Manchester City midfielder Caroline Weir scored two goals and created another as Scotland defeated Albania 3-0 at Tynecastle this evening in their latest UEFA Women’s EURO 2022 qualifier.
The 25-year-old played the full 90 minutes for Shelley Kerr’s side as they moved to within a point of group leaders Finland.
Scotland were the dominant force from the off and they had the ball in the back of the net after 20 minutes through Rachel Corsie but the Birmingham City defender saw her goal ruled out for an alleged offside.
The continuous bombardment on the Albanian goal finally came to fruition eight minutes before the break when Corsie headed in after Weir had delivered a free-kick from the left.
Scotland had to wait until 14 minutes before the end of the second half before adding to their lead. Erin Cuthbert played the ball back to teammate Weir who took aim from the edge of the box, her effort found the back of the net via a deflection off an opposition player.
The Tartan Army were awarded a penalty kick in second half stoppage time when substitute Martha Thomas was fouled in the box by Ezmiralda Franja. Weir stepped up to take the spot kick and she made no mistake from 12 yards as Scotland completed a 3-0 victory.
Tonight’s result now leaves Scotland in touching distance of group leaders Finland with a game in hand. The two sides meet in Helsinki on Tuesday afternoon.