Slovakia v Scotland
UEFA Women’s European Qualifiers
Friday, 12 July, kick off 6pm (UK)
Futbalový Štadión Fc Nitra (Štadión Pod Zoborom), Nitra, Slovakia                        

The Scotland Women's National Team are in Slovakia as they gear up for a double header that will bring their Group B2 campaign to a close. 

After tomorrow night's game against Slovakia, Pedro Martinez Losa's side host Serbia on Tuesday at the Wyre Stadium Firhill, with tickets for that match still available here.

 

Scotland have already ensured they will be in the play-off draw that takes place next Friday, following an impressive start to qualifying which them saw secure three wins and one draw in their four matches so far.

Pedro Martinez Losa's side endured a challenging campaign in the UEFA Women's Nations League last year, but they have bounced back in the UEFA EURO 2025 qualifiers. Following a 0-0 draw in Serbia, Scotland defeated Slovakia 1-0 at Hampden Park in the reverse fixture, with Sophie Howard heading home a late winner. 

Scotland then scored ten goals in two comprehensive wins over Israel at the end of May and now sat top of the group ahead of Serbia on goal difference.

Their previous meeting with Slovakia prior to the 1-0 win in April came at the 2022 Pinatar Cup when goals from Abi Harrison and Martha Thomas gave Scotland a 2-0 win.

Team news

There has only been one change to the squad since it was named, with Mia McAulay coming in for Jane Ross. 

Pre-match thoughts

Speaking ahead of the game in Slovakia, Head Coach Pedro Martinez Losa said:

“The most important thing is to qualify but in saying that, our ambition is to be at the highest level and finish unbeaten as that will give us a feeling of success, strong and solid performances, not only from the offensive aspect but no team can be competitive without being defensively consistent and reliable.

"I think we have that at this moment in time but it is about repeating it and repeating it. This is how you build your winning habits, your mindset and mentality and we are in that process.

“In the game against Slovakia, I think in the first half we created a lot of opportunities to arrive in the final third, we just lacked that coordination to finish the action, it easily could have been 2 or 3-0 but also they showed where they can be dangerous with a couple of fast and really talented players who play at the highest level.

“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, 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.

“Finishing top of the group would be a great motivation because it gives you that feeling of being unbeatable in one way, being solid.”

Scotland's Lisa Evans added: "We want to finish unbeaten, we want to give ourselves the best chance and the preparation has to be on point. It's not games we are taking lightly.

"We've seen in the games already against Slovakia and Serbia how competitive the two teams are. The first game against Slovakia was a really tight game at Hampden with a late header so it's not a test we are taking lightly. 

"I was lucky to have gone to one of the games in Germany (to watch the men's team) and it was enjoyable being a part of the Tartan Army and to see things from that perspective. 

"It makes you proud to be Scottish and I know, for me personally, it gives me that motivation to be at a major tournament.

"We've come close in the past and we've had a taste before of being at a European Championships and a World Cup. Qualifying is something we want to do more than anything and that's the main focus for us."

Where to watch

The match will be live on the BBC Scotland Channel and the BBC website.

Scotland Squad

Jenna Clark Liverpool
Kelly Clark Celtic
Chelsea Cornet Rangers
Rachel Corsie Aston Villa
Eartha Cumings Rosengard
Erin Cuthbert Chelsea
Nicola Docherty Rangers
Leah Eddie Rangers
Claire Emslie Angel City FC
Lisa Evans Glasgow City
Jenna Fife Rangers
Lee Gibson Glasgow City
Kirsty Hanson Aston Villa
Brogan Hay Rangers
Sophie Howard Leicester City
Kirsty Howat Rangers
Sam Kerr FC Bayern
Kirsty Maclean Rangers
Mia McAulay Rangers
Jamie-Lee Napier Bristol City
Amy Rodgers Bristol City
Kirsty Smith West Ham United
Martha Thomas Tottenham Hotspur