Scotland 2-1 Hungary: Rachel Corsie winner salvages win for Scotland

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AC Milan's Christy Grimshaw opened scoring at Hampden

Scotland was spared by Captain Rachel Corsie's last minute header against Hungary, and they maintained their 100% start in Women's World Cup qualifying

Christy Grimshaw brought some life to a slow first-half performance as she ran in the box to bring home her prize.

Fanni Vago's win gave Hungary an unexpected equaliser as they took advantage the slow play of the hosts.

Corsie decided to go in, even though Scotland was set for a costly draw.

This win places Scotland at the top of Group B with nine points. However, they have played one more game than Spain (in-form), who will face Ukraine on Tuesday.

Scotland had many chances to win their opener against Hungary with a 2-0 win. The return of Caroline Weir was a big plus. They were forced to work hard for a win that was nervy.

Jen Beattie's sharp shot from the box's edge and the close-range header were Scotland’s best chances during a slow opening half hour. Grimshaw capitalized on a Hungarian defensive error to open the scoring.

After the centre-backs from AC Milan had misjudged Nicola Docherty’s hanging cross to the left, the AC Milan forward was able to make a precise first touch and finish at the edge of six yards.

Scotland had a half-time lead and was able to continue their march. The home team was caught out after a bright start, in which Grimshaw came close.

After several unconvincing passes from the back, Docherty's ball to Beattie was picked up. Hungary then worked the ball nicely across goal for Vago to finish in the top corner.

Although the equaliser did not alter Scotland's territorial dominance they struggled to maintain possession against an organized Hungary team that had lost their previous four matches.

However, the barrage of opportunities that could have been expected never came. Claire Emslie snuck in a shot, and Beattie swung wide from the point-blank line on the stretch.

Weir's stunning turn left Hampden fans pondering another Manchester City striker, but the shot went straight at Hungary goalkeeper Reka Skocs.

Just after Erin Cuthbert's brilliant denial by Szocs was over, Corsie remained alert to grab centre-back partner Beattie’s goalbound header and win a crucial victory in the final moments.

Claire Emslie, player of the match

Emslie was Scotland's most dangerous attacking threat, providing width, energy, and pace.

What have we learned?

Martinez Losa is well-known for using a possession-based approach. This was evident in last month's wins against Hungary and a small Faroe Islands team.

Scotland had a difficult time with the ball at Hampden. They often gave it away while trying to move it through thirds. When they finally got to the last third, they were unable to control the ball with precision.

They relied heavily on crosses from the outside, but they rarely had enough in the box to cause any problems for Hungary's goalkeeper or centre backs.

Given the pedigree and form of Spain, automatic qualification for the 2023 World Cup looks difficult. But a draw would have made it an impossible task. A late winner can boost confidence.

What were they saying?

Pedro Martinez Losa, Scotland's head coach: "These games help us grow as individuals." While tactics are important, the heart is more important than the tactic. They displayed great character.

Rachel Corsie, Scotland captain: "It is a feeling of relief. This is what we need to do. Our job is to make the crowd happy. We are grateful for this. We can do more, but it's good for our health."

What's next?

Scotland will face Sweden in a friendly at Paisley on Tuesday, 19:05 BST. Their next qualifier is exactly one month later at home to Ukraine on 26 November.