Scotland head coach Pedro Martinez Losa believes that if his team “trust the process” they can “make history” by reaching the Women’s European Championship.
His side are one game away from returning to a major tournament after six years when they are goalless in a play-off with Finland before Tuesday’s second leg in Helsinki.
It was a flat performance from the Scots on the Easter Road on Friday, but Martinez Losa insists there is real confidence in the squad.
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Former Scotland international Susan Winters has reflected on Scotland’s “disappointing” 0-0 draw against Finland in the first leg of their Euro 2025 play-off.
“I am excited by the possibility that the game of football is always unpredictable in some ways, but we are ready for it and we are ready for the challenge,” said the Spaniard. Sky Sports News.
“I think (in the first game) we didn’t want to expose the team to certain scenarios that could cost us not to come to this game.
“We are professionals, we know the details and we have to trust the process as we have done in the last nine games.
“Coming into December 1st and going undefeated on the year didn’t happen just because the weather was good.”
Scotland drew with Finland in the first game at Easter Road
Scotland haven’t lost a game in 2024, but two defeats to Finland marred Scotland’s previous European qualifiers.
Martinez Llosa is determined to maintain his impressive run to book their place in Switzerland next summer.
“First of all I think it’s a historic moment, being in the tournament once means you’re capable of being there, but we want that consistency to be in the tournament all the time like Finland was,” he said.
“I think (qualification) will change the perception of the women’s game in terms of a lot of fans who are associated with the identity of Scottish pride. It’s something we’re working on every day.
“The passion that the players have to show is incredible and how can we inspire the next generation, not just girls, the whole society, to go to the next level.”
Ware
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Scotland and Real Madrid star Caroline Weir is looking forward to taking on Finland in the women’s Euro play-off final where she was named the winner.
Real Madrid star Caroline Weir – who will captain Scotland in the absence of the injured Rachel Corsi – said Sky Sports News“We were pretty positive on Friday night. Of course we wanted to play a little bit better, but we learned a lot from that game.
“The first leg is strange because you want to keep a draw and you know there’s still 90 minutes to go. At 0-0 it’s all to play for and we’re ready to go.
“We know what to expect and what Finland is all about, as they do with us, but we’re ready to go and excited the game is finally here.
“It will mean everything for the whole team to reach Euro. There’s a lot going on in this game. It’s going to be a very, very proud moment. This team has so many players that have been in this situation before and I hope we get that result.”
“Scotland has a bone to pick with us”
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Finland head coach Marko Saloranta and record goalscorer Linda Sallström look ahead to next summer’s Women’s Euros clash with Scotland in Helsinki.
Finland head coach Marco Saloranta.
“We know what kind of team we have. We have an extremely good football team, a well-coached football team against us, so it will be a tough night tomorrow.
“We wanted to win the game (at Easter Road). Maybe we had more attacks. Before the game I would have drawn, but after the game I was even a little bit disappointed.
“Two good football teams and one is only going to the finals, so expect a very tough game.”
Finland record holder Linda Sallstrom:
“We’re a very strong home team and we’ve got the crowd going so I think that’s a bit in our favor but also we’ve got a lot of respect for the Scotland team.
“We know they are very hungry. We spoiled their dreams of playing in the Euros last time, so I know they have a bone to pick with us. It will be a very tough game and may the best team win.”
