'Bring the magic' - Scotland's Ross eyes World Cup dream

What the report says

Scotland assistant coach Leanne Ross says the current women’s squad has the quality to reach the 2027 Women’s World Cup, as the team prepares for a play-off first-round tie against the Czech Republic. BBC Sport reports that the opening leg is set to be played in Pardubice, east of Prague, with the match being shown live by the BBC. Scotland are aiming to move closer to Brazil 2027 after previously falling short in play-off campaigns for recent major tournaments.

Ross, a former Scotland international with 133 caps, has long pursued a World Cup appearance herself but retired after Euro 2017, before Scotland qualified for the 2019 tournament. She described the prospect of reaching the finals as both “huge” and a proud moment, saying it would mean a great deal to achieve it from the coaching staff after missing out as a player.

The article also places the run in wider context: Scotland’s women have not been back at a major tournament since Euro 2017, and the squad has experienced recent play-off disappointment. Ross, who also coaches Glasgow City, said the side’s progress and the quality of players competing at strong clubs and in challenging environments give Scotland a genuine chance if they can bring those strengths together.