USA edge out Scotland women to take all three points at the World Cup

Scotland faced USA in both team’s second fixture of the FIH World Cup in Wavre, Belgium today.

Playing in their first World Cup in 24 years was not the only momentous occasion this week, with Amy Costello reaching a huge milestone as she earned her 100th cap for Scotland. With a further 69 caps for Great Britain to her name, Amy has built an incredible international career. What a fantastic achievement.   

Charlotte Watson also reached a remarkable milestone, earning her 150th combined cap today, an incredible accomplishment.  

Head Coach Chris Duncan reflected on the team’s loss against Germany ahead of today’s match “Frustrated with some parts of the performance, but we played well in the second half, creating good chances again Germany. Unfortunately, there wasn’t enough momentum and flow, which we want to bring today and take confidence from the Germany game. The USA played well against Argentina, but we are ready for it, and the girls are excited.”  

Scotland got us underway in the opening match of day 3 in Wavre, Belgium. Competitive start for both teams. USA get the first opportunity with a strong aerial up the field which meets 17-year-old Reese D’ariano who’s reverse hit strikes the sideboard of the goal, opening the scoring in today’s fixture 6 minutes in. 

USA struggle with some misconnected passes, overturning possession back to Scotland. Big chance for Scotland halfway through this quarter with Ellie Mackenzie driving up the left wing and into the circle, USA deter them the opportunity of an outcome. 

Bronwyn Shields successfully turned over possession once more, creating the chance for Jess Ross Martin to drive into the circle and win Scotland their first short corner of the match. Injection meets Amy Costello at the first castle who slips it to captain Sarah Robertson, with one touch gets the ball in the back of the net.  

After 10 minutes the scores are level, USA 1-1 Scotland. 

After a USA team referral, they earned their first penalty corner, which was deflected onto the top of the crossbar, almost earning them a second. Another USA corner in the closing minutes was stopped by Charlotte Watson, sparking an immediate Scotland counterattack. Ellie MacKenzie carried the ball up the left, but was stopped just short of the circle at the opposite end of the pitch. 

Scotland restart the game in the second half with the scores still deadlocked. Jen Eadie and Katie Birch continue to put in strong performances, with Birch making some important defensive touches early in the quarter. 

D’Ariana has another strike on goal, but Buchanan is equal to it. However, not long after, Sophie Gladieux puts the USA ahead with a strike from the top of the circle following a miscommunication in the Scotland defence. 

Scotland regroup, with MacKenzie winning an attacking penalty corner. Costello’s drag flick is blocked by the USA defensive wall. 

Despite some setbacks and a couple of green cards, Scotland remain determined and continue to show bravery in attack. Their persistence is rewarded with another penalty corner, but unfortunately, a USA referral overturns the decision. 

Half-time USA 2-1 Scotland 

At half-time Head Coach Chris Duncan emphasised that they are “Pleased with the teams attack and they can play even better with the ball, looking to tidy it up and get more possession higher up the pitch going into the second half” 

Energetic start to the second half for Scotland, taking the advantage of USA not being organised in defence. Charlotte Watson working hard to breakdown USA defence further as they struggle to get out of their own half. 

However, the tables quickly turn as the USA fight their way forward and win a penalty corner. Mia Schoenbeck steps up with a powerful drag flick to score the USA’s third goal of the match. 

Scotland bounce back with Sarah Robertson charging through midfield, creating an overload in attack and earning Scotland their fourth penalty corner of the match. Scotland then win three back-to-back corners, and on the third opportunity they find the breakthrough! Millie Steiger gets a crucial deflection onto Costello’s drag flick to score Scotland’s second goal of the match.  

Scotland take the momentum into the last quarter, looking very dangerous in the attack, only one goal separates the two teams, all to play for! 

Shields, MacKenzie, Robertson and Burnet combine well through the midfield to give Scotland more attacking chances. A fantastic pass from Costello to Jamieson adds to Scotland’s momentum, Scotland use their final review, which is unsuccessful.  

Scotland fans roar through the Belfius Arena, cheering the team on as they push for a draw against a strong USA side. 

With five minutes remaining, Scotland took goalkeeper Jess Buchanan off to give Scotland the best possible chance of finding an equaliser. The decision has an immediate impact, with Heather McEwan presented with a huge opportunity, but unfortunately, she can’t quite get the final touch. 

Scotland continue to dominate possession, firing multiple passes into the circle as they search for a late equaliser. With no referrals remaining, however, time eventually runs out. The USA hold on for a narrow victory after a fiercely contested match. 

Time to rebuild and prepare for their final pool fixture against Argentina on Wednesday 19th at 10:00 (BST). Watch Live on BBC iPlayer ALBA.  

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