Scotland v Austria: Scots must be fearless in Women's World Cup play off

In the Women's World Cup play-off with Austria, Pedro Losa wants his team to be fearless.

The Austrians will play the Republic of Ireland next week.

Scotland made their World Cup debut in the year 2019.

He said that they are happy to be together.

The emotional part of the preparation has been managed.

It's an opportunity for us to show what we can do and give the next step to the women's game.

We don't need to be afraid of anything. Winning or losing is part of our job, so we just consider winning and being prepared, which we can control now.

If they don't beat Austria on Thursday, Losa doesn't know if he will be forgiven by his daughter.

The importance of this match to the country as a whole is something that the Spaniard knows well.

The women's game in Scotland has grown in stature and popularity in recent years if the team can book a place at the World Cup.

He said there was a human aspect. I didn't have a child a long time ago. A four-year-old is watching tv. The emotional part of responsibility is increased as a result.

I'm not sure if she will forgive me if I don't win.

We have an opportunity to influence people, even if we don't win.

It's important for girls and women to achieve things, be brave and feel free. Tomorrow, my players are going to do this.

What the stats say

• Scotland have gone three home games without a victory, while Austria have won four consecutive away games.
• The sides have met three times previously, with Scotland winning all three - 2-1 away and 5-0 at home in their 2003 World Cup qualifying group, then 3-1 in the 2017 Cyprus Cup.
• West Ham United winger Lisa Evans scored Scotland's third goal in that last win over Austria and is in the current squad, but striker Jane Ross is injured and midfielder Leanne Ross now retired. Hoffenheim striker Nicole Billa scored Austria's goal and is in their current squad.
• Austria are looking to reach the World Cup finals for the first time despite reaching the last two Euro finals, while Scotland reached the finals for the first time in 2019.
• Austria are currently 20th in the world rankings - three places above the Scots.
• Irene Fuhrmann led Austria to the quarter-finals of this summer's Euros, where they were beaten 2-0 by eventual runners-up Germany.
• Austria finished behind England and above Northern Ireland in their groups at both this year's Euro finals and in World Cup qualifying.
• Scotland finished runners-up in their group behind a Spain side who ended their campaign with a 100% record.
• Austria finished their qualifying group campaign with a 10-0 thrashing of North Macedonia, while Scotland eased aside Faroe Islands 6-0.