Scotland have the advantage in their Women's World Cup round one play-off tie after a much-improved second-half performance against the Czech Republic delivered victory in the first leg in Pardubice.

A moment of magic from Caroline Weir and a first goal since becoming a mum for Claire Emslie means Melissa Andreatta's side will have the edge for the return in Paisley on Tuesday.

Captain Weir spectacularly controlled Kathleen McGovern's knockdown with her thigh before lashing a magnificent strike into the far bottom corner to ignite the visitors after a forgettable first half.

Just two minutes after entering the fray, the experienced Emslie beautifully caressed the ball into the same corner after Lauren Davidson delightfully found her with a superb ball.

The Czechs responded well, forcing Sandy MacIver into a string of superb saves, while Franny Cerna was guilty of glaring miss from a close-range header.

The Scots stood strong though, maintaining their clean sheet against the hosts, who finished the game with 10 players after Nela Krejcirikova was shown red for catching Jenna Clark late in the 87th minute.

It did look like Andreatta's side were going to get the chance to extend their lead in injury-time when Martha Thomas was felled by Barbora Votikova in the box, but the referee overturned her penalty decision after seeing the slightest of touches on the ball from the Czech goalkeeper via the pitchside monitor.

In the build-up to the game, Andreatta spoke extensively about the physicality the Czechs possess.

A 3-5-2 formation has been the Australian's preferred system, but a flat back four - with Amy Muir at right-back and Rachel McLauchlan tucked in at right-centre-back - was opted for, presumably to combat the towering and tough home front-line.

At first, it worked to great effect with the hosts forced into a safe and suffocating game, only allowed to hit on the counter-attack, such was the Scots' control.

But the press dropped deeper and deeper and their stranglehold on proceedings loosened to allow the Czechs to finish the first half as the stronger team.

Which led to Weir taking matters into her own hands - or feet - once again.

When it comes to the captain, the superlatives are running thin, such has been her impact for so long.

The same could be said for Emslie, who has seamlessly returned to the national set-up after giving birth.

The camaraderie in the group was evident when the winger wheeled away having scored in front of her wee boy Jamie for the first time.

It was the experienced heads who stepped up for the Scots - including new Chelsea captain Erin Cuthbert, who came on for her first appearance of the season and showed no signs of rust, quickly making herself right at home in the heart of the midfield.

The leggy and nervy moments of the first half gave way to energy and hunger after the interval and the Scots' advantage could have been even greater.

At 2-0, the tie is far from over, but should Scotland pick up in Paisley where they left off in Pardubice, then a round two play-off - almost certainly against heavyweight Sweden who were 5-0 winners in Lithuania - should be in the offing.

Scotland head coach Melissa Andreatta: "It's just Caroline Weir's awareness of where pressure's coming from and she has a sixth sense almost of where her team-mates are as well. Her quality shines, that's why you see the goals that she scores and the chances that she creates.

"On the other side, she's just so focused. She's a woman possessed to drag this team and everyone with her to achieve the goal and that's what's even more pleasing. It's always the team first with her."

Scotland scorer Claire Emslie: "It's a very special moment. I don't think I've scored in about two years so it feels amazing. I can't believe I've got my wee boy watching in the stand. He was sleeping apparently, and my mum woke him up screaming!"