Scotland women dismiss World Cup qualifying burden before Belgium tie
Scotland head coach Melissa Andreatta insists her squad feels no burden from previous failures as they prepare for a crucial Women’s World Cup qualifier against Belgium in Leuven on Saturday.
The national team currently leads Group B4 on goal difference ahead of their weekend opponents following a dramatic 1-1 draw at Easter Road on Tuesday.
Kathleen McGovern secured a vital point for the hosts with a stoppage-time strike in that fixture, maintaining their slender advantage at the top of the standings.
Having missed out on every major tournament since 2019, the current crop of players is desperate to reach next year’s finals in Brazil.
Embracing the qualification challenge
Despite the weight of recent history, the Australian tactician remains adamant that her side has what it takes to progress without any fear of failure.
“No, the burden doesn’t exist within this group,” she told BBC Scotland.
“There’s a respect for what’s happened in the past and I want to learn from it and do everything that we can to avoid that occurring again, but it’s not a burden for us.”
The manager highlighted how a blend of fresh faces and established professionals has generated a renewed sense of belief within the camp.
“We’re excited for the challenge, we’re embracing it and together with some of the new faces and energy that’s within the team, there’s a great mix of that experience and energy that’s created this perfect storm of power, confidence, strength and bravery,” she added.
Focusing on daily processes
While reaching a major tournament remains the ultimate ambition, the head coach revealed that internal discussions are firmly rooted in immediate, controllable actions.
“I think because we’ve owned it and we’ve really set that as our goal now for us on the day-to-day front, it’s all about the processes and what we can do within our control to put ourselves in the best position,” she explained.
A significant part of this evolution since her appointment last year has been redefining the team’s purpose and reconnecting with a distinctly Scottish footballing identity.
“I think we’ve really reconnected to that and you’re seeing it in the way that they play, that they never stop no matter scenarios or situations that they’re faced.”
Squad updates and injury news
Preparations for the vital clash at Den Dreef have been slightly hampered by defensive absentees.
Celtic full-back Emma Lawton has been ruled out of the weekend fixture after suffering an ankle injury during Tuesday’s draw.
Maria McAneny and Leah Eddie had already withdrawn prior to the first game of this crucial double-header.
However, the squad has been boosted by the return of Kirsty Hanson, who is now fully available for selection.
