Davidson's spark helps Scotland past Czech Republic and into Sweden play-off
Scotland overcame Caroline Weir's injury absence to beat the Czech Republic and set up a World Cup play-off against Sweden, with Lauren Davidson praised by Erin Cuthbert.
Scotland advanced to a 2027 World Cup play-off against Sweden after a 3-2 second-leg win over the Czech Republic in Paisley, sealing a 5-2 aggregate victory. Melissa Andreatta's side twice came from behind, with Lauren Davidson scoring the equaliser and Kathleen McGovern also on target.
Scotland had to cope without captain Caroline Weir, who withdrew after an injury in the warm-up, while Chelsea captain Erin Cuthbert was introduced at half-time for only her second appearance of the season. Andreatta described Weir's withdrawal as precautionary but did not provide further detail on the injury.
Davidson, a Brann forward whose contract expires in December, was named player of the match. Cuthbert told BBC Scotland that Davidson was "on fire" and looked "like she was possessed." The 25-year-old has started Scotland's last five games, operating on the wing and centrally, and has scored four international goals, three of them in 2026.
At club level, Davidson is on course for another Toppserien title, with Brann holding a 10-point lead after 18 games. She said her move to Norway was a deliberate step and that she has loved the experience, though her deal runs out in December.
The result keeps Scotland's World Cup hopes alive, but the team's reliance on Weir and Cuthbert remains a concern. Both are expected to be important when Scotland face Sweden, who are back-to-back World Cup semi-finalists, over two legs. The first match is scheduled for 1 December at St Mirren's ground, with the return in Stockholm four days later.
Cuthbert acknowledged her worry over Weir, saying her teammate does not go down easily and expressing hope she will be fit for the Sweden double-header. The Scots will need their key players available and in form to progress past such high-calibre opposition.
