Scotland 7-1 Faroe Islands: Scots 'show the way we want to play' - Pedro Martinez Losa
Analysis of Scotland's World Cup qualifying win at Hampden, plus reaction from Pedro Martinez Losa
“The ultimate objective is making the people of Scotland happy” said Scotland boss Pedro Martinez Losa after Scotland thrashed Faroe Islands at Hampden.
A Chloe Arthur double and goals from Erin Cuthbert, Christy Grimshaw, Martha Thomas, Claire Emslie and debutant Jenna Clark earned the dominant Scots six points from six in their opening two World Cup qualifiers.
Marsha Biskopsto scored a rare goal for the Faroes just after half-time, but it failed to dampen the spirit of 4,513 fans at the national stadium.
The victory ensured a 100% start for new Scotland boss Pedro Martinez Losa. His side sit second in Group B behind free-scoring Spain on goal difference, who followed their their 10-0 win over Faroes by beating Hungary 7-0 in Budapest.
“We had some brilliant moments of football, showing the way that we want to play,” said Martinez Losa.
“I hope everyone can just feel that positive faith and willingness to succeed. The pride to play for the country.”
Anyone’s Game takes a look at Martinez Losa’s tactics, and focuses on AC Milan star Christy Grimshaw
Scotland’s two systems
Martinez Losa made one change from the 2-0 victory over Hungary on Friday; Aston Villa midfielder Arthur coming in for Kirsty Hanson. And it was to be an inspired decision, with the 26-year-old scoring twice in six first half minutes.
In the second half Scotland changed system, moving to a back three. But, it led to early struggles for the home side.
The Faroes were the ones who got the first laugh of the second 45, scoring an early goal through Biskopsto. There were three Scotland defenders around her and she still managed to guide the ball past Lee Alexander at the front post.
A disappointing goal to concede from a Scots perspective, especially with it being the Faroes only shot on goal the entire game.
The Faroes saw more of the ball in the opening stages of the second half than they did the entire first half as the Scots initially struggled to find their rhythm, before finally pulling away in the last 30 minutes.
Overall, Scotland boasted 78% possession and 35 shots at goal against the Faroes.
Grimshaw’s given ultimate task
One noticeable change during Martinez Losas' two games in charge has been Christy Grimshaw, who continued in wide midfield in place of the injured Caroline Weir. Anyone’s Game took a closer look at the AC Milan star’s contributions.
It was a tough role for the Kirkcaldy-born Grimshaw. Tasked with trying to bring the same attacking fervour as Weir, while also trying to replicate the creativity of the now-retired Kim Little.
She made her debut under Stuart McLaren; coming on as a late substitute against Northern Ireland then started in the 1-0 win over Wales.
Comfortable in midfield or up front, Grimshaw struggled initially to get a foothold and show what she’s all about against the Faroes. She started the game playing right wing, evidently tasked with hugging the touchline and trying to combine with full-back Rachel McLauchlan.
She got into a good area, in behind the Faroes defence after 15 minutes but fired wide. She soon started to get more confident as the first half drew on, looking for the ball and finding space to get crosses into the box whilst exploiting the wide Hampden turf.
On a positive note, Grimshaw opened her international account with a lovely back-post volley from a Nic Docherty cross with five minutes until half-time to make it 4-0. A lovely moment where you could see how much scoring meant to her. Hopefully there’s plenty more of them to come in dark blue for the 25-year-old. It’s sometimes all about the movement to make the right run to convert these chances.
Flair players such as Cuthbert perhaps took the shine off Grimshaw’s all round performance however her 77 minutes on the field could be seen as a success. However, having seen Weir play for Scotland over the years, it might still take a bit of work to displace her in the team when fit. With Grimshaw being relatively new in the Scotland setup, it’s always going to take time to cement a starting place and gel with the team mates.
“We are very pleased for them,” said Martinez Losa of Grimshaw and the others who have recently broken into the squad.
“They are intelligent girls who want to do everything for the team, and that for us is very important that everyone wants to contribute. When you go to a World Cup and major tournaments, you need to have special characters, the unity, solidarity and ones who understand the values of the team.”
He added: “We are not just going to consider this group of players. We are going to consider more. I think there’s a generation of very talented players.”
Anyone’s Game player of the match - Erin Cuthbert
The Chelsea attacker shone once again, scoring the games opener with a magnificent strike from 25 yards. She just oozes class with her vision, ability to pick the right pass and the all round play to excite the crowd inside Hampden. A role model that is only going to get better and become a key player in this Scotland side for many years to come.
What’s next?
Next up for Scotland is a home game against Hungary on 22 October (19:35 kick-off).
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