ICELAND v SCOT: Post Match Reaction

Scotland went into their final qualifier against Iceland knowing that they had secured their position in the UEFA Women’s Euros 2017 tournament – and there is no way you can overstate the significance of that. But at the same time, there was no doubting the importance of this game writes Tim Oliver (Tartan Kicks – the magazine dedicated to Scottish Women’s Football).

Having been outplayed, outfought and beaten 4-0 by Falkirk, Scotland were almost playing for the right to show the world that they can compete.

Before the match, Scotland’s manager Anna Signeul spoke about Scotland changing tactically for the match, and training on defending and being tight at the back – and this was evident from the way Scotland lined up.

Of course, with Kim Little withdrawing from the squad, we don’t know what ‘Plan A’ would have been. But Scotland started with a 4-4-2 formation, with Jane Ross dropping deep when Scotland was without possession to make it almost a 4-2-3-1. Playing Hayley Lauder and Leanne Ross as wingers allowed more defensive solidity, and Lisa Evans’ pace allowed Scotland to pose a threat on the counter.

This isn’t to say Scotland were negative. Emma Mitchell (below) had an outstanding game from left-back and was constantly getting forward on the overlap – the same with Kirsty Smith on the right. The big change was the directness in their play. Scotland didn’t wait for an opening, they created one.

After the game, Lisa Evans spoke about how Scotland had come to Iceland with a different mindset as they looked to show that Scotland can compete.

Signeul praised Caroline Weir and Jane Ross – but she also felt that this was Emma Mitchell’s best game for Scotland.

WHAT THEY SAID:

Anna Signeul – Manager

Congratulations on the result. What are your thoughts on the game?

It was fantastic. I’m so proud of the players, because we said we might sneak in a win but the most important thing was that we did ourselves proud with showing that actually we can compete physically and that we can deny them a goal. Now we conceded a goal but we managed to score two so we could win the game. It was a solid performance I think defensively, and then I think also a variation in attack that we showed that. I though Caroline Weir and Jane Ross were very good, but if we take every individual like Emma Mitchell – it’s probably the best game I see her play for us.

There seemed to be a very good understanding between the players, with players dropping into the positions to fill gaps and an understand of the tactics.

We had four really good sessions and we have trained defensive organisation a lot, so if that shows, that’s very good.

When Iceland equalised, Scotland didn’t seem to panic. You seemed to continue with the same style and composure.

That’s what I said to them at half-time. I was so proud, because there was such positive body language. It was like ‘okay, that’s done but now we’ve go to focus’. And even when we scored, we didn’t let go either of the focus – we were just going and going. So, very proud of them both tactically and mentally.

Lisa Evans – Forward

Congratulations on the win. How do you feel about the result?

We’re obviously very happy. We came here with a much different mindset from the first game and we really wanted to go out there and show that although we had already qualified, knowing that before the game that we wanted to play for pride today. And I think we wanted to show how good we can compete against the top teams like Iceland.

You must be pleased with the way Scotland started, because until their goal, Iceland didn’t really get into the game.

Definitely. The first half I think was really strong and a good tactical performance.

Even when Iceland did equalise, you didn’t seem to panic.

I think that was the biggest thing in the first half. They got the goal and I think probably through our mistake that they actually got the goal and apart from that, they didn’t really have many chances. We really did limit their chances in the game. That was one of our tactics to do that and I think it worked very well.

How did you find playing up front instead of your usual position on the wing for Scotland?

I think it’s a lot different obviously, but I’m happy to do any role as long as I’m playing and getting the opportunity – I don’t mind whatever the boss chooses.

And preparations obviously are now starting towards the Euros. How are you feeling about the year ahead for Scotland?

Yeah, we’re obviously really excited, we’re really looking forward to it. It’s obviously something new for us, we’ve not really had preparations for the Euros before. So we’re all really looking forward to it.

Finally, Bayern Munich are going to be playing Hibs in the Champions League. How are you feeling about that tie?

Looking forward to that, especially as I used to play for Glasgow City so Hibs has always been my rival team. But obviously I’ve got friends there, I’ve got family who can come and watch – so I’m really looking forward to it.

(All images: LORRAINE HILL)