Martinez Losa confident of play-off victory
HEAD coach Pedro Martinez Losa believes that Scotland can beat any of the other eight nations who are likely to be in the World Cup play-offs. His side is guaranteed a place in October’s showdown following Ukraine’s 2-0 win over Hungary on Tuesday night.
The result means Scotland will definitely finish second behind Spain in Group B ahead of their final qualifier in the Faroe Islands on September 6. That is also the date when the identities of the other eight nations will be known, although there won’t be too many changes from the sides currently sitting in second place.
“After the Faroe Islands game we will know what the challenges are,” Martinez Losa said. “I think we can beat any of the teams that are in second place now.
“There won’t be many changes, so we can start planning for the different scenarios. We can compete 100 per cent.”
Wales and the Republic of Ireland are among the teams currently sitting second in their groups. Four of the others are higher in the world rankings than Scotland – Iceland, Belgium, Switzerland and Austria.
“This World Cup will catch the eye of millions of people around the world, so we can’t miss the opportunity,” the Spaniard said.
“I have said from the first day that this team will only get better.”
Caroline Weir, meanwhile is expected to sign for Real Madrid this week.
“It is not for me to say which club she will find, but it is a good league, a good programme and she will develop,” said Martinez Losa, who was born and raised in the Spanish capital.