Fiona’s definitely Scot what it takes
Dunblane girl’s success in women’s national side
Dunblane has a new sporting hero after football ace Fiona Brown helped fire the nation to the World Cup.
Fiona became a history maker last week as part of the squad which became the first Scottish side to book a spot at a World Cup finals for 20 years.
It was also the first time the women’s side have ever qualified for the business end of the tournament.
This week she told of her delight at helping to seal the place at women’s football’s biggest stage.
The Scots secured a 2-1 away win in Shkodër, Albania, and results elsewhere went in their favour, with Switzerland being held to a 0-0 draw with Poland, to ensure Scotland’s place at the tournament in France next summer.
Fiona was an un–used substitute for the match in Albania but that didn’t stop her from joining in the wild celebrations at full-time with her jubilant team mates.
The 23 year-old. who now stars for Swedish side FC Rosengård, said: “It doesn’t feel real. I’m struggling to take it all in and I think most of the team will be exactly the same, It’s a dream come true.
“It has been amazing. It’s been a long time coming for us. Before this we have had so many close calls.”
Fiona admitted that as the Scots clung on to precious victory, they had one eye on happenings in Poland.
She said: “Their (Switzerland) game finished about a minute before ours. I was on the bench and we were up and down trying to find out the score from people sitting nearby. When the final whistle came we had a good idea that we had done enough.
“The celebrations were brilliant on the pitch at the end and in the changing room afterwards.
“We didn’t get much of a chance to celebrate after that. We left in the early hours of the following morning and I headed back to Sweden. I was actually back at training the next day and the rest of the team were away back to their clubs as well, so none of us have had time to soak it in.”
The forward, who now has 31 caps to her name, says the landmark victory and subsequent qualification has made all of the sacrifices worthwhile. She moved away from home to at the age of just 21, to sign for Swedish outfit Eskilstuna United DFF. Then in November 2017 she signed with Malmo–based FC Rosengård.
She previously played with Glasgow City and Celtic.
Fiona said: “when I was younger, I missed out on going out with friends because I had training or a game, but reaching a World Cup has made all of those sacrifices over the years worth it.
“The league over here (Sweden) is really good and the move has matured me as a person.”
Proud mum and dad, Alison and Stuart, and older brother Ian have travelled far and wide to watch Fiona tormenting defences, but they were unable to make the trip to Albania for the vital match.
The Scots were led to glory by former Stirling University boss Shelley Kerr. Fiona said: “Shelley played at the highest level and for Scotland and she has been there and she understands exactly what it means to us. You could see that with her reaction at full time.
“It’s the first time in 20 years any Scotland team, men or women, will be at a World Cup so it’s an absolute huge deal for us.
“It’s great for the women’s and girls game in Scotland. There’s more opportunity now than ever for girls to get in to football.”
Following the memorable achievement, Shelley said: “It’s not often I’m lost for words but I’m really emotional. The whole week was draining, for the players and the staff but in my heart of hearts I genuinely believed that Poland would get something out the game against Switzerland and we’d beat Albania.
“These moments don’t come along too often so I’m absolutely ecstatic and it’ll take a while for it to sink in that we’re off to our first World Cup.”