Scotland were the toast of Paisley last night after twice coming from behind to beat Czech Republic 3-2 and book a place in round two of the Women’s World Cup play-off 5-2 on aggregate.
This was the first match in Scotland since 1981 where fans were able to drink alcohol while watching the action, with the Scottish Football Association keen to explore safe ways of improving the matchday experience.
Leading 2-0 from the first leg of the round one play-off in Pardubice on Friday night but having skipper Caroline Weir injured in the warm-up to be replaced by Claire Emslie, Melissa Andreatta’s side found themselves a goal down in the third minute when Czech full-back Denisa Vesela sent a shot from 30 yards soaring over helpless keeper Sandy MacIver.
That lead lasted only two minutes before Lauren Davidson clipped in an equaliser from 12 yards but the visitors steeled themselves again and in the 32nd minute captain Klara Cahynova headed in a corner from Michaela Khyrova.
Erin Cuthbert and Sophie Howard came on for the start of the second half and Scotland took control. In the 49th minute, Kathleen McGovern took advantage of a botched clearance by Czech defender Lucie Bendova and with the keeper Barbora Votikova also out of position, she squeezed the ball in at the near post.
The goal seemed to deflate the visitors and Scotland increased their lead in the 72nd minute when Votikova spilled a cross from Cuthbert and Christy Grimshaw was on hand to lift the ball over the line.
Kathleen McGovern nets Scotland’s second goal in the second-leg victory
Scotland celebrate the early equaliser from Lauren Davidson that settled any early nerves
It was another step towards the final in Brazil and next month the Scots will take on Sweden, who beat Lithuania 10-0 on the night and 15-0 on aggregate.
A delighted Andreatta told BBC Scotland: ‘What it [the win] showed is what Scotland’s all about.
‘We stuck to our principles, ground out a result and that puts us in a good place for what’s ahead.
‘In the lead up to this game we worked on all different scenarios so everything we did tonight was planned. We had the options in our back pocket and we had to use them.
‘These two games being so tough and testing us in all different ways gives us the confidence to go again against Sweden. It’s a different level, they’re number eight in the world but we’ll be ready.
‘I think I know a bit about Sweden and what their threats are. We’ll focus on us, be prepared for every situation and put ourselves in the best position to get through the tie.’
