Curious dilemma in terms of quality
Scottish women have to lose big for their big dream
December 4, 2023, 8:22 p.m
Great Britain actually wants to send a joint selection of female footballers to the Olympics in Paris. But there is a problem: none of the British nations are currently qualified. For that to change, the Scots have to lose – and of all things against their big rivals.
Scotland’s footballers are faced with a dilemma on Tuesday: in order to achieve their own dream of the Olympics, Samantha Kerr’s team from German champions Bayern Munich will probably have to lose their home game against their eternal rivals England – and preferably by as much as possible. “Everything will be a bit strange in Hampden on Tuesday,” wrote the BBC about the duel with the unusual signs.
The reason for the problem: Only one team from Great Britain is allowed to compete at the Olympic Games. The prerequisite for this is that England qualify, as was decided before qualifying began. If the European champion succeeds in taking part in the Olympics, players from England, Wales, Northern Ireland and Scotland will travel to Paris as “Team GB” in 2024.
The problem: England has to reach the final round of the Nations League in order to get their ticket to the Olympics. To achieve this, a big win against Scotland will probably be needed in Glasgow – in qualifying group A1, England is only in second place behind the Dutch with the same points before the last matchday. Scotland is already relegated bottom with just two points.
England’s national coach Sarina Wiegman expects real resistance, as was the case in the narrow 2-1 first leg in September. “If you know the history of Scotland and England, then they definitely won’t give up this game,” said the Dutchwoman. The rivalry is simply too great for that.