Scotland v Hungary
UEFA Women’s European Qualifiers – Round 1 Play-Off
Tuesday, 29 October, KO 7.35pm
Easter Road, Edinburgh          

Scotland will host Hungary in the second leg of their round one play-off as they bid to take one step closer to a place at next summer’s European Championships in Switzerland.

A goal from Martha Thomas was the difference in Budapest on Friday as the two sides battled it out in a physical encounter. The winner of this week’s double-header will face either Montenegro or Finland in the final round of qualifiers next month. Finland go into their second leg also with a 1-0 advantage.

Pedro Martinez Losa’s side completed the qualification group stages in style in the summer with a 1-0 win over Serbia securing a fifth successive victory for a place in the play-off rounds. Thomas’ goal on Friday is the striker’s sixth of the qualification campaign so far and Scotland’s 14th.

Scotland have played Hungary four times in the past three years, winning both fixtures in qualification for the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup against them and drawing 0-0 at the 2022 Pinatar Cup.

Goals from Erin Cuthbert and Martha Thomas secured a 2-0 victory in Hungary in September 2021, in what was Pedro Martine Losa’s first fixture as Scotland Head Coach.

Hungary go into the game with 3 defeats in the group stages but a notable 1-0 win against Switzerland.

Team news

The full squad is fit and available for selection.

Pre-match thoughts

Scotland head coach Pedro Martinez Losa: "I think both teams were very prepared on Friday.

"Hungary showed the best version of themselves - they were at home and had nothing to lose. They were really prepared for the game and I think we managed the situation well.

"Although the score is tight, we didn't concede which was really important. We know having our home crowd is a real boost for us and we can’t wait to get going on Tuesday.”

Scotland striker Martha Thomas: "It was a difficult game in the first leg. Hungary were organised, they put in a good block that was hard to break down, so we had to be patient.

"It was all about taking that advantage into Tuesday and we achieved that. It was never going to be easy, but we're happy with the win and the clean sheet."

Where to watch

BBC Scotland and BBC iPlayer

Scotland Squad

Eartha Cumings FC Rosengard
Jenna Fife Rangers
Lee Gibson Glasgow City
Jenna Clark Liverpool
Nicola Docherty Rangers
Kathy Hill Rangers
Sophie Howard Leicester City
Rachel McLauchlan Brighton & Hove Albion
Emma Mukandi London City Lionesses
Kirsty Smith West Ham Utd
Erin Cuthbert Chelsea
Lisa Evans Glasgow City
Sam Kerr FC Bayern
Shannon McGregor Celtic
Jamie-Lee Napier Bristol City
Amy Rodgers Bristol City
Caroline Weir Real Madrid
Lauren Davidson SK Brann
Claire Emslie Angel City
Kirsty Hanson Aston Villa
Brogan Hay Rangers
Martha Thomas Tottenham Hotspur
Emma Watson Manchester Utd