Scotland 4-1 Israel: Calm heads carried Scots through confusion – Corsie

And perform they did. In the first half there was a fluency and swagger about the Scots that has been absent since a narrow defeat by England in Sunderland last September.

They were in the mood and the front line set the tone.

Never has the talent of Kirsty Hanson, Martha Thomas and Claire Emslie been in doubt, but it hasn’t always clicked on the pitch.

Against Israel they were all singing from the same hymn sheet, with the trio playing a pivotal part – Emslie’s double coming either side of Hanson’s third international goal.

Their understanding was exemplified by the stunning third of four on the night.

Tottenham striker Thomas shrugged off a defender before slipping in a perfectly weighted pass for Hanson to gather at speed. The unselfishness of Hanson to then feed Emslie to hammer home made it a magical move.

All the more impressive with the backdrop of earlier events.

When the criticism has come after recent games, there has been a resolute response from the squad of togetherness and commitment. Few times has that been more evident.

When the players are “among themselves” they are composed, Corsie said. Head coach Martinez Losa likened it to a “family” culture.

Families have fallouts, but they stick together when the going gets tough and while there were delays and distractions, Scotland remained poised and it paid off.