Captain Caroline Weir lamented the contrast in Scotland’s first and second-half performances as they went from leading to being humbled 6-1 against Germany in the Women’s Nations League.
Weir’s opening goal five minutes before the break had given the Scots hope of atoning for Friday’s 4-0 home loss to the same opposition.
However, Selina Cerci’s hat-trick, Giovanna Hoffmann’s double and a Laura Freigang effort ensured another three points for the hosts, who lead Group A1 with a better goal difference than the Netherlands.
“It was really difficult,” said Real Madrid midfielder Weir.
“First half, we competed well and it was a good 45 minutes, we limited their chances and were able to counter on them.
“In the second half, we weren’t good enough and they came out strong. We conceded goals there that we’ll be disappointed with.
“Proud of the team for half the game. We showed what we can be, but it’s not enough at this level.”
Weir and defender Rachel McLauchlan were taken off just before Cerci scored her side’s sixth goal in the 76th minute.
“It’s obviously a tough one to take,” said Brighton’s McLauchlan.
“[There’s] 20 minutes in the second half that we just can’t ever let happen. We can’t let that happen in the future, we have to go and work on that.”
The Scots, led by interim head coach Mick McArdle for a fourth game in a row, face Austria at home on 30 May then travel to take on the Dutch on 3 June.
Austria are three points better off than Scotland and another loss for Scotland would consign them to relegation from the top tier.
“We’re lucky in the fact we’re a very tight squad, we’ll come together and help each other and come back in positive ways, I’m sure,” added McLauchlan.
