Scotland Women's Football Team

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Scotland head coach Melissa Andreatta is confident of leading her team to their first World Cup since 2019 as they continue their qualification campaign with a double header against Belgium later this month.

The Scots won their first two games against Luxembourg - a 5-0 win in the away leg before a 7-0 victory at home.

Finish in the top three in their group and Scotland will progress to the play-offs, if they win the group they'll claim a higher seeding for the play-offs in the race to reach Brazil 2027.

"I think it's innate in me and who I am that I really believe anything is possible," Andreatta told BBC Women's Football Weekly podcast.

"It's not only about wanting to win but willing to do whatever it takes to win, that's a bit different.

"Everyone wants to win but not everybody is willing to put in the extra yards and the extra hours - this group is. When you know you've done all the work I see it as exciting, as an opportunity to showcase what we've done behind the scenes and light it up.

"Pressure is with us always but it's about learning from it and developing the skills to thrive with it. We talk about it, we recreate scenarios in training and all those experiences together is going to help us to be ready and to shine when it really counts."

After each side won their opening two qualifiers, Scotland and Belgium meet on 14 and 18 April in Group B4 both on six points.

The Scots are at home in the first game and away for the second before a double header against Israel in the summer.

"I think we're ready," Andreatta added.

"It's just going to be fine tuning things and remaining focused on us and what our strengths are to get the result that we want after the two games.

"I'm quite familiar with playing the same team back to back in a window and the opportunity that it gives us is to really consolidate our game plan, continue to strengthen the cohesion among the players and their positions.

"I just see it as a real opportunity to be even better from game to game."

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Scotland are treating their Women's World Cup qualifying double-headers like play-offs, says defender Jenna Clark.

After each side won their opening two qualifiers, Scotland and Belgium meet on 14 and 18 April in Group B4. The Scots are at home in the first game and away for the second.

In June, Scotland play Israel home and away while Belgium meet Luxembourg twice. The top three sides in the section progress to the play-offs.

"It's what a play-off would be and that's how we're treating all these games in this campaign," said Liverpool's Clark, 24.

"It definitely brings a different element - one we probably weren't used to before but I think it's important that we do get used to it because it could be crucial for us.

"We know the level of the teams in this group. It will be a challenging game but one we'll be prepared for."

Reaching next year's finals in Brazil and bringing "that kind of joy to the fans" is a big incentive for Scotland, says Jenna Clark.

Clark referenced the men's team's 4-2 win over Denmark in November, which sealed qualification to this year's World Cup in North America and Mexico.

"You can see how much that meant to the full nation and I was watching the game myself," Clark said.

"It was a great game. If we can bring that kind of joy to the fans as well then that would be massive for us."

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Scotland head coach Melissa Andreatta has been speaking to the media after naming her squad for the Women's World Cup qualifying double-header against Belgium.

Here are the main points:

• Andreatta insists "we'll relish the challenge" of facing the group's top seeds, adding: "That's what this group has done from the outset."

• The head coach says the players are "hungry to be the best they can be so I know going into this window that's what they'll look to do - embrace the challenge and show what we're all about".

• On the pressure of facing a team of Belgium's quality, Andreatta says her players are "playing with high pressure and having to perform under the highest pressure" with their clubs.

• On Hibs striker Kathleen McGovern, who scored three goals in two games against Luxembourg, Andreatta says: "She's an example of the mentality among the group. She's been embraced by the senior players, they've allowed her to be herself and highlight those qualities she has."

• On Caroline Weir, who officially became Scotland captain this year, the boss says: "What I've noticed about her is that she has a real thirst to be the best leader she can be."

• Andreatta is looking forward for her first game at Easter Road and urging fans to come out in their numbers. "What I've learned about Scottish folk is we have a passion and a voice about us," she says.

• Andreatta adds: "This group just want to make you proud and give you something exciting and enjoyable to watch. There's a lot of other stuff that's not so positive and great right now but football can be that release and sense of hope and joy and we want to give that to our Scottish folk."

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Kathleen McGovern is hoping to repay the faith shown in her by Scotland head coach Melissa Andreatta by scoring more goals for her country.

The Hibernian forward netted twice as the Scots defeated Luxembourg 7-0 on Saturday in their second World Cup qualifying group game.

McGovern, who missed 13 weeks with injury earlier this season, also scored in Tuesday's 5-0 win in Luxembourg.

And the striker puts a lot of her performance down to the belief instilled in her by Andreatta.

"Mel has given everyone confidence," she said. "She has a real belief and she's fed me that as well.

