Signeul issues rallying cry to Scots women

By RICHARD PAYNE
Published on 19/10/2012 14:52

Scotland WOMEN face Spain at Hampden tomorrow afternoon in the first-leg of their Euro 2013 play-off and boss Anna Signeul believes her side are ready for their date with destiny.

Despite having never reached the finals of a major tournament, Signeul is confident her side can create history and, by doing so, catapult the women’s game 
in this country to another level altogether.

She said: “We’ve made great strides in terms of growing the women’s game in Scotland, and I genuinely believe that success breeds interest.

“We’ve had a good level of success over the past few years, but now we have an opportunity to qualify for the finals of a major tournament for the first time.

“Being so agonisingly close last time has made us all the more determined to reach the finals, but I don’t think even the players truly understand how big it can be for women’s football in Scotland to get there.”

Standing in their path is a Spanish side that are as technically gifted as their male counterparts, however Signeul believes the backing of the famous Tartan Army can push her team on to upset the odds.

She said: “Spain are a very good side, they are technically gifted and we will need to be at the top of our game to defeat them, but with the backing of the Tartan Army, we will have every chance. In Spain all the coaches have the same philosophy. The women’s team play like the men’s, and keep possession, but they are also more direct.

“This is the first time that the women’s national team has played at Hampden Park, and I think it will be a great occasion. It’s a fantastic opportunity to showcase the women’s game at the national stadium.

“It may be a bit of a cliché, but supporters really can be the twelfth player, particularly in crucial matches like this.”

Kick-off at Hampden tomorrow is 2pm and admission is free.