The Netherlands took control of Group A1 of the Women’s Nations League with a 1-0 win over Scotland.
With England losing against Belgium, the Dutch are now two points clear at the top of the group with two games to play thanks to Esmee Brugts’ fine second-half winner.
The Scots’ resistance was broken on the hour as they sit bottom of the group and need to win their final two games to avoid dropping down into the B league.
They contained their higher-ranked opponents in the first half at Hampden Park, but debutant goalkeeper Sandy MacIver was required to make a fine stop just after the half-hour.
Sherida Spitse tried to surprise her at a free-kick by shooting when setting up to cross, but MacIver was equal to it and tipped onto the post.
The Netherlands continued to dominate, with Jill Roord missing a good chance early in the second half, and the breakthrough eventually came in the 60th minute.
Brugts, who had been kept quiet, was allowed to cut inside onto her right foot and she moved the ball across the penalty area before whipping a curling shot into the bottom corner.
They could have wrapped it up soon after when Scotland defender Rachel Corsie was dispossessed by Lineth Beerensteyn, whose fierce shot hit the post.
Brugts’ goal proved enough, though, leaving Scotland with it all to do to preserve their A league status.
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