‘Tough to take’ – Scotland’s Weir & McLauchlan lament 6-1 collapse in Germany

Captain Caroline Weir lamented the contrast in Scotland’s first and second halves as they went from 1-0 up to 6-1 against Germany in the Women’s Nations League.

Weir’s opening goal five minutes before half-time had given the Scots hope of atoning for Friday’s 4-0 home loss to the Germans.

However, Selina Cerci’s hat-trick, Giovanna Hoffmann’s double and one from Laura Freigang ensured another three points for the hosts, who lead League A1 with a better goal difference than the Netherlands.

“It was really difficult,” said Real Madrid’s Weir.

“First half we competed well and it was a good 45 minutes, we limited their chances and were able to counter on them.

“In the second half, we weren’t good enough and they came out strong. We conceded goals there that we’ll be disappointed with.

“Proud of the team for half the game. We showed what we can be, but it’s not enough at this level.”

Midfielder Weir and defender Rachel McLauchlan made way just before Cerci made it 6-1.

“It’s obviously a tough one to take,” said Brighton’s McLauchlan.

“[There’s] 20 minutes in the second half that we just can’t ever let happen. We can’t let that happen in the future, we have to go and work on that.”

The Scots, who were taken by interim head coach Mick McArdle for a fourth game in a row, face Austria at home on 30 May then travel to take on the Dutch on 3 June.

Austria are three points better off than Scotland and another loss for the Scots would consign them to relegation to League B.

“We’re lucky in the fact we’re a very tight squad, we’ll come together and help each other and come back in positive ways, I’m sure,” added McLauchlan.