Hungary 0-2 Scotland: Visitors begin World Cup bid with convincing win

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Scotland was dominant for large portions of the proceedings, but they had to settle with a 2-goal margin

With a well-deserved win over Hungary in Budapest, Scotland opened their Women's World Cup qualification campaign under Pedro Martinez Losa.

Erin Cuthbert started the scoring for the dominant Scots by turning in a rebound to earn her own penalty.

Klaudia Kovacs was able to set her own bar but the hosts gained confidence as the game progressed.

With 17 minutes remaining, substitute Martha Thomas calmed the nerves by giving a quick head-up.

Scotland will now take on the Faroe Islands. They were humiliated in Spain's opener at Hampden last Tuesday.

The top nine winners in each group advance to the finals in Australia or New Zealand. The runners-up will be invited into a playoff.

Before the dawn of the new Scotland national team, Captain Rachel Corsie made it clear. Six points would suffice from the two first games.

It's not surprising, considering Spain and its group rivals haven't lost a qualifier since 2012.

Martinez Losa's dream of a great start to his Scotland tenure was hampered by a series of call-offs. Kim Little, stalwart of the side, announced her retirement while Caroline Weir was one of the most dangerous players on the side.

Scotland showed great spirit during their spirited start at the Hidegkuti Nandor Stadion.

Cuthbert's controlled performance soon paid off with an opportunity to take the lead at the spot. Cuthbert was sent scampering by Jane Ross, but Lilla Turanyi brought him down.

Cuthbert made the spot kick, but Reka Szocs saved her from a disappointing effort. Cuthbert quickly reacted and steered in the rebound to take a well-deserved lead.

Except for a floating, long-range attempt by Lilla Sipos, which was stopped by Lee Alexander, there were no attacks from Hungary. They believed more after the break, as the anxious visitors fled.

Martinez Losa made adjustments and substitutes had a big impact, with only Ross dragging to the microphone.

Lana Clelland could have done better with three attempts - the first was lobbed over Szocs' bar, the second two at Szocs. But substitute Thomas won the game with a quick header from deep in the corner.

Claire Emslie missed a golden chance at the back post for an incredible third, with the goal gaping. Thomas was also denied a well-deserved second, but it didn't matter for the Scots.

Erin Cuthbert was the player of the match

Erin Cuthbert was privileged to be the opening scorer, but her talent was evident throughout the game with her great vision and movement for the Scots

What have we learned?

Martinez Losa was not going to be judged at this point. The Spaniard had little time to prepare for his match and was unable to communicate his message. All the calls meant that this match was more about performance than results.

However, Scotland could have made Budapest's life much easier. Although the team in dark blue was more skilled, it allowed their hosts to improve in the second half.

Scotland's Euros disappointment was due to a lack of cutting-edge. Martinez Losa's team will need to quickly find their range after Spain conceded 10 against the Faroes in their opening match.

The impact of Thomas and Clelland has made it clear that the Scotland boss must make a decision about who will lead the line at the national stadium.

What's next?

Scotland will play at Hampden their first match since they faced Jamaica in the 2019 World Cup. They host the Faroes on Tuesday (19.35 BST).