International round-up: Ross fires Scotland into World Cup finals

Jane Ross

 

West Ham United's Jane Ross scored the winning goal for Scotland against Albania, sending the nation into next summer's World Cup finals in France.

The Irons attacker saw her header loop over Albania shot-stopper Viona Rexhepi in the 68th minute, earning a 2-1 win away from home for the Scots and securing their place at the top of Group B in the UEFA Qualifiers. 

Arsenal's Kim Little had put Scotland in front after five minutes in Tuesday's contest, but Albania found a way back into the game just moments before half-time, netting through Megi Doci. 

But Ross' finish means Scotland have 21 points from their eight qualifying matches played, and have overtaken Switzerland in top spot in their group, meaning Shelley Kerr's side will be one of the 24 teams at the FIFA Women's World Cup next summer. 

Alisha Lehmann

 

Euphoria for Ross and her teammates however comes at the expense of West Ham teammate Alisha Lehmann and her Swiss international colleagues, after Switzerland drew 0-0 with Poland. 

Switzerland had been in pole position in Group B heading into the final match of qualifying, but couldn't score the goal needed to collect the win. 

Lehmann came on at half-time for the Swiss but was unable to find the net, meaning the side finish second and will face a play-off to determine if they will reach next summmer's competition. 

Elsewhere, Leanne Kiernan and her Republic of Ireland teammates were not in action, missing out due to the draw of the fixtures, and will end their qualifying third in Group C on 13 points.