Pedro hopeful of attendance boost fresh off men’s success

PEdRO Martinez Losa is optimistic that the positivity which has engulfed Steve Clarke’s side will have an effect on the Hampden attendance as Scotland’s women prepare for their critical opening FIFA World Cup play-off semi-final against Austria.

The men’s team have lifted the hearts of the nation on the back of a week in which they won promotion to the elite Nations League Group A — and guaranteed at least a play-off spot for the 2024 European Championships — courtesy of their impressive 0-0 draw against Ukraine in Krakow.

And Martinez Losa is keen to harness that support as his side face a complicated and potentially arduous journey to make it to next summer’s FIFA Women’s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand.

‘We are all the same,’ said the Spaniard. ‘We are representing Scotland.

‘This week with the men has been fantastic. I was at Hampden last Wednesday night for the Ukraine game and the atmosphere was amazing.

‘Watching the promotion from the Nations League has been amazing and we want to be part of that positivity. We want to be infected by that energy and positive environment and hopefully the fans feel the same, if possible.’

Should Scotland prevail against Austria on Thursday night at Hampden, they will face the Republic of Ireland five days later in the second play-off stage.

Even a victory may not guarantee a golden ticket; only the best two of the three winners of Europe’s play-off finals, after their results in their respective groups and the second round of the play-offs are combined, will qualify directly.

The third side will have to take part in February’s inter-confederation play-offs in New Zealand where they could face the likes of Chinese Taipei, Thailand, Cameroon, Senegal, Haiti, Panama, Chile, Paraguay or Papua New Guinea for the final places at the tournament, which is set to be the biggest event to date in women’s football, with significant commercial benefits to be gained from inclusion.

Wales tweeted yesterday that they have sold 9,000 tickets so far for their play-off against Bosnia and Herzegovina, with Martinez Losa keen to encourage similar numbers to Hampden on Thursday night. And the Spaniard has reiterated that the tournament provides the chance not just to bring exceptional finance into the women’s game but to inspire a generation for whom elite and professional football can be an authentic pathway.

‘This is a key aspect,’ he said. ‘We were given the opportunity to play at home and this is where we can have an advantage. There are not too many chances in life that give you the opportunity to inspire a new generation of people and to move the hearts of people.

‘More than winning or losing, there is a bigger picture, which is an opportunity for women’s sport and for the fans to be connected with the team. For us that would be massive because the Scottish fans can come out and give us something extra.

‘We are a team who are used to drama until the very last minute. We have two games — potentially — and these last efforts can make the difference. All these little details can be massive and we saw the effect supporters had at the Euros this summer. Hopefully Scotland fans can come out and support us next week.’

The announcement this week of a new Sky television package, estimated to be worth just under £4million across seven years for the women’s game, has been applauded by Martinez Losa.

Fiona McIntyre, the SWPL managing director, had a key role in negotiations which will see top-flight games given maximum exposure. If revenue streams can enhance the standard across the game, then the more basic spin-off is the opportunity for constant exposure for an impressionable audience.

‘It is a massive step in the right direction,’ said Martinez Losa (pictured). ‘A key aspect is the visibility of the game.

‘Increasing the standard at club level, providing resources, having good coaches and good facilities is important but, without visibility, it is not nearly so effective. ‘We are very happy that this is going to happen because hopefully it will increase the participation of girls and women playing football as well as getting more

fans to games.’