Scotland’s Nations League relegation confirmed despite battling Belgium draw

Scotland will play in League B of the next Women’s Nations League after their relegation was confirmed despite a strong showing in a 1-1 draw in Belgium.

Marie Detruyer put the hosts ahead on the half-hour in Leuven but Scotland battled back and levelled through a wonderful long-range Erin Cuthbert strike just four minutes later.

Pedro Martinez Losa would have been happy with the response from his side to falling behind as Chelsea’s Cuthbert struck with a moment of magic.

She had already come close to breaking the deadlock before Detruyer struck for Belgium – who now sit third in the group following England’s dramatic win over group leaders the Netherlands.

After falling behind, the visitors then had the better of the contest but could not muster a winning goal.

Celtic striker Amy Gallacher was guilty of missing the best chance to seal a comeback victory, while player of the match Cuthbert would come off late on after suffering a facial injury.

The draw means Scotland will be relegated from League A ahead of their final game of the inaugural competition.

They host England at Hampden Park on Tuesday night looking to pick up their first win in Group A1 with their rivals still hopeful of progressing to the finals and sealing a spot for Team GB in the women’s football at next summer’s Olympics.