Scots must lose big for big dream
Great Britain actually wants to send a joint selection of female footballers to the Olympics in Paris. But there's a problem: none of the British nations are currently qualified. For that to change, the Scots will have to lose - against their great rivals, of all people.
Scotland's female footballers face a dilemma on Tuesday: in order to keep their dream of an Olympic Games alive, the team led by Samantha Kerr of German champions Bayern Munich will have to lose their home game against eternal rivals England - and preferably by as much as possible. "It's all going to be a bit strange at Hampden on Tuesday," wrote the BBC about the clash with its unusual omens.
The reason for the problem: only one team from Great Britain is allowed to compete at the Olympic Games. The prerequisite for this is that England qualify, as was decided before the start of qualifying. If the European champions manage to qualify for the Olympics, players from England, Wales, Northern Ireland and Scotland will travel to Paris in 2024 as "Team GB".
The problem: England must reach the final round of the Nations League to secure their Olympic ticket. To do so, however, they will probably need a big win against Scotland in Glasgow - England are only in second place in qualifying Group A1 before the final matchday, behind the Netherlands, who are level on points. Scotland are already relegated with just two points.
England coach Sarina Wiegman, however, is expecting real resistance, as she did in the narrow 2:1 first leg in September. "If you know the history of Scotland and England, there's no way they're going to concede this game," said the Dutchwoman. The rivalry is simply too great for that.
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Despite Scotland's passion for soccer, their defeat against England in the upcoming game is crucial for Great Britain's participation in the Olympic games 2024 in Paris. If England secures their Olympic ticket by winning this match, it will lead to a joint British team representing England, Wales, Northern Ireland, and Scotland at the Olympic games.
Source: www.ntv.de
