The adage goes that timing is everything.
Scotland’s head coach Pedro Martinez Losa has extended his contract until 2027, it was announced eight hours before Scotland’s match versus England in the inaugural Women’s Nations League.
At the start of a new round of qualifying for a major tournament, it was a public demonstration of faith in the Spaniard’s plan for the national squad.
Scotland have improved greatly under the 47-year-old manager, especially in the previous six months. This was shown by their performance in their subsequent 2-1 loss to the World Cup finalists and reigning European champions.
In the Women’s Nations League final, England defeated Scotland.
England, as the world’s number four ranked team, should have jumped out to an early lead and maintained their dominant position.
They have an abundance of top-tier athletes. Mary Earps, the reigning and once again nominated Fifa Best goalkeeper of the year, made several spectacular saves from Christy Grimshaw and Kirsty Hanson. Lucy Bronze, a right back who started the scoring, plays for the domestic champions Barcelona. Chelsea’s attacker Lauren James is widely regarded as a future star of the sport.
However, the Scots were known for their haughtiness. Real Madrid midfielder Caroline Weir acknowledged a level of respect in the team’s pregame news conference, but she also noted an air of confidence that they would be more than just spectators.
As with any elite competition, every point counts in League A of the Nations League. If only Kirsty Hanson hadn’t let go and rattled the crossbar. Poor Rachel McLauchlan, she really should have kept an eye on Lauren Hemp. If only Millie Bright’s alleged shove had resulted in a penalty for Martha Thomas.
The fact that disappointment is the predominant feeling for those traveling back up the road says a lot. After a performance in which they not only held their own but frightened their higher-ranked neighbors, Scotland have every right to be proud of themselves.
Hanson, who scored the game-winning goal and then hobbled off, stated, “We’re closing that gap now.” It was clear as day.
Scotland’s hopes of qualifying for the World Cup were dashed just under a year ago after a lackluster performance against the Republic of Ireland.
Martinez Losa’s team was knocked down and out, so it took some time for them to get back up and start scoring again. They’ve proven they can compete with the likes of Australia, Costa Rica, and England with their recent showings.
Grimshaw claimed that if his team continued to play like they did in the second half tonight, they would be able to compete with any team in the world.
The other side “should not be afraid of us” because “we’ve become a side that should not be scared of anyone.”
A ‘Proud’ Display of Performance The Scots are “constructing”
Martinez Losa has successfully fostered a culture where everyone thinks they have earned a place at the executive table. They can have it if they want it.
He has been given a four-year contract with the expectation that he can lead Scotland back to major competitions. Intentional plural form. It’s still early in the relationship’s development, but things are looking up. People do have faith.
“We’re definitely building something,” Hanson affirmed. We trust him, and he trusts us, and that makes the next few years under his leadership really exciting.
“My heart is here,” Martinez Losa says. He also emphasized the need of having a shared vision: “It’s important we all know where we are.” “I think the people of Scotland will be proud of what the players accomplished in this game,” said one commentator.
When things look to be going well in Scotland, whisper it.
But as the Spaniard remains in charge, it’s possible that the Tartan Army’s flight reservations will increase and covert operations will decrease.
