Scotland women (including Daviebee's Julie Fleeting!) have something to celebrate tonight. After they topped the Group 5 down in Wales they thought the next stage in making to top 16 in the world was a play-off. They were expecting to play either the Czech Republic or Ukraine in August and September. However, after a ruling from UEFA, they do not have to worry about that as they have been elevated to the Women top 16 ranking in Europe. Without having to kick another ball as well!
UEFA yesterday revealed that the winners of each group would automatically attain 1st strength category status (Top 16 teams in Europe), and it would be the second placed team that would have to proceed to the play-off stages. National Coach Vera Pauw was delighted "The players and backroom staff have worked extremely hard to achieve our top 16 place, and we are all ecstatic. It is a tribute not only the players dedication, but the excellent women's programme now in place, and credit must also go to the SFA, sportscotland, lottery fund and more recently Safeway for the backing women's football has received."
Now all we have to do is get the men's squad to be as successful and we would all be happy.
