International round-up: Svitkova helps Czech Republic to Azerbaijan victory

Svitkova

 

Kateřina Svitková helped the Czech Republic to secure a 3-0 Women’s Euro 20201 qualifying win over Azerbaijan. 

The midfielder played 72 minutes in the Group D contest, with the win putting the Czechs on 13 points after seven matches, leaving them third in Group D, level on points with Spain and a point behind Poland. However, Spain have two games in hand and only the group winners qualify automatically for next year's finals in England.

The Czechs took the lead on 27 minutes through Klára Cahynová, with Tereza Krejčiříková doubling the advantage seven minutes into the second half. 

The win was secured when Tereza Szewieczková netted just after the hour mark, meaning the Czech Republic still have a chance of securing a second-place finish and either qualification or a Play-Off.

 

International round-up: Svitkova helps Czech Republic to Azerbaijan victory

 

Martha Thomas also started on Tuesday, featuring in the starting XI for Scotland in their Group E qualifying match away to Finland.

The Scots were on the wrong end of a 1-0 scoreline, with Eveliina Summanen scoring the only goal of the game in the 49th minute. Thomas was heavily involved from the off, shooting just wide and setting up Kirsty Smith for an effort in the opening period. 

The Irons forward was substituted just after the hour mark, replaced by Leanne Crichton, with the defeat leaving the Scots third in Group E with nine points after four games played. Finland top the group with 13 points from five games, with Portugal second on ten, meaning Scotland still have an opportunity to qualify for the 16-nation tournament.

Forward Alisha Lehmann was introduced for Switzerland in the 57th minute in a 2-0 win away to Romania. The West Ham No7 came on with her side one goal up, before Ana-Maria Crnogorčević secured the victory eleven minutes from time. 

The win puts unbeaten Switzerland top of Group H, with a place in the qualifying Play-Offs at the very least assured, with six wins from their seven matches. Only Belgium, a point behind, have a chance of overhauling the Swiss, with the pair meeting in Belgium on 1 December.

Finally, midfielder Kenza Dali was an unused substitute for France in a 0-0 draw away to Austria in Group G. Both nations are locked on 16 points after six matches, with France leading the way on goal difference.

 

 

BCN