Scotland ‘can’t make excuses’ for Austria defeat

According to Kirsty Hanson, Scotland will not be using excuses for their Nations League defeat against Austria.

It was the start of a new era for Scotland women with the addition of a new interim head coach and new faces in the door.

Fans anticipated a change of tone as caretaker manager Michael McArdle made ten adjustments to the squad following their agonizing defeat by Finland in the Euro 2025 play-off, but what they saw on the field was a far cry from what they had anticipated.

One of the few bright lights on a dull Austrian night was Hanson. At 0-0, she had a few good chances, but she was unable to find the net.

“I’m really disappointed in myself”, the striker said.

After 14 minutes, the Lilli Purtscheller goal went in, and a flat Scotland performance fell even flatter.

To make things worse, they lost Sophie Howard to injury after just 21 minutes. Leah Eddie, the lead singer for the band Ragers, replaced her, lowering the back four’s average age to just 23 and a half. Despite spending the majority of the first 45 minutes with their backs to the wall, they held on until half-time with just a one-goal lead.

Austria regained their appetite and won, without furthering their tally, but Scotland improved in the second period and appeared to be capable of salvaging something.

While Amy Muir made her debut, the visitors gave Eilidh Adams, Frey Gregory, and Emma Lawton their first caps.

“We know what it’s like, but the starting XI obviously hasn’t changed much,” Hanson continued. “A few new faces, but we’re obviously a whole squad and we helped the young ones coming in, the debuts.