Scotland 3-4 Switzerland: Weir and McGovern shine in seven-goal friendly thriller | OneFootball

Seven goals were scored under the lights in Dunfermline as Switzerland narrowly defeated Scotland 4-3 in a thrilling friendly.

As it happened

Scotland have looked transformed under new head coach Melissa Andreatta, who has emphasised a more attacking style. Fresh from a friendly win away in Morocco, the Scots returned home to face Euro 2025 hosts Switzerland ahead of World Cup 2027 qualifying next year.

The visitors were riding the momentum of a summer home tournament, where they reached the knockout stages against the odds before falling 2-0 to Spain in the quarter-finals.

Switzerland made two changes from their 1-0 win over Canada, with Alisha Lehmann and Noemi Ivelj coming in for Viola Calligaris and Alayah Pilgrim.

Andreatta kept the Scotland starting eleven unchanged from the Morocco win. The standout name for the home side was undoubtedly Weir, returning to Dunfermline after scoring the winner spectacularly against Morocco.

The match kicked off with early chances for both sides. Scotland’s Emma Lawton cleared a Swiss attempt before teeing up Caroline Weir, whose one-touch pass to Rachel McLauchlan was sent behind for a corner.

The home side won several set pieces as the visitors struggled to clear, pressing for an early goal. Switzerland, however, were dangerous on the counter, with Geraldine Reutler’s shot from a free-kick inside the Scotland half comfortably saved by goalkeeper Lee Gibson.

Weir and Kathleen McGovern both had attempts over the crossbar soon after, keeping the score level.

Against the run of play, Switzerland opened the scoring when Lehmann delivered a precise ball from the right to Sydney Schertenleib, who headed it beyond Gibson.

Scotland responded quickly, with McGovern flicking the ball over Swiss goalkeeper Livia Peng to level the score.

The momentum swung back and forth in the first half. Weir and Erin Cuthbert both created strong chances, but Scotland’s high press was exploited when Iman Beney capitalized on a through ball to give Switzerland the lead once again.

Scotland, undeterred, drew level before half-time when Weir delivered a corner that Reutler turned into her own net under pressure from McGovern.

Switzerland made several changes at the break, introducing Smilla Vallotto, Aurélie Csillag, and Ana Crnogorcevic. Early in the second half, McGovern and Cuthbert combined to create a chance, only for Peng to make a routine save. Scotland’s aggressive pressing continued to leave them exposed, allowing Schertenleib to score again after a deflected effort found the net.

Scotland created multiple chances but lacked the final touch. Martha Thomas saw her shot saved one-on-one, while Kirsty Maclean’s tame effort was comfortably held by Peng. Switzerland extended their lead when Smilla Vallotto, left unmarked outside the box, struck cleanly over Gibson.

As the game entered the final minutes, Scotland pushed forward relentlessly, reminiscent of a major tournament knockout match. Their persistence was rewarded when Weir scored her homecoming goal, ending the match 4-3 in a thrilling encounter.

The lineups