Key Takeaways
- Scotland sit top of Group B4 on goal difference ahead of Belgium.
- Melissa Andreatta says the squad feel no weight of past failures.
- Emma Lawton is out injured, but Kirsty Hanson returns for the Leuven clash.
Scotland’s women travel to Belgium’s Den Dreef stadium on Saturday night knowing a win would edge them closer to a first global finals since 2019. Kick-off is 19:30 BST and the match will be streamed live on BBC Alba, iPlayer and the BBC Sport site.
After a last-gasp 1-1 draw at Easter Road on Tuesday, the two nations are level on points, with the Scots ahead only on goals scored. Head coach Melissa Andreatta insists her players are not haunted by previous near-misses.
“There is no burden inside our camp,” the Australian told BBC Scotland. “We respect history, but we refuse to carry it on our backs. A blend of youth and experience has built a fearless spirit.”
Andreatta, appointed last year, has drilled the squad on daily habits rather than distant dreams. “We speak about process, not prizes,” she explained. “Clear identity, hard pressing and never giving up are the standards.”
Celtic defender Emma Lawton will miss the return leg after damaging an ankle in Edinburgh. Maria McAneny and Leah Eddie had already left the squad, while Manchester United winger Kirsty Hanson is back and “ready to start”, according to the coach.
Scotland were caught by a soft set-piece goal on Tuesday yet finished strongly, with Kathleen McGovern smashing home a 93rd-minute equaliser. Andreatta believes that late surge has fuelled belief ahead of the pivotal rematch in Leuven.
“We reviewed the errors, sharpened our shape and we’re eager to produce a full 90-minute display,” she added. “The homework is done; now we must earn the right to party in Brazil next summer.”