Scotland women’s national team is enjoying an unprecedented period of success and public profile but captain Rachel Corsie knows maintaining the feelgood factor is key to growing the game in this country.
The Scots booked their first appearance in the World Cup finals next summer with a 2-1 win in Albania on Tuesday.
Having made history last year by competing in their first major finals at the European championship in the Netherlands, Aberdonian Corsie, who plays her club football for Utah Royals in the United States, is eager to continue the positive attitude towards the women’s national team.
She said: “You can only do so much and we want as many people to support us. We’ve seen a lot of growth and want that to continue.
Congratulations all round from the boss @Kerr5Shelley and our captain @RachelCorsie14. ???????#SWNT #OurGirlsOurGame pic.twitter.com/py6j6oOGvH
— Scotland National Team (@ScotlandNT) September 4, 2018
“It’s our responsibility to provide football that’s entertaining to watch and most importantly, football where we win.
“Fans ultimately will follow you if you’re successful. In qualifying for two major tournaments – fans start to take note and want to get behind you.”
The 2017 Euros was a testing first taste for the women as they suffered two defeats, including a 6-0 loss to England, before beating Spain 1-0 in their final match last summer.
FULL TIME | Albania 1-2 Scotland. WE'VE DONE IT!
Scotland are going to the World Cup!#OurGirlsOurGame #SWNT pic.twitter.com/YRMuvqMn6g
— Scotland National Team (@ScotlandNT) September 4, 2018
But, having regrouped and come back stronger to book their place in France next summer Corsie believes her side must “prove we deserve to be there with these top teams”.
“We felt in the Euros we didn’t express ourselves and do enough to show what we’re capable of,” she added.
“Now we have the opportunity to do that on a bigger stage and that’s exciting.
“The World Cup is the pinnacle of football and to have the opportunity to go over there and be on that stage with the best teams in the world is going to be incredibly special.
“To get to two consecutive tournaments is huge and the World Cup is the biggest stage of all so I’m sure there will be a huge crowd over in France and that’s something for us to look forward to.
“I’m so incredibly happy for every single one of the girls who’ve played their part. We’ve been fantastic and now we’ve set ourselves a benchmark. There’s a unity about us that we maybe haven’t had in the past and we’ve added a lot of quality young players to create a really strong group.”
Aberdeen manager Derek McInnes hailed Corsie and Mintlaw’s Kim Little for helping the Scots create history.
He said: “What a fantastic achievement for the girls to reach next summer’s World Cup finals and the fact that, through Kim and Rachel, there’s a strong north-east connection makes it even better.”
