagine it's comfortable to play in, either, but Scotland will have to do just that tomorrow evening (18:00 BST).

A few members of the squad are used to playing in the heat - Claire Emslie out in Los Angeles and Sam Kerr in Munich - but the bulk are much more familiar with being drenched by ridiculous rain, not sweltering sweat.

It's another challenge Pedro Martinez Losa's side will have to overcome, but they've handled every hurdle in front of them in this qualifying campaign so far exceptionally well.

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Rangers winger Mia McAulay has bagged her first senior Scotland call-up and could make her full international debut against Slovakia on Friday.

The 17-year-old replaces Jane Ross in Pedro Martinez Losa's squad for their Euro 2025 qualifiers against Slovakia and Serbia.

McAulay, who was a standout performer in Rangers' cup double-winning side last season, has featured heavily for Scotland at youth level.

"I am delighted to have been selected for Scotland senior for the first time - it is a proud moment for me and my family," the teenager told club media.

"It has always been a dream of mine to play for my country at this level and I hope to get the chance to show people what I can do in these matches."

Manager Jo Potter added: "I am extremely delighted that Mia has been called up to the Scotland A squad.

"It is more than deserved and a just-reward for all her hard work throughout the last campaign and start of pre-season, her development as well as willingness to learn has been fantastic.

"It has been a long time coming and I am excited to see her continue to progress and I am sure this experience will only benefit her moving forward."

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Lisa Evans says Scotland are desperate for another taste of an international tournament.

The Scotland winger made the trip over to Germany to join the Tartan Army for the Euro 2024 opener and says the experience strengthened her resolve to reach a major tournament herself.

Pedro Martinez Losa's side face Slovakia and Serbia in their final Euros qualifiers for next year's tournament in Switzerland.

"A few of us were over in Germany and it was unbelievable." Evans said.

"Just being part of the Tartan Army and seeing things from that perspective, it makes you so proud to be Scottish.

"The boys gave everything they could but I think it gives you more motivation to be at a major tournament.

"We've come close ourselves, we've had a taste of playing at a Euros and a World Cup and it's something that we want to do more than anything so I think that's our main focus."