World Cup Preparations Continue as Scotland Women Take on Belgium

World Cup Preparations Continue as Scotland Women Take on Belgium

Following a three-match series against England, Scotland Women continued their preparations for the FIH World Cup with the first of two fixtures against the Red Panthers in Wavre.

The match marked a significant milestone for the squad, as they took to the Belfius Arena pitch for the first time, the same venue that will host their FIH World Cup campaign. Having trained at the venue the previous day, Scotland faced a strong Belgian side in challenging conditions, with the hot sun providing another test as both teams continued their World Cup build-up.

Belgium made a fast start, taking the lead just four minutes into the contest with a reverse-stick strike from the top of the circle. Scotland responded well to the early setback, showing composure in possession through Amy Costello while maintaining a strong, organised press that disrupted the hosts’ rhythm. Belgium earned the first penalty corner of the match with two minutes remaining in the quarter, but Charlotte Watson produced an excellent performance to deny the resulting drag flick and keep the team just one goal behind. Scotland continued to compete well in the closing stages, with the opening quarter ending 1–0 to Belgium.

The second quarter was closely contested, with both sides enjoying sustained spells of pressure. Belgium earned another attacking corner midway through the quarter, but Scotland goalkeeper Jess Buchanan denied their drag flick, producing an excellent save to keep her side in the contest.

Scotland continued to threaten going forward, with Amy Costello linking up well with Ruth Blaikie and Charlotte. Ellie Mackenzie continued to stretch the Belgian defence with a series of driving runs, forcing free hits in attacking areas and giving Scotland a platform to build from.

At the other end, Katie Birch produced a vital tackle to halt a dangerous Belgian attack, while Scotland’s defence worked together strongly to repel further pressure. Jess Ross Martin also showed great composure under Belgium’s high press, helping Scotland retain possession and build from the back as the visitors remained firmly in the game heading into half-time.

Scotland started the second half strong, creating an early attacking opportunity as they looked to find a route back into the contest. Belgium responded with an attack that drifted wide before getting their second midway through the quarter, a reverse-stick strike from the top of the circle found the top-right corner to make it 2–0.

The Scots responded well, enjoying a sustained spell of possession and moving the ball with composure as they searched for an opening. Belgium threatened again late in the quarter, with one attack running off the backline before the hosts earned another penalty corner in the closing stages.

Scotland continued to battle into the final quarter, with both sides creating opportunities despite the demanding conditions in the Belgian heat. Defensively, Scotland remained well organised, Ava Findlay produced important clearances before Heather McEwan and Fiona Burnet combined brilliantly to break up another Belgian attack.

Scotland continued to threaten on the counterattack, with Amy Costello driving purposefully through the middle and Ellie Mackenzie making another trademark run down the right-hand side. The visitors came closest to scoring when the Red Panther’s effort crashed against the left-post.

Belgium were awarded a penalty flick in the closing stages and converted to add a third goal, but Scotland finished the contest with encouraging attacking intent and plenty of positives to take into tomorrow where they face the side for a second fixture

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