SHELLEY Kerr could not have asked for a more timely World Cup boost as Kim Little's first half goal at the Pinatar Arena in Spain delivered a first-ever Scotland win over Brazil.
The national team coach was elated with her charges after they aced their penultimate warm-up ahead of the World Cup this summer.
"I'm really, really proud of the players," she said. "Brazil put us under a lot of pressure but we were really disciplined and organised.
"We showed real endeavour to get over the line at the end.
"We've got the fitness, ability and tactical ability to compete and get victories like we did tonight."
— Scotland National Team (@ScotlandNT) April 8, 2019
Hear from goalscorer Kim Little after #SWNT's 1-0 victory over Brazil this evening.#OurGirlsOurGame pic.twitter.com/P0Hsr33854
READ MORE: Scotland defender O’Donnell hits back at McLeish critics
"It was a quality goal we scored as well. It was a quality cross from Lizzie and the timing of Kim's run was brilliant.
"I just told them they need to show desire and intent to beat a team of Brazil's quality who have talented and dynamic players.
"In the grand scheme of things it's a friendly game but it shows what a bit of belief and confidence can do.
"I think it's the highest ranked team we've ever beaten, but right now we have to go away and reflect.
"I also thought it was a fantastic performance against Chile the other night – we just didn't get the win that we deserved.
Read more: Reaction as Scottish women beat Brazil
"We changed shape at half time, which we had to do, because they were pressing us aggressively."
Kerr made three changes to the side which had drawn 1-1 with Chile at the same venue on Friday night. Sophie Howard came in at right back, Leanne Crichton in midfield, and Claire Emslie on the left wing.
Both sides wasted no time creating chances on a balmy evening at the Pinatar Arena. Set pieces provided three opportunities for Scotland and one for Brazil, with Howard coming closest. The Reading defender headed a Little corner on to the top of the bar and over.
READ MORE: Andy Webster has no regrets about being the pioneer who became a Hearts pariah
Brazil scorned two glorious chances to take the lead midway through the half, and each time a post came to Scotland's rescue. They managed to scramble the first one clear, while a lob from Oliveira Santos beat Lee Alexander but also hit the woodwork.
The Scotland goalkeeper made a fine save to block a powerful Geyse shot and just as it seemed inevitable the Brazilians would take the lead, they went behind instead. Little sent the ball forward to Arnot on the right and the Manchester United forward eventually reciprocated with a low cross which Little converted.
Brazil had an effort disallowed early in the second half, and although it looked a close call the flag was up well before the ball crossed the line. Otherwise there was little of the first half goalmouth action with Scotland, who made two changes after the interval, holding their opponents comfortably.
Caroline Weir, with a low shot which Aline held at her left hand post, nearly doubled the lead with 12 minutes remaining and the Manchester City player came even closer almost at the end. She broke into the Brazil and was about to pull the trigger when Aline made a really decisive and brave save at her feet.
It would have put the icing on the cake, but it remained a glorious night for Kerr and her players.
Why are you making commenting on The Herald only available to subscribers?
It should have been a safe space for informed debate, somewhere for readers to discuss issues around the biggest stories of the day, but all too often the below the line comments on most websites have become bogged down by off-topic discussions and abuse.
heraldscotland.com is tackling this problem by allowing only subscribers to comment.
We are doing this to improve the experience for our loyal readers and we believe it will reduce the ability of trolls and troublemakers, who occasionally find their way onto our site, to abuse our journalists and readers. We also hope it will help the comments section fulfil its promise as a part of Scotland's conversation with itself.
We are lucky at The Herald. We are read by an informed, educated readership who can add their knowledge and insights to our stories.
That is invaluable.
We are making the subscriber-only change to support our valued readers, who tell us they don't want the site cluttered up with irrelevant comments, untruths and abuse.
In the past, the journalist’s job was to collect and distribute information to the audience. Technology means that readers can shape a discussion. We look forward to hearing from you on heraldscotland.com
Comments & Moderation
Readers’ comments: You are personally liable for the content of any comments you upload to this website, so please act responsibly. We do not pre-moderate or monitor readers’ comments appearing on our websites, but we do post-moderate in response to complaints we receive or otherwise when a potential problem comes to our attention. You can make a complaint by using the ‘report this post’ link . We may then apply our discretion under the user terms to amend or delete comments.
Post moderation is undertaken full-time 9am-6pm on weekdays, and on a part-time basis outwith those hours.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel