Scotland miss out on Women's World Cup at final hurdle

Ireland won 1-0 at Hampden Park in the play-off final

Author: Gabriel AntoniazziPublished 11th Oct 2022

Scotland must use the pain of missing out on the World Cup to "continue their journey" according to boss Pedro Martinez Losa, after his side lost 1-0 to the Republic of Ireland in the Women's World Cup play-off.

Irish substitute Amber Barrett scored in the 72nd minute to send her country to their first ever major tournament after a famous win at Hampden Park.

The Scots had also started the night hoping to repeat their qualification for the 2019 finals but faced an uphill struggle after Caroline Weir's early penalty was saved by Courtney Brosnan.

Martinez Losa bemoaned the passing of an "incredible opportunity" and blamed fine margins not going Scotland's way for his side's failure to return to the finals

He said: "It is a game of moments and the game was based on two moments that went on the side of the opponent."

"We feel disappointed. We need to go back home and feel about the lost opportunity."

Martinez losa was adamant his team are improving, despite missing out on back-to-back major tournaments.

He claims his side will be better placed next time around: "Obviously we see ourselves coming back, making sure everyone sticks together and continue this journey for the next tournament.

"The last tournament the team was not capable to play the play-off so we are developing the team.

"Qualifying to the Euro's could be more accessible, that's what we have to be focused on now".

Scotland's bid to reach Euro 2025 will begin next year, after the World Cup in Australia and New Zealand.