News

Love expects tough qualifier in Cork

Tuesday, 19 June 2012

UEFA Women's Euro 2013 Qualifiers
Republic of Ireland v Scotland
Thursday 21st June 2012, kick-off 7.30 pm
Turner’s Cross Stadium, Cork

Scotland got another Euro qualifying victory under their belts with an 8-0 win over Israel on Saturday, consolidating second place in group 4.

Glasgow City midfielder Jo Love was on target at Tynecastle and insists that the match was perfect preparation for what could be an entirely different proposition against Republic of Ireland in Cork on Thursday.

Jo said: "Saturday was an enjoyable game to play in. Any game where you score eight goals and have the bulk of the possession is going to get confidence up.

"Things are quite tight in our group - especially with Wales beating Republic of Ireland to move into third place on Saturday - and amongst the second-placed teams in other groups.

"We were focused on getting three points, but if it comes down to a situation where goal difference comes into it, then getting eight on Saturday was a bonus for us.

"Every game at this level is challenging in a different way. Every time we get on a pitch together we are learning, no matter the opposition or scoreline, and we always take something into the next game."

In the last meeting between the two sides, Scotland defeated Republic of Ireland on a dramatic night at Tynecastle in April.

After falling behind to an early Denise O'Sullivan goal, Rhonda Jones equalised for Scotland with just four minutes left on the clock. Less than a minute later, Christie Murray wrapped up the points with a stunning long-range effort.

Jo said: "We made it difficult for ourselves in the last game. This time round we will be looking to get an earlier goal instead of leaving it until practically the last kick of the ball.

"We can definitely expect a tough match on Thursday. I'm quite sure that Republic of Ireland will be determined to get a result against us after losing to us at Tynecastle and droping more points to Wales at the weekend."

Scotland reached the play-offs in the last Euro campaign, eventually going out on away goals to Russia. With just three games left to go, and currently sitting in second place, Jo says that the players are determined to advance from their qualifying group again.

"We've had a lot of tough games in the group and we just need to concentrate on getting the results we need.

"For the moment we need to take it a game at a time, but at the end of the day we all know what our goal is. We want to get to the finals in Sweden next year, and that means we need to finish the group in at least the play-off position."