Scotland Emphasizes Unity Ahead of Crucial Euro 2025 Play-offs

Defender Nicola Docherty has stated that “togetherness has been key” to Scotland’s advancements under coach Pedro Martinez Losa. The national squad is gearing up for a two-legged play-off series against Finland, with the victor securing a spot at Euro 2025 in Switzerland. The initial match is scheduled for Friday (19:35 GMT) at Easter Road, with live coverage available on BBC Scotland, iPlayer, and the BBC Sport website and app. The return leg will see the Scottish team travel to Finland on Tuesday. Rangers left-back Docherty conveyed to the BBC’s Women’s Football Weekly, “We’re going into games with confidence but know they’ll be difficult.” She further added, “We need to earn the right to be at a major tournament and we really want to try and get on that flight there.” Docherty also noted, “There’s more excitement, I don’t think there’s that much pressure. Togetherness has been key to where we are. We now just want to take that next step.” Scotland will face both matches without their captain, Rachel Corsie, an Aston Villa defender, whom Bayern Munich midfielder Sam Kerr described as a “massive miss to our team.” Nevertheless, Kerr indicated that the squad has received a boost from the return of Real Madrid’s Caroline Weir. Kerr praised Weir, saying, “Caroline is one of the top players and a top leader as well.” Commenting on the upcoming first leg on Friday, Kerr remarked, “We’re in Scotland for the first game and it’s an opportunity to make a mark. We’re going to really push for a good result.”