Yahoo Sports Scotland boss backs team to match words with action
Euro 2025 qualifying play-off first round: Scotland v Hungary (1-0)
Venue: Easter Road Stadium, Edinburgh Date: Tuesday, 29 October Kick-off: 19:35 (GMT)
Coverage: Watch live on the BBC Scotland channel, listen to live commentary on BBC Scotland Extra and follow live text commentary on the BBC Sport Scotland website & iPlayer
Pedro Martinez Losa says Tuesday's result "will dictate" whether he "chose the right words" when suggesting there is no way his Scotland side will lose their Euro 2025 play-off at home to Hungary.
The head coach admitted it was a "live in the moment" comment, but he does believe his side are "ready" to compete in next summer's major tournament in Switzerland.
And he wants his players to: "Enjoy the occasion...because I'm sure, in 10 years or 20 years' time, we are all going to remember these occasions as one of the most significant in our lives."
Hungary head to Easter Road looking to recover from a 1-0 defeat in Budapest immediately after which the Spaniard suggested his team had all but clinched their place in the second play-off stage against either Finland or Montenegro.
Martinez Losa rejected the charge that his words would fire up the visiting dressing room in Edinburgh.
"I think both teams are more concerned with the inside processes," he insisted. "Hungary were very well prepared and will be well prepared again.
"I was referring more about the motivation of the group and the confidence we have inside, obviously while respecting the opponent."
Martinez Losa suggested that, while confidence "is high", they would not be getting ahead of themselves.
"Obviously we come from a journey that gives us confidence in what we can do and we are also realistic that, in football, everything can change in one game," he said.
"I will respect the opponent to the maximum level and the best way to respect the opponent is to prepare the team the best way possible."
Indeed, Hungary head coach Alexandra Szarvas was similar brazen about her side's chances, telling her national association website: "We are 100% confident that we can be successful on Tuesday."
Her side, nevertheless, arrive in Edinburgh 23 places below the 23rd-ranked hosts and having never beaten the Scots in four meetings.
When asked what to expect from Szarvas and her team at Easter Road, Martinez Losa replied: "There's no reason for them to change it in terms of being patient in the gameplan. It is a special opportunity for them too.
"I expect a little of the same in the formation they have played previously. At some point, they might have to change and we will be ready for whatever they do."
Finland, who beat the Scots in a penalty shoot-out in the Pinatar Cup earlier this year, are the more likely opponents on 27 November and 3 December having also left Montenegro with a 1-0 win.
However, Martinez Losa believes his squad are ready to embrace "a good opportunity" to reach another major finals.
"For me, the team is ready to play a major tournament and is ready to compete tomorrow," he added.
Team news
Martinez Losa reported that Scotland are "arriving at tomorrow night's game with all the players available".
Similarly, Hungary's Szarvas said: "Fortunately, we have no new injuries, so there have been no changes to the squad."
What they said
Scotland centre-half Jenna Clark: "It's more a focus on us and the fact we do have an advantage from Friday night's game and we're playing at home. Regardless of the opponent, we want to win when we're at home.
"Confidence is at a high right now. We've trained well and we're positive heading into the game at Easter Road - a place I've never played - and hopefully we can bring in potentially different fans that maybe haven't had a chance to come to games before, which is exciting."
Hungary head coach Alexandra Szarvas: "I think that anything is still possible, but we know what is at stake. We are still aware that we have to fight a very strong Scottish team.
"We will take to the field with the same focus and humility as in the first match, but we definitely need to improve our use of opportunities."
Match statistics
Scotland have won six successive games and are unbeaten in seven since losing on penalties to Finland at the Pinatar Cup.
Hungary have lost four of their latest six games, winning the other two.
Scotland have won three home games in a row since a 6-0 thrashing by England at Hampden in December.
Hungary ended a run of four straight away defeats and seven without a win by beating Azerbaijan 5-0 in their July qualifier.
The two sides have met previously four times, with Scotland winning three and the other being drawn.
Scotland enjoyed nearly 65% possession in their 1-0 win in Budapest on Friday, with 12 attempts on goal to Hungary's nine (7-3 on target).
Hungary have played once previously in Scotland, losing a World Cup qualifier 2-1 at Hampden Park in 2021.
Fanny Vago, now Ferencvaros manager, cancelled out Christy Grimshaw's opener before Rachel Corsie's last-minute winner the last time Hungary visited Scotland.
Tuesday's winners face Finland or Montenegro in the final play-off round, with the Finns 1-0 up ahead of their home leg after Linda Sallstrom's third-minute winner in Podgorica.
Scotland reached the play-offs after topping their Euro 2025 qualifying League B group, while Hungary were third in their group behind hosts Switzerland and Turkey.
Scotland are 23rd in the world rankings, with Hungary in 46th.
Hungary have never reached the Euro finals, while Scotland are looking to make it for the first time since 2017.
