Chelsea forward Erin Cuthbert scored one goal and created another as Scotland won 2-0 in Hungary last night in their opening FIFA Women’s World Cup Australia New Zealand 2023 qualifying match.
It was an impressive win for Scotland who were playing their first competitive match under new head coach Pedro Martinez Losa.
Scotland settled well in Budapest and they were given a golden opportunity to take the lead in the 17th minute when Chelsea forward Cuthbert drew a foul from Lilla Turányi in the area and the referee awarded a penalty kick. Cuthbert took the spot kick herself, her effort was saved by Hungarian keeper Réka Szőcs but the forward managed to convert at the second opportunity.
Scotland had chances to extend their one-goal lead throughout the remainder of the first half with Jane Ross looking particularly lively but they failed to take advantage of a couple of half-chances.
Martha Thomas and Lana Clelland both saw efforts saved by Szőcs in the second half as Scotland searched for their second goal which would put the game to bed. It was Manchester United forward Thomas who finally made the breakthrough 17 minutes from time when she headed in from a Cuthbert corner.
Clelland and Thomas missed chances to add to the scoreline late on but it didn’t matter as Scotland recorded a comfortable victory on their travels.
The Tartan Army are back in action on Tuesday evening when they face the Faroe Islands at Hampden Park.
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