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Scotland go down to Hickelsberger goal

Scotland 0 Austria 1 (Hickelsberger 62)  

Austria secured their UEFA Women’s Nations League, League A status with a 1-0 victory over Scotland at Hampden Park, but condemned the
home side to relegation to the second tier in a match that marked captain Rachel Corsie’s final appearance on home soil.

New Scotland head coach Melissa Andreatta, taking charge for the first time since her April appointment, made three changes to the side defeated 6-1 by Germany last time out. Hibernian striker Kathleen McGovern earned a debut fresh off her SWPL title winning season, Freya Gregory made her first start and Amy Rodgers returned to the starting line up with Rachel McLauchlan, Claire Emslie, and Kirsty Hanson dropping out.

The Tartan Army paid tribute to their retiring captain Corsie with a round of applause in the fourth minute. Scotland, and goalkeeper Lee Gibson in particular, dug in early to keep Austria at bay. The first clear chance arrived on 13 minutes when Verena Hanshaw broke through after neat interplay, only for Gibson to push her effort clear.

Erin Cuthbert, honoured pre-match for her 75th cap, dragged a shot wide from the edge of the area. Austria, however, created the better chances and Marie Höbinger’s driving run set up captain Sarah Puntigam, but Gibson denied her with a save at her feet. Julia Hickelsberger then flicked an effort onto the bar, the ball bouncing dangerously across the goal line as Scotland held firm to keep the score level at the break.

At half time, Andreatta brought on Corsie for Jenna Clark, with Sophie Howard handing the captain’s armband to the veteran defender. Scotland started the second half brightly, but it was Austria who broke the deadlock on 62 minutes. Hickelsberger found space at the near post from a corner and headed home from close range.

Ten minutes later, Hickelsberger nearly doubled the lead, her low shot skidding across the turf, but Gibson was alert to deny her. Rangers teenager Mia McAulay came off the bench for her Scotland debut as the hosts chased an equaliser but Gibson continued her duel with Hickelsberger, smothering another effort from the Hoffenheim midfielder.

Scotland rallied late, led by substitute Kirsty Howat. The in-form Rangers striker nearly made an instant impact, starting a counter attack with strong hold up play but failing to sort her feet out in front of goal. She then came close to a spectacular equaliser, unleashing a 25-yard strike that keeper Manuela Zinsberger tipped onto the bar. Despite the late pressure, Scotland couldn’t find a breakthrough, and Austria claimed the 1-0 win.

Post match, Corsie soaked in the appreciation from family, friends, and fans as she left the Hampden pitch for the final time as a Scotland player, ahead of her retirement after this international window. The result confirms Scotland’s relegation to League B and Andreatta now leads her side to the Netherlands, aiming to end their League A campaign on a positive note.

Scotland: Lee Gibson, Emma Lawton, Amy Muir, Jenna Clark (sub Rachel Corsie 45mins), Sophie Howard, Erin Cuthbert, Caroline Weir, Amy Rodgers (sub Emma Watson 61mins), Lauren Davidson (sub Mia McAulay 73mins), Kathleen McGovern (sub Martha Thomas 73mins), Freya Gregory (sub Kirsty Howat 81mins).Subs not used: Sandy MacIver, Eartha Cumings, Kirsty Smith, Chelsea Cornet, Rachel McLauchlan, Brogan Hay, Kirsty MacLean.

Austria: Manuela Zinsberger, Sarah Zadrazil, Marina Georgieva, Laura Wienrother, Virginia Kirchberger, Marie Höbinger (sub Sophie Hillebrand 90mins), Annabel Schasching, Sarah Puntigam, Julia Hickelsberger (sub Eileen Campbell 87mins), Verena Hanshaw, Lilli Purtscheller. Subs not used: Mariella El Sherif, Jasmin Pal, Chiara D’Angelo, Carina Brunold, Maria Plattner, Claudia Wenger, Katharina Schiechtl, Viktoria Pinther, Laura Feiersinger, Nicole Billa.