Nerves will play a part as Scots try to nick World Cup spot

Scotland Women's boss Shelley Kerr admits her team must cope with the pressure today as they hope to nick an automatic qualifying spot for next year's World Cup.

Shelley Kerr

The Scots are in Albania in search of three points and cling on to the hope that Group Two leaders Switzerland will slip up in Poland.

Even if the Swiss win, Scotland know a victory in Shkoder will clinch a play-off spot as they chase a first-ever appearance at a World Cup in next year’s tournament in France. Kerr, whose side beat Switzerland 2-1 last Thursday, said: “Switzerland have to play a really good team in the shape of Poland.

“That will be a tough match for them and Albania will be hard for us too. There’s almost more pressure on us because Albania are lower ranked, so we need to make sure we’re ready to unlock their defence. They drew 1-1 with Poland which showed their attacking threats and their robust defence. Football is a strange game and who knows what could happen on the day.”