"Putting on that jersey and representing your country is the proudest thing I've ever done. Every time, no matter if it's starting or coming on, I'll always give my best.

"The 13 weeks was really hard, but obviously Mel having the belief to fling me back into the camp when I hadn't played that many 90 minutes, it just shows the belief she has in me."

There is still a long road to go if Scotland are to secure a place at next year's World Cup in Brazil.

However, McGovern is relishing the chance to play on the world stage for her country.

"I never thought I'd be in a position to say that's my aim," she added. "As a little kid, it's what I've dreamt of. I'm really hoping it happens.

"With the career that I've had, it's spiked in the last few years. This camp has been a bit different because I've not been as high in confidence coming in, but I always try and believe in my ability.

"I know, when I'm giving 110%, I can do things like that tonight [Saturday]. I feel like I'm finding my feet now."

Scotland cruised to a seven-goal victory as they completed a handsome double over Luxembourg that starts off their World Cup qualifying campaign with maximum points.

Read the full match report here.

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Scotland head coach Melissa Andreatta: "It [seven goals] shows who we are and the way we want to play.

"The bits you don't see are the conversations that we have in the circle afterwards where there's hunger to be even better.

"I see a group of players really clear about what they want to do and where they want to go. After the match you let yourself look to the future and they're looking at what might come next and how they can take another step forward to be even better.

"The positive is that we were in good positions, creating good chances in a variety of different ways - from set pieces, from wide areas, from central areas.

"Even more importantly I want players to take this form back to club, scoring goals for their clubs, fighting to win the ball back, that's all going to count to what we do again in the next window.

"It tells me who we are and the team we want to be - that front-footed team that doesn't hold back, that's relentless. That shows who we are. We're going to be aggressive, fast from the start and relentless right until the end. The players kept working hard and demanding from each other.

"It was really important [to put in two good performances]. It's been games of high and lows, sometimes we got the results and other times we didn't It's good to get some consistency and continuity with the squad. Another step forward but I'm a one step at a time girl.

"It could have been easy to take their foot off the gas after four goals or even in the second half but they didn't and I think it's that focus that's been really pleasing. When the game's done or training's finished they have a good sense of fun too."

Samuel Ukah
BBC Sport Scotland

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Melissa Andreatta says her Scotland squad's push for perfection means she has no concerns about complacency when they host Luxembourg on Saturday.

The sides meet again, this time at Hampden, after Scotland kicked off their World Cup qualifying campaign with a 5-0 win in Luxembourg in midweek.

"What I've learned about this group of players is they strive for perfection, but it's not actually even an attainable goal, really," said head coach Andreatta.

"But it's that drive towards it that constantly puts the lens on where they're asking themselves, 'What can I do even better?'

"I love that about them. That behaviour, that commitment to being the best they can means we won't see a complacent performance tomorrow night.

"They're going to go out there and expect and demand more from each other and I can't wait to see it."

Kathleen McGovern is among the players jostling for a start on Saturday after coming off the bench to score the fifth in Luxembourg.

Asked if she will rotate her team, Andreatta said: "It's all up for grabs right now. Everyone's so competitive and everyone's fit and available.

"The coaches have some really tough decisions to make."

After Luxembourg, Scotland play Belgium in a double-header in April followed by their final group games against Israel in June.

"We're not focused on that right now," said Andreatta. "It's all about putting together another 90-plus performance that's even better than the last one."

Amy Canavan
BBC Sport Scotland

Captain Caroline Weir played down her first international hat-trick as she focused on Scotland's five-star performance against Luxembourg to start World Cup qualifying.

Weir scored three of the five goals Scotland knocked past their hosts as they got their campaign off to the best possible start.

"It feels really nice and it's great to score but getting the three points is the most important thing," she told BBC Scotland.

"Coming away from home, first game of the campaign, we wanted to get off to a fast start and we did that.

"Five goals, clean sheet, happy with that and we move on to Saturday [Luxembourg at home].

"I'm just focusing on helping the team. I play an attacking role and helping create things, that's what I'm here to do."

The 5-0 win was also head coach Melissa Andreatta's first competitive game in charge of the side.

In previous friendlies against similarly-ranked lowly opposition, Scotland have come a little unstuck. That was not the case in Luxembourg.

"Tonight was about finding a way to win," Weir said. "The conditions were a bit tricky but the team played well considering. Really organised, full of confidence.

"We've done a lot of talking about this campaign, for a whole week we've prepared. We were ready to go, we wanted to hit the ground running and we did that. I'm really proud of the team."

