Erin Cuthbert praised Lauren Davidson as “like a woman possessed” in the Czech clash, wondering if she truly was unstoppable?
The Brann forward leveled the score after a shocking early strike, propelling Scotland to a comeback that set up a Swedish showdown for Brazil 2027 qualification.
Scotland leaned on the 25‑year‑old’s energy, having reached the second‑round play‑off without their two marquee names in the 3‑2 second‑leg victory, 5‑2 on aggregate.
Weir withdrew with a warm‑up injury, while Chelsea captain Cuthbert entered at halftime in only her second appearance of the season.
Out of contract in Norway this December, Davidson filled the void left by Scotland’s stars with a decisive performance.
“Lauren Davidson was on fire,” Cuthbert told BBC Scotland after the five‑goal spectacle.
“Give her the ball and she’ll create something,” she added, calling the display brilliant.
“She honestly seemed possessed,” Cuthbert observed.
Scotland beat Czechs to set up World Cup play‑off with Sweden
Perhaps Davidson played to prove a point, showcasing her talent for potential club suitors.
She’s cemented a regular spot, starting the last five matches and shifting between wing and central roles in Paisley.
Partnered with Kathleen McGovern, who netted Scotland’s second, the former Glasgow City striker found pockets in the box after the formation tweak.
A crisp first touch freed the ball, creating a better angle for her fourth international goal – her third of 2026.
Her national form mirrors a strong domestic run, as Brann lead the Toppserien by ten points after 18 games.
Davidson, a league champion last season, hinted this could be her final Norwegian campaign.
“It’s my first time away from home,” the player‑of‑the‑match told BBC Scotland after the win.
“I chose baby steps over a sudden move to England, and I’ve loved every moment,” she said.
“My contract ends in December, but I think I made the right move taking A‑B rather than A‑C.”
Cuthbert and Weir are the two who leapt straight into the elite and stayed there.
As teens they joined Chelsea and Arsenal; Cuthbert has amassed trophies in London while Weir’s path has taken her to Manchester, Madrid and now Lyon.
French fans hope the injury that sidelined the back‑to‑back Ballon d’Or nominee isn’t serious.
With the Sweden double‑header seven weeks away, every Scotland supporter is on edge.
It’s natural that their absence was felt, yet reliance on them raises concerns for Andreatta’s tactics.
Friday’s first leg proved the same – savvy minds guided Scotland through.
Weir’s magic sparked the Scots, while Claire Emslie’s first post‑mum goal gave a vital cushion; Cuthbert returned after a June hiatus.
She, like Weir, would bulldoze obstacles for Scotland’s World Cup dream, and the Swedes will test that resolve.
Cuthbert couldn’t hide worry for her friend forced out in Paisley, noting it’s not in her nature.
“Caroline doesn’t go down easy,” she said.
“When she feels she can’t continue, I worry a bit. Hopefully she’s fit for Sweden.”
Andreatta’s post‑match comments labelled the withdrawal as merely precautionary.
St Mirren’s ground will host Scotland again on 1 December before the Stockholm clash four days later.
It’s a massive double‑header; the Scots must be fit and firing to advance.
In‑form Davidson will crave the support of Cuthbert and Weir as she leads the charge.