International round-up: Thomas helps Scotland secure Pinatar Cup

Martha Thomas

 

West Ham United’s Martha Thomas started for Scotland in Tuesday evening’s 2-1 victory over Northern Ireland, securing the Pinatar Cup for the nation. 

Thomas earned her second Scotland cap, having netted twice on her debut last week, in a fixture that saw the side come from behind after Northern Ireland took the lead after just five minutes through Rachel Furness’ early header. 

Scotland’s two finishes came in three minutes. A fantastic strike by Erin Cuthbert on 35 minutes was followed up by Abbi Grant’s second goal in as many games, after she capitalised on some poor defending. 

Thomas, who sat out the win over Iceland on Saturday, played 85 minutes of Tuesday’s win before being replaced by former West Ham forward Jane Ross.

Elsewhere, Alisha Lehmann was included in the Switzerland starting XI as two goals from Ana Maria Crnogorcevic got the win over Austria. 

Crnogorcevic grabbed her first after just eight minutes, but Sarah Puntigam levelled the match for Austria with just a few moments remaining in the first period. The Swedish attacker would strike late to secure the victory, netting the winner on 92 minutes.

Kenza Dali

 

Kenza Dali came off the bench to help France secure a draw in a thrilling 3-3 against the Netherlands, ensuring the side claimed the inaugural Tournoi de France. 

A strike by Lynn Wilms and a penalty from Sherida Spitse gave the Dutch an early 2-0 advantage but Valérie Gauvin’s low effort on the stroke of half-time reduced the deficit. 

Griedge Mbock’s 59th minute spot-kick levelled the match but there was another twist, with Lieke Mertens’s unstoppable rocket putting the Netherlands back in front. 

However, France would level again as Ouleymata Sarr tapped in from close range in the fourth minute of added time. 

West Ham’s Dali would enter the fray on 77 minutes, not long after the Netherlands’ third goal, helping France to recover in an exhilarating draw. 

Canada and Hammers forward Adriana Leon also competed at the Tournoi de France, and secured a 2-2 draw against Brazil in their final game. 

 

Away kit