FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023 Qualifiers
Hungary 0 – 2 Scotland
Friday, 17 September 2021, kick-off 7pm
Hidegkuti Nandor Stadium, Budapest

Scotland begin the Pedro Martinez Losa era with victory in Budapest.

Scorers
Scotland: Cuthbert (17’), Thomas (72’)

Scotland delivered the perfect start for new boss Pedro Martinez Losa as they got began their quest for 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup Qualification with a 2-0 victory over Hungary in Budapest.

Team news

Fresh off the back of scoring four for Rangers last weekend, Jane Ross led the line in a new look Scotland side.

Lauren Davidson and Jenna Clark were both named on the bench in what were their first call ups to the national team. Rachael Boyle and Lizzie Arnot were back in the squad after Smith, Graham, Weir and Evans were forced to miss the opening fixtures of the campaign.

As it happened

Scotland went close early on with Cuthbert jinking her way through the Hungary penalty area. Her lofted cross to the back post found Jane Ross, however she was crowded out and couldn’t get her header away.

After a delightful lofted pass from Jane Ross, Cuthbert found herself through on goal once more where she was hauled down in the area by Turanyi, leaving the referee no choice but to award a penalty. Cuthbert saw her spot kick saved down to the keepers left, but she was there to follow up on the rebound, giving Scotland their first goal under their new manager on the 17 minute mark. 

Lee Alexander was called upon soon after denying Zeller with quick movement off her line after a slick move from the home side. The Scotland goalkeeper cut out the danger once more comfortably collecting a lofted ball into the box.

A close offside call then went in favour of the Hungarian defence after Jane Ross looked to have beaten the offside trap. The lineswoman had no hesitation raising the flag in what was a certain goal scoring opportunity for the Scots.

Alexander made another magnificent save getting a strong left hand to Sipos’ long-range effort – which certainly had some movement on it. The resultant corner was dealt with by the Scotland defence and cleared with little threat to Alexander’s goal.

Scotland had a chance to double their lead on the stroke of half time. A fantastic through ball by Cuthbert found Ross with space in the box, however her low effort curled wide of the far post with the final chance of the half.

Scotland started the second half in a menacing mood. Good work by Claire Emslie down the left flank resulted in a dangerous ball into the Hungarian penalty area, but the ball was cleared well by the defence. Kirsty Hanson was also keen to take on her opponent, a strong run down the right-hand side allowing her space for the shot, which was tipped round the post by Szocs.

Scotland again almost doubled their lead after a fine cross from Emslie. Cuthbert was there to meet the delivery, but her diving header was blocked by Jane Ross to stop it heading goalward.

Seconds after coming on just after the hour mark, Martha Thomas had a chance to get her name on the scoresheet, almost getting to the ball before the Hungarian goalkeeper. Cuthbert’s corner was then unintentionally flicked on by Vago, with the midfielder almost diverting the ball into her own net only to be denied by the cross bar.

Scotland began to create chances with a greater fluidity, Clelland finding herself in space in the Hungary penalty area, but her shot was sent over the cross bar.

Scotland gave themselves the cushion their second-half dominance warranted with just over 20 minutes to go. Emslie’s corner was met by Martha Thomas and her header from the middle of the area was nodded into the far corner to double Scotland’s advantage.

Emslie was almost on the scoresheet late on after a square ball across the box from Thomas found her in acres of space in front of an open goal, however her effort was sent just wide of the post.

Thomas then spurned a glorious chance to get her name on the scoresheet in the dying embers of the match as she was put through on goal. With Clelland demanding the cut back for a tap-in, Thomas opted to go alone, her low shot failing to beat the Hungarian keeper.

With the three points he craved secured, Martinez Losa can now look forward to his first home match in Scotland on Tuesday against bottom seeds Faroe Islands.

Next Up

SWNT complete their double header of World Cup Qualifier’s on Tuesday as they take on the Faroe Islands at Hampden Park – Tickets available here.

Teams

Hungary: Szocs (GK), Kovács, Turanyi, Szabó, Csiki, Nagy, Vago, Csiszar (c), Zeller, Vachter (Csanyi 58’), Sipos.

Unused substitutes: Németh, Czellér, Oláh, Pusztai, Eros, Kocsan, Boros, Biró, Szakonyi, Nagy, Csigi.

Scotland: Alexander (GK), McLauchlan, Corsie (c), Beattie, Docherty, Grimshaw (Boyle 78’), Robertson (Arthur 90’), Hanson (Clelland 61’), Cuthbert, Emslie (Davidson 90’), Ross (Thomas 62’).

Unused substitutes: Kerr, Cummings, Westrup, Fife, Howard, Arnot, Clark.