"It's just a start, we know that, but it's a great foundation to build on."

On her favourite goal of the three, she added: "It's got to be the free-kick. I'll take any goal for Scotland of course, but I practise free-kicks so I was happy that one went in.

"We focus a lot on set-pieces because we have a strong threat there, delivery wise and aerial wise. Every set-piece is a good chance for us."

Captain Caroline Weir scored her first Scotland hat-trick as Melissa Andreatta's side kicked off their 2027 Women's World Cup qualifying campaign with a comfortable win at lowly Luxembourg.

Read the full match report here.

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Scotland head coach Melissa Andreatta: "Feels good, the start we wanted, positive from the outset.

"There were some areas of our game we wanted to work on, we got to do that. Now it's all about recovery and making sure we're ready for game two.

"The most pleasing start is we wanted to put in a 90-minute performance and we saw that tonight, both sides of the ball. Goals in one end and stopping them at the other.

"There's learning moments as well, we're always striving to be better. We'll look at those things and work on them in training and get ready for the return match at home."

On the set-piece threat, Andreatta adds: "It's important that people's hard work is recognised and I'm lucky to have a team of great staff, an outstanding performance staff, operational team.

"I'm so fortunate that are giving it their all, just like the players.

On Caroline Weir: "Class. She's a classy person, and a classy player as well.

"It's only game seven. The thing about football is it's always changing, we've had the opportunity to evolve. There's lots of individuals who will feel positive about their contribution to the team effort.

"This group are always hungry for more, and they'll want to get back to training."

Melissa Andreatta revealed an inspirational message from men's head coach Steve Clarke as Scotland women prepare to start their World Cup qualifying campaign against Luxembourg on Tuesday.

Watch Scotland's opening World Cup qualifier against Luxembourg (18:30 GMT) live on BBC Scotland, iPlayer & BBC Sport website & app

Read more: Your guide to Scotland's 2027 World Cup qualifiers

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Rangers midfielder Jodi McLeary has been added to Melissa Andreatta's Scotland squad for their upcoming World Cup qualifiers.

The 20-year-old replaces Glasgow City's Amy Muir for the double header against Luxembourg.

McLeary had been part of the national team's under-23s squad and Hibernian's Hannah Jordan will replace the midfielder.

The Scots travel to Luxembourg for the first leg on 3 March before the return leg at Hampden on 7 March.

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Scotland captain Caroline Weir has been talking to the media before the national team's World Cup qualifying double-header against Luxembourg next week.

Here are the key points from the press conference:

• Weir described being handed the captaincy by head coach Melissa Andreatta, as "the honour of my career". She said it had been an honour earning each of her caps so far but that the new permanent role had her "humbled and excited".

• The midfielder said despite having deputised for Rachel Corsie in the past, it was a surprised to be picked by Andreatta after the head coach assessed her options. Weir said it was "It was quite an emotional moment and one my family are very proud of".

• She has a lot of targets as captain and as a player but reaching the World Cup is "top of the list".

• Weir expects a tough campaign, with games against Belgium, Israel and Luxembourg, saying: "It is going to be tough. These campaigns are always tough, as we've seen in the past but I think we've put in a lot of ground work and we come into these camps well-prepared up to this point.

• The captain says the squad is "really motivated", knows they need to be "at their best" and feels fresh under Andreatta's management.

• After missing out last time, Weir said there's determination in the squad but they won't let previous failures carry a weight. "We have to be careful not to dwell on that too much but at the same time use it as a bit of motivation. I don't think we need those past campaigns to drive us on."

• She reflected on her experience in 2019, saying as a young player she had "a different role" and that "having qualified for a Euros and a World Cup before that, I maybe thought this was how it was going to go - each major tournament, we would be there".

• Weir said she has matured as a player and a senior figure in the squad and wasn't thinking about this as a last chance to lead the team to a World Cup. "I'll be 31 this year, but I feel good physically. Probably the best shape I've been, mentally good. 2027 is as far as I look now."

• She also reflected on watching the men's team qualify for this year's finals alongside a Danish teammate while on club duty with Real Madrid, saying it was "amazing" and "so cool to watch".

• And Weir plans to travel to watch the team in action against Brazil this summer, saying she loves our national teams doing well at anything.

• Succeeding in leading Scotland to the World Cup would "Be everything for me. Of course you think of that image. There's no higher honour playing for your team and then leading them out at a World Cup. When you are running round your garden, that's what you think of. Would be the absolute highlight of my career."