Record crowd sees Scotland impress in defeat to Spain at Hampden Park

A record attendance for a women’s international in Scotland watched the home side produce a much-improved performance against Spain as the visitors won 2-0.

A crowd of 7,804 watched at Hampden as Scotland delivered a competitive display in the World Cup qualifiers.

Group B leaders Spain travelled to Glasgow on the back of netting 43 goals in their opening five qualifiers, including five against the Scots in Seville.

But it was not until the 78th minute when Spanish captain Jennifer Hermoso scored her second goal of the game that the visitors looked comfortable.

Scotland threatened early on when Manchester City midfielder Caroline Weir got in behind but was denied by a last-ditch clearance.

The visitors stepped things up and went ahead in the 14th minute when Hermoso netted from the spot after Nicola Docherty had conceded a penalty.

Scotland goalkeeper Lee Alexander made saves either side of the break and Spain had a goal disallowed for offside, while Rachel Corsie produced a couple of excellent blocks to keep the game in the balance.

Scotland threatened themselves a couple of times.

Erin Cuthbert saw a deflected effort spin just wide and Martha Thomas went through but the offside flag was raised as she rounded the goalkeeper and finished.

The clincher came after Hermoso took a return pass and finished into the top corner.

The win sealed Spain’s place in the World Cup finals but Scotland remain in second spot and their chances of making the play-offs are set to rely on their rearranged game against Ukraine, which is scheduled for June 24.