'Possessed' Davidson fills Weir gap as Scots set up glamour Sweden tie
Erin Cuthbert praises Lauren Davidson as Scotland overcome Caroline Weir's absence to set up a World Cup play-off tie with Sweden.
Key points
- Scotland beat the Czech Republic 3-2 in Paisley to win the World Cup play-off 5-2 on aggregate.
- Lauren Davidson scored the equaliser and was praised by Erin Cuthbert as 'like a woman possessed'.
- Scotland will face Sweden in a two-legged tie on 1 December in Paisley and 5 December in Stockholm.
Scotland have advanced to the second round of the 2027 World Cup play-offs after a 3-2 win over the Czech Republic in Paisley, sealing a 5-2 aggregate victory. The team came from behind twice in the second leg, with Lauren Davidson scoring the equaliser and Kathleen McGovern adding a second.
Scotland will now face Sweden, back-to-back World Cup semi-finalists, for a place in next summer's tournament in Brazil. The first leg will be at St Mirren's ground on 1 December, with the return in Stockholm four days later.
Davidson steps up in Weir absence
Captain Caroline Weir withdrew after an injury in the warm-up, and Chelsea's Erin Cuthbert, who came on at half-time for her second game of the season, said Davidson was 'like a woman possessed'. Davidson, 25, scored her fourth international goal and third in 2026, playing both on the wing and centrally.
The Brann forward, out of contract in December, was named player of the match. She said she has loved her time in Norway and hinted it may be her last year there.
Lauren Davidson was on fire
— Erin Cuthbert
Concern over key players
Cuthbert expressed worry about Weir's injury, saying: 'When she feels like she can't continue, normally I'm a wee bit worried. Hopefully she's fit for the Sweden games.' Manager Melissa Andreatta called the withdrawal 'precautionary'.
Scotland's reliance on Cuthbert and Weir remains a concern, though Davidson's form offers cover. The double-header against Sweden will require the team to be fully fit.
