Scotland close in on Women's World Cup playoff spot with 4-0 Ukraine win
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 [June 25, 2022]
RZESZOW, Poland (Reuters) -
Scotland beat Ukraine 4-0 in their 2023 Women's World Cup qualifier
on Friday, taking a big step towards sealing a playoff spot in what
was the first match the Ukrainian national team has played since the
Russian invasion.
Ukraine could feel home in Poland's southeastern city of Rzeszow
which - located about 100km from the Ukrainian border - has been a
focal point for people fleeing the war-torn country and many of the
refugees gathered to cheer on their team.
This, however, did not help Lluis Cortes' side to avoid a sore
defeat in their return to action in a game which was originally
scheduled for April, as forward Caroline Weir put Scotland ahead in
the ninth minute from the penalty spot.
Midfielder Erin Cuthbert made it 2-0 in the 17th minute after
receiving a back heel cross from Martha Thomas who joined the
scoresheet minutes later. Thomas then found the back of the net once
more to effectively seal the tie before halftime.
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Scotland's Lisa Evans in action with Ukraine's Viktoriya Hiryn
REUTERS/Aleksandra Szmigiel
Group B leaders Spain have already qualified for next year's
tournament with 18 points from six games, while Scotland are five
points back and occupy the playoff spot but face competition from
third-place Hungary who are on nine points.
Ukraine, fourth on four points, are out of that race despite having
two games in hand due to the postponement of their matches this
year.
The World Cup will be held next year in Australia and New Zealand,
starting on July 20.
(Reporting by Anita Kobylinska in Gdansk; Editing by Christian
Radnedge)
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