Women’s team ends mixed week on a high note

While we wait out the long month until the May 30th Czech Republic v. Scotland friendly in Prague, there is still plenty of national team action to keep up with, namely the national women’s side and their quest to qualify for their first-ever European championship tournament. The ladies had two matches this week, first on this past Sunday at Denmark, and then today in Portugal. To the casual international fan, Portugal would seem like the more dangerous of these two, but the Portuguese women’s side has been absolutely demolished in this qualifying run, entering the week with one point from their first five matches. Denmark, on the other hand, came into the week a perfect two wins for two. Scotland started the week in a relatively weak position, with only a win and a draw to show from their first four matches played. This is at least partly due to the continued injury of Julie Fleeting, Scotland’s captain and record-holder at 100 caps. All she’s done in that time is score an amazing 100 goals.

On Sunday, the Danes were too much for the depleted Scotland side, still missing Fleeting’s leadership and ability, and the ladies lost their third in five matches. However, today’s result showed just how important the captain really is to her team. Fleeting returned for the match, and scored a first-half hat trick to ensure victory over Portugal, 4-1. The fourth goal was scored by Celtic’s Jennifer Beattie. Excellent work, ladies, and we can only hope that Captain Courageous (now on 103 goals in 101 caps) can stay healthy. She makes a world of difference in this team.

Qualification is still a very tall order. With two matches left to play, Scotland is on seven points, putting them third behind leaders Ukraine, who will almost certainly win the group, and second-placed Denmark. Two wins are vital, since only the four best third-place finishers will make it to a playoff for the tournament. Good luck, ladies. After the disappointment of missing out of Euro 2008, it would be fantastic to have our side in Finland next year for the women’s Euros.