Live in Leuven | Belgium 1-1 Scotland | Scotland's UWNL Relegation is confirmed with a gutsy draw in Leuven.
An Erin Cuthbert screamer isn't enough, as Scotland suffer Nations League relegation, after a gutsy display in Leuven. On a night where the final touch wasn't quite there.
Full Time from Den Dreef Stadion, Leuven
Scotland’s UWNL relegation from League A was confirmed despite a gutsy display in Leuven as Erin Cuthbert’s 30-yard-screamer secured a second Nations League point at the Den Dreef Stadion.
Scotland made two changes from the side that lost 1-0 to the Netherlands as a fit-again Sam Kerr and Tottenham Hotspur striker Martha Thomas returning to the starting line up with Kirsty Hanson and Sophie Howard dropped out while Sandy MacIver maintained her spot in goal and there was a 50th Scotland cap for Rangers defender Nicola Docherty on a night where effort and determination was never in short supply but where that decisive final touch failed to materialise.
Scotland knew that anything other than victory would confirm relegation to Nations League B irrespective of what was happening in the other Group A1 encounter between England and The Netherland, and the visitors would make a spritely start as an energetic high press kept Scotland on the back foot.
As Scottish bodies pressed the hosts tried to turn the Scottish rearguard and exploit the spaces in behind with Justine Vanhaevermaet’s skewed effort from the edge of the area the first sign of their ability to generate chances before a Cuthbert run from deep would be found by Claire Emslie, however the Chelsea midfielder’s effort would be snuffed out as the game continued to ebb and flow.
With thirty-one minutes played Belgium would take the lead as a nicely worked move down the left hand side would find 19-year-old Marie Detruyer unmarked in and around the penalty spot, the teenager sweeping the ball into the corner with a single touch.
It was a goal that felt harsh on Scotland who were showing the signs of the side that had competed so effervescently against England in their opening Nations League contest in Sunderland and a deserved equaliser would soon follow just a few minutes later.
It would be a strike that would catch almost everyone by surprise, as Cuthbert unleashed an effort from thirty yards that sailed into the top of the net. Sparking a few open jaws from the small contingent of Scotland fans and media who had made their way to Leuven for the game.
As the second half began, and with The Netherlands 2-0 up on England, hopes that Scotland could find a way back into the group started to bubble and they would begin on the front foot, almost taking the lead but Jenna Clark’s header from a Cuthbert cross would go just wide before Emslie would see an effort after good work from Losa Evans also graze past the post.
The inability to test Evrard would eventually prove to be Scotland’s undoing.
Belgium, who still have their eye on an spot at next year’s Olympics bit back as Tessa Wullaert started to operate dangerously on the edge of the Scottish penalty area but the chances for the Red Flames were few and far between as Scotland continued to press.
Kirsty Hanson and Abi Harrison came on to refresh pressing Scottish legs in a game that started to feel like it could go either way and although Scotland would continue to generate the greatest pressure shots on target would remain in short supply as Belgium looked to counter.
Results in other places started to turn against Scotland as Georgia Stanway and Lauren Hemp drew England level at Wembley, before Ella Toone’s goal after the final whistle would see Sarina Wingman’s side complete their turnaround.
Despite one more late hurrah the goal that Scotland needed failed to materialise, and the game ended with Erin Cuthbert having to leave the pitch after a heavy looking tackle.
Scotland may have bowed out from Nations League A tonight but it was a performance that should give renewed hope to supporters that a victory against the Auld Enemy can be achieved on Tuesday night.
What they said
Pedro Martinez Losa on relegation and future Euro hopes:
“The learning process and how this competition was built was always going to be very tough. We wanted to be tested and we tried to change a few things in the second half, more energy but that is where we are in the women’s game at present. You need that little bit more”
“Now what we have to do is find another route to qualify for the Euros which is possible and was always our objective.”
Rachel Corsie on competing and the lessons to be learned:
“It’s a tough lesson and this is the top level with tight margins. We’ve have had more than enough of the ball and we’ve got to create more opportunities for ourselves.”
“We do really believe in the group of players that we have. We came here to claim the three points and at half time we were pleased to get straight back in it after going behind. It’s nice to feel you can come to a place like this and do so well but ultimately it’s about results and we just need to get back together and find a way and have difficult questions.”
Hayley Lauder on her probe at being back in the fold:
“I don’t think we really tested their goalkeeper too much which is disappointing for all the possession that we had but we are growing as a group and we have to take those positives from tonight into Tuesday.”
“It’s a good level but we’re an elite team as well and I think all week we’ve been training at a good level. I’m really proud that I played tonight after such a long game. Hopefully I made a difference. I’m not here to make up the number, to play my part and hopefully help the young players as well.”