FIFA World Cup 2019 Qualifiers
Scotland v Belarus
Thursday, 7 June 2018, kick-off 7.35pm
Falkirk Stadium, Falkirk
Shelley Kerr aims to be ruthless against Belarus
The Scotland Women’s National Team resume their quest to qualify for their first ever FIFA Women’s World Cup this Thursday, as they take on Belarus at the Falkirk Stadium.
The last time the team were in action they emerged with a 3-0 victory in a tricky encounter against Poland, thanks to goals from Zoe Ness, Claire Emslie and Erin Cuthbert, as well as a penalty save from goalkeeper Lee Alexander.
Scotland now sit in second place in European Qualifying Group 2, six points behind leaders Switzerland, who have played one game more than Scotland.
Team news
Hibernian winger Lizzie Arnot will be hoping to earn her first cap in more than a year having recovered from an ACL injury.
Read our in-depth interview with Lizzie Arnot about her return from injury.
Lana Clelland is also back in the squad having missed out on the last few matches with injury.
Should captain Rachel Corsie play, she will earn her 99th cap and will be hoping to make it a century next week away to Poland.
What to expect from Belarus?
Belarus are currently 53rd in the world rankings, but have proven to be stubborn opposition for Scotland on occasion in recent meetings.
When the two teams last met Scotland won 2-1, in a match that was a far more dominant performance from Scotland than the scoreline suggests.
Scotland created more than ten chances in the match, but some wayward finishing meant that they were reliant on an own goal to clinch victory.
Though Scotland fell behind to a first half goal from Belarus, Jane Ross brought the scoreline level only three minutes later and was then involved in the build-up for the winning goal.
The last match on Scottish soil resulted in a resounding 7-0 victory for Scotland at Fir Park in 2015, in their successful quest to qualify for the UEFA Women’s EURO 2017.
The away fixture in 2016 was a far tighter affair, Scotland triumphing 1-0.
Thoughts of Shelley Kerr
Having missed several chances against Belarus when last the two sides met, Scotland Head Coach Shelley Kerr is determined for the team to be more ruthless on this occasion in order to put pressure on group leaders Switzerland.
“Against Belarus last year, although we won 2-1 they were a tough team to play against and we’ll be expecting another tough battle.
“In that match in Minsk, we created a number of chances but couldn’t finish them so tonight we want to be more clinical in front of goal.
“We’ve been pleased with how the campaign has been going so far, and while the loss against Switzerland was frustrating, to respond with a 3-0 win over Poland shows the strength of the group we have.
“We did really well as a defensive unit to limit their chances in that game and our attacking did exceptionally well at the other side to get the goals for us.
“Double headers are always tough but we've an opportunity, playing first at home to Belarus tonight, to try and bridge the gap with Switzerland and put a bit of pressure on them before travelling over to Poland and playing them on Tuesday.”
Where can tickets be bought?
The ticket information is as follows:
Ticket Prices
Adult - £5
Concessions - £2
*SSC Members - Free
A cash gate will be in operation on the night.
What’s happening pre-match?
You can warm up for the big match in Falkirk for Scotland’s World Cup Qualifier against Belarus by attending our pre-match fan zone.
Supporters are encouraged to arrive early to enjoy the Fan Zone which will be bigger and better than ever, including:
Face painting
Giveaways
Joelle Murray signing session
Music
Free ice cream
Bouncy castles
Trampolines
Beat the goalie
Bungie run
Read more about the fan zone here.
Where else can you watch the match?
The game will be broadcast live on BBC ALBA.