Scotland’s Women have qualified for the UEFA European Championships for the first time, thanks to an 84th minute penalty from Portugal.
Anna Signeul’s side were awaiting a number of results going their way to seal qualification before their final group game against Iceland on the 20th September – one of those games being Portugal v Finland.
After just half an hour played Finland were 2-0 up, but Portugal pulled a goal back on the half-hour mark and were then awarded two penalties, one on 45 minutes and the second on 84 minutes – with both being converted. And it was the 84th-minute penalty which sealed the win for Portugal and with that Scotland’s qualification to the UEFA EURO 2017 championships in Holland.
Scotland are second in Group 1, level on points with Iceland who have played a game less. They qualify as one of the best six runners-up having won six of their seven games with one tie remaining against league leaders Iceland away from home.
Under Signeul’s managerial reign, Scotland reached the play-offs for three tournaments – UEFA EURO 2009 and 2013, and FIFA Women’s World Cup 2015 – but failed to qualify as they fell at the final hurdle.
Speaking to the official Scottish FA website after news of their qualification was confirmed, Anna Signeul said: “This is an incredible moment for the players and staff, but also for the women’s game in Scotland. It’s a bit surreal that when the moment came we were not on the pitch, but we won’t complain about that.”
“This group of players, and many others that we have worked with over the years, have worked so hard to achieve this. We have experienced some fantastic highs in previous campaigns, and the pain of missing out at the final hurdle, and it’s all been worth it to take this final step.
“For now, we are 100% focused on preparations for our match in Iceland next week. We will have some time to appreciate the achievement after that, but not long, as we have a finals to prepare for!”
Reactions
SWNT | Incredible celebrations in the team hotel after it's confirmed that Scotland have qualified for the Euros!! 🙌 pic.twitter.com/kUgNBCVzJI
— Scottish FA (@ScottishFA) September 16, 2016
SWNT | Anna Signeul: "To qualify is a fantastic achievement. I'm so proud of all the girls. We can't wait for the Euros next summer!!"
— Scottish FA (@ScottishFA) September 16, 2016
SWNT | Gemma Fay: "To all of the Tartan Army, if you don't have plans for next summer, we'll see you in Holland for Euro 2017!!"
— Scottish FA (@ScottishFA) September 16, 2016
So proud of Anna Signeul and the Scotland Women's team. Qualified for #EURO2017 in Holland. First time ever. Magnificent achievement. #SWNT
— Stewart Regan (@StewartMRegan) September 16, 2016
The national women's team have just taken Scotland to our first major football championship in 18 years! #girlpower #SWNT
— Nicola Sturgeon (@NicolaSturgeon) September 16, 2016
We did it👌💙👏🏻 #WereGoingToHolland pic.twitter.com/qi0bJfLpLC
— Nicola Docherty (@NicDoc11) September 16, 2016
