News Focus
- Scotland defeated Israel 6-0 in a FIFA Women’s World Cup 2027 qualifier played at a neutral venue in Hungary
- Chelsea midfielder Erin Cuthbert suffered a serious leg injury and was stretchered off the pitch in obvious pain
- Captain Caroline Weir scored three goals to help Scotland maintain their four-goal advantage over Belgium in Group B4
- Belgium also won 6-0 against Luxembourg, setting up a tense final matchday for group supremacy
- Scotland must win their final match against Israel to secure top spot and improve their World Cup play-off seeding
Scotland moved closer to winning their qualifying group after beating Israel 6-0 in Budapest. But the team now faces worry about Erin Cuthbert, who left the pitch on a stretcher with a bad leg injury.
The Chelsea midfielder fell to the ground holding her right leg late in the match. Only a few fans were in the 8,000-seat Bozsik Arena, so everyone heard her cries of pain clearly. Doctors helped the 27-year-old before carrying her off, leaving coach Melissa Andreatta waiting for news from hospital.
Before getting hurt, Cuthbert played a key role in the win. She scored the first goal and set up two others. Her work with captain Caroline Weir caused problems for the Israeli defence all evening.
Weir, who looks likely to leave Real Madrid this summer, scored a hat-trick. She could have added even more goals. Her performance helped Scotland stay four goals ahead of Belgium in the race to finish top of Group B4.
Later that night, Belgium also won 6-0 against Luxembourg at home. This means both teams go into the final matches on Tuesday with the same points, but Scotland have the better goal difference. Belgium will play away to Luxembourg again, while Scotland face Israel once more at the same stadium in Hungary.
Andreatta praised her team’s strong attacking play but showed concern about Cuthbert. “She is getting good care,” said forward Kirsty Hanson, who scored Scotland’s sixth goal. “We hope the news is good.”
The team that wins the group will move up to League A of the Nations League and get a better seeding for the 2027 World Cup play-offs. Only the winners of League A groups qualify directly for the World Cup in Brazil. Scotland must finish first to get an easier path to the finals.