Scotland 0-2 Sweden: Scots edged out by Olympic silver medallists

Scotland suffered a first defeat under head coach Pedro Martinez Losa after a narrow reverse against Olympic silver medallists Sweden in Paisley.

Scotland mostly defended effectively in blustery conditions, while struggling to fashion clear chances.

It is the first defeat in four games under Martinez Losa.

• Reaction & as it happened

Sweden - despite making 10 changes - represented a significant step up in quality compared to Hungary and the Faroe Islands, Scotland's defeated opponents to date under their new Spanish head coach in World Cup qualifying.

As Scotland tried to build out from the back, the visitors pressed them smartly to force mistakes, and twice went close before the break.

Anna Anvegard hooked a shot onto the bar from a tight angle after Rachel Corsie's sclaffed clearance, and Erin Cuthbert somehow cleared a shot from point-blank range off the line after a slack pass out of defence.

Martinez Losa made five alterations to the side as he sought to examine different options early in his tenure and, while they were relatively comfortable in defence, they struggled to make their mark in Sweden's box.

Caroline Weir's tame long-range strike and Cuthbert's free kick on target were as close as they came, despite coming close to some clearer openings before failing to find the final shot or pass at the crucial moment.

A draw would have been a creditable result, but as Sweden brought more of their first-choice players off the bench they made the breakthrough.

Rolfo's winner was impressive, as she smashed the ball across Jenna Fife from the edge of the box with too much power for the keeper to prevent it from creeping into the top corner.

And another substitute Sofia Jakobssen also provided a decisive contribution as she drove down the left and whipped in an awkward cross, which Howard could only turn into her own net.

Player of the match - Lucy Graham

What did we learn?

Scotland are aiming to transition to a more possession-based game, which was evident again as they continually went short from goal kicks and looked to build from the back.

The conditions made life difficult, and in the first half with the wind against them Scotland were often forced into mistakes by Sweden's clever pressure.

When they did manage to move the ball through the thirds, the home side looked tidy enough without threatening regularly, and the speed of passing is something Martinez Losa will look to work on in order to unsettle better opposition.

What they said

Scotland head coach Pedro Martinez Losa: "I think this was our best match. The performance was outstanding against one of the best teams in the world. We matched them in many areas of the game.

"The players executed the tactical game plan to perfection but in friendly games when you make substitutions, and they put on their best players at the end that's part of the game."

Scotland midfielder Caroline Weir: "We gave them a good challenge. There were loads of positives to take. We did well in parts, it was difficult at times we were under a lot of pressure.

"But we knew we had to soak that up. Overall we're happy with bits of the performance and there are bits to grow on."

What's next?

Scotland resume their World Cup qualifying campaign next month in a crucial double header starting with Ukraine at Hampden on 26 November (19:35 GMT), followed by a trip to Seville four days later to face group leaders Spain.