Pedro Martinez Losa and Rachel Corsie, the Scotland manager and captain respectively, were both indignant ahead of this evening’s conclusive Nations League game against England at Hampden that their minds are focused on anything other than securing a positive result, regardless of how immaterial the outcome is for them.
The 1-1 draw with Belgium on Friday evening confirmed Scotland’s status as relegation fodder in Group A1 as they prepare to slide into Group B. That has led to suggestions that Martinez losa’s side are compromised tonight given the complexities around England who are currently charged with securing Team GB’s position at this summer’s Paris Olympics.
Both England and the Netherlands are tied on nine points and have identical head-to-head records. If the Dutch, who host Belgium, and England both win then it will come down to goal difference, with the Dutch currently enjoying a three-goal advantage. Even if Belgium beat the Dutch, England would still need to beat Scotland to ensure qualification.
Scotland players are eligible for Team GB selection although there is a question mark over whether any would be picked; only two, Kim Little and Caroline Weir, made it to the last Olympics. “In all honesty, truthfully, I think it is so disrespectful,” said Corsie of the theories that have circulated this weekend. To have played for my country for as many years that I have, to know the girls who sit in there, to know the ones who want to be here and the ones who are injured and can’t be here, it is outrageous to question anyone’s integrity. It is a huge insult to us.
“It is a game that we absolutely look forward to.” Martinez Losa was equally vocal about his thoughts on the matter.
"I don't feel happy about the questioning of the integrity of the Scottish players," he said. "Scotland is a wonderful country, with wonderful people, they are very passionate about everything and nobody for one second should question the integrity of the players and how much they want to represent their nation.
"Our motivation is our fans, to play good football, to beat England and improve the aspects we have to improve as a team. This is something we couldn't affect and is part of the competition. We have been trying to stay away from that, there is no conversation to have.
"My opinion of the question of the integrity is very negative. Everyone who knows me, the players, the team knows how strong the feeling is for players to come and represent their country.”
Martinez Losa’s side have taken just two points from the campaign but the belief among the squad is that the exposure to elite level teams ought to serve them well when they kick off their European Championships campaign next year.
“Our position within the group is difficult because it is not where we want to be but at the same time we have the opportunity to finish the year against a team who is one of the best,” said Corsie. “There is a huge rivalry and to get the chance to play them here at Hampden Park is one that everyone is relishing.
“Apart from The Netherlands away I think there have been positives in every game. “It has been a tough group but we knew that. The girls are frustrated because we felt we deserved more from Friday night but the margins are tight. But this game takes care of itself.”
“It would be brilliant to get a positive result. It would help the group as we have more younger players coming through and they stand to gain the most from that little bit of confidence it would give us. “It would be great to finish the year without a win, even if it doesn’t change the group standings. “A positive result would be a good way for us to go into next year. There will be a lot of tough games again, games of this calibre.”
