On Tuesday evening, Luxembourg began their World Cup qualifying campaign in Group B4 with a clear 5–0 defeat against Scotland.
In front of 688 spectators, Scotland started at a high tempo with quick passing, pushing the Red Lionesses onto the back foot. After early chances lacked precision, the breakthrough came in the ninth minute. Luxembourg failed to clear the ball following a corner, allowing Caroline Weir to slot home.
After conceding, Luxembourg managed to keep the pressure away from their own goal more effectively. In the 16th minute, they came close to creating their first opportunity when Kimberley Dos Santos was played through, but the ball ran away from her as she advanced towards goal.
Scotland remained in control and doubled their lead in the 27th minute, with Jenna Clark heading in from a free kick. From open play, goalkeeper Lucie Schlimé made several saves, but Scotland struck again in the 37th minute, once more from a free kick. Weir curled a shot from around 20 metres into the left corner, sending the sides into the break at 0–3.
Luxembourg improved in the duels at the start of the second half and limited Scotland’s clear-cut chances. However, in the 62nd minute, Weir scored her third goal of the match to make it 4–0. Two minutes later, Luxembourg had their first real scoring chance, but Hannah Dietrich shot over the bar. Scotland then reduced the tempo and no longer attacked with the same intensity as in the first half. Nevertheless, Kathleen McGovern added a fifth goal in the 88th minute to seal the 5–0 result.
In the other Group B4 fixture, Israel lost 0–3 to Belgium. Luxembourg will play their second World Cup qualifier against Scotland on 7 March at 6pm.
