By Cameron Middleton 

Scotland’s Women’s National Team will host World Cup champions USA in Paisley tonight, in preparation for next year’s competition.

France will welcome 24 nations come next June, with Scotland being included for the first time ever, following a phenomenal qualifying campaign placing them at the summit of their qualifying group.

Now Scotland will welcome the worlds best in Team USA.

In four previous occasions, USA have recorded four victories against Scotland, with the last being a 3-1 victory in Nashville back in 2013.

Glasgow City midfielder Leanne Crichton started that day, giving her a first-hand experience of what it’s like to come up against a side of their quality.

Even though Crichton recognises the quality of the opposition, she believes that tonight will be a fantastic indication on how far the Scottish national side have come since the last time the two played:

“They were a fantastic side back then and they are the current world champions now. That speaks for itself, they haven’t lost a game this calendar year.”

“It will be a great test for us to see how far we have come as a squad, and an opportunity to be tested at the top level.”

The Glasgow City No.8 added:

“Of course playing the best teams now is great preparation for what we will face at the World Cup in 2019.”

“Tonight we will look to enjoy the moment and embrace the challenge.”

Crichton in action against Sweden in 2014

Shelley Kerr’s side have been hit with some injuries prior to tonight’s clash, with Sophie Howard, Kim Little, Emma Mitchell and most recently Lisa Evans all being ruled out.

They’ve been replaced by Joelle Murray, Haley Lauder, Nicola Docherty and Sam Kerr respectively, with the latter gaining her first international call-up.

Scotland are on a five game winning streak, with their last being the crucial 2-1 victory in Albania, securing their World Cup place in the process.

Team USA will be brining some of the worlds best to Paisley, with Champions League winner Alex Morgan set to be leading the line with midfielder and double Women’s Footballer of the Year Carli Lloyd sitting in behind.

Jillian Ellis’s side are unbeaten this calendar year. Their last victory was a 1-0 win over Portugal, which was their only away game in 2018 until tonight. Adding to this, since the turn of the year they’ve scored a monumental 64 times in 19 games, averaging over three goals a game, whilst only conceding ten.

Morgan (13) and Lloyd (10) at the 2016 Summer Olympics 

Whilst fans are turning their back of the Men’s national team, with poor decisions off the pitch and poor results to go along with it, this is a fantastic opportunity for Scotland’s Women to steal the spotlight.

Tickets are available at the ground, with fans being advised to get to the stadium earlier for them to enjoy the pre-match entertainment.

There will be live coverage from BBC Alba, with a 7:15pm kick off.

Admission Prices

Adults – £5

Concessions – £2

SSC Members – Free

Poll

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