Scotland: How relegation prompted ‘confident’ and unbeaten Euro 2025 qualifying campaign

Six games, five wins, one draw, 12 goals scored and just one conceded makes for very pleasant reading.

Scotland knew nothing but success in the group would be tolerated, it was just about deciding what defined success.

From the get-go, their aim to top B2 was set out but as the top-ranked team, that was to be expected to be the goal.

The manner in which it has been achieved – as one of only three undefeated sides across Leagues A and B – is what stands out, particularly given the challenges this campaign has presented.

After what was a rather dull draw in Leskovac on matchday one in Serbia and a fairly flat first win against Slovakia at Hampden, the first camp failed to galvanise the support in the stands that a corner had been turned.

But when the fans weren’t allowed in for the behind-closed-door games – the home tie which was delayed by 30 minutes due to an individual chaining themselves to a goalpost – against Israel, the Scots put on a show.

A ruthlessness appeared in their free-flowing attack and a stability formed in their steely defence.

Martha Thomas brought her goal-scoring boots, which have delivered much joy at Tottenham Hotspur to net five times in two games, while a fierce front-three relationship with Claire Emslie and Kirsty Hanson either side of her has developed.

The former led by example in Nitra to score one in scorching sunshine and another in a soaked shirt either side of a Biblical thunderstorm which enforced a 40-minute interruption to play.

A game, which like Tuesday’s, was played at a time where Scotland were “not in their best physical condition”, admitted Cuthbert.

“It’s been a big effort, we are out of season. This window is far from ideal, apart from for two people who are in season.

“It’s hard to be on holiday and then just switch your mindset to winning two important games, but that’s what we’ve done.”