Abi & we know it
Scots’ dreams alive as Harrison seals dramatic win
SCOTLAND left it late but the dream remains alive after Abi Harrison sent her nation into the World Cup Final play-off final against Republic of Ireland on Tuesday.
The Scots’ sub rose high to convert Erin Cuthbert’s corner less than two minutes into extra-time to delight the 10,182 supporters – a record Hampden attendance for a women’s competitive game.
And they now have a date with destiny at the National Stadium against the Irish.
Pedro Martinez Losa belted out the words to “Flower of Scotland” before kick-off but if he makes it to next summer’s World Cup he will find himself an honorary Scotsman forever more.
The magnitude of the game was clear in the opening period as Scotland looked unsettled in the first minutes.
heavy pitch and torrential rain encouraged both sides to shoot from distance.
Austrian full-back Verena Hanshaw sent in an early swirling effort that Scotland keeper Lee Gibson had to hold on to.
But the Scots slowly started to feel their way into the game with Cuthbert almost finding a way to release Martha Thomas. The move did not quite have the outcome she was looking for but it did galvanise the home support.
There was excitement when Thomas almost got on the end of Sam Kerr’s ball through but visiting keeper Manuela Zinsberger was quick off her line before the forward could find a way to goal.
Encouraged, Scotland started to ask further questions of the Austrians.
Caroline Weir attempted a half volley from just inside the box as Austria failed to clear from a corner.
At the other end, however, a looping effort from Nicole Billa which ended up on the roof of Gibson’s net was a reminder of how potent she can be.
Half chances in quick succession gave Scotland a sense of momentum. CuthA bert just couldn’t get on top of a Thomas ball before Weir’s cross was claimed by Zinsberger. Almost immediately afterwards Claire Emslie threw herself to get on the end of Kerr’s cross but the Austrian keeper collected.
Emslie had the pick of the bunch in terms of the chances. A clever little chip from Kerr picked out the winger but she couldn’t compose herself quickly enough before the chance was lost.
Austria, though, served a reminder of their threat with Julia Hickelsberger clipping the top of the bar.
The visitors picked up where they left off after the break with Laura Feiersinger forcing Gibson into a stop after she had an effort from the edge of the box.
Hanshaw let fly with an effort from distance that whizzed just past Gibson’s post as Scotland struggled.
But the Scots finished the regulation 90 on top as they forced a series of corners. As the game restarted they got their breakthrough from one with Harrison thumping home a header.
And they held out the rest of extra time with the Irish now awaiting them in Tuesday’s showdown.
SCOTLAND: Gibson 6; Evans 7, Corsie 7, Howard 7, Docherty 7 (Mukandi 114, 2); Kerr 6 (Graham 64 6), Cuthbert 7, Weir 7; Clelland 4 (Brown 46, 5), Grimshaw 120, 1)), Thomas 6 (Harrison 75, 7), Emslie 7. AUSTRIA: Zinsberger 6; Wienroither 6 (Kolb 112, 2), Wenninger 6, Georgieva 6, Hanshaw 7; Puntigam 6; Hickelsberger 7 (Naschenweng 65), Zadrazil 7, Feiersinger 7(Plattner 100, 3), Dunst 6 (Sciechtl 112, 2); Billa 7 (Wienerroither 83, 2).