Erin Cuthbert expressed immense relief and joy at returning to the international stage, helping Scotland secure a commanding 2-0 victory over the Czech Republic in the first leg of their Women’s World Cup play-off in Pardubice.
The Chelsea captain, 28, has not played in a club match this season due to a knee injury but came off the bench to deliver a professional performance. Her teammate Claire Emslie also provided a highlight, scoring her first goal since becoming a mother, while captain Caroline Weir opened the scoring with a spectacular strike.
Cuthbert described the summer months as an arduous journey, noting that she spent nearly a month on crutches and in a brace. The physical recovery was matched by mental challenges.
“The relief, the amount of self-doubt that you have, the amount of stress – am I going to be back to the same level, how am I going to perform, is my knee going to be alright? All those things run through your head,” Cuthbert told BBC Scotland. “It’s been a really, really hard journey.”
Despite the 2-0 advantage, Cuthbert urged caution, warning that such a lead can be “dangerous.” She highlighted a controversial moment late in the game where a penalty appeal against the Czech Republic was overturned, and she felt a subsequent challenge on her inside the box should have been penalized.
Looking ahead to the return leg in Paisley on Tuesday, with Sweden looming as the potential opponent, Cuthbert emphasized the team’s balance. “We’re a good team and when we play on the front foot, we can hurt teams,” she said. “The best form of attack is defence.”
The mental toll of injury recovery sounds exhausting. Glad Cuthbert is back and feeling confident again.
Claire Emslie scoring after having a baby is inspiring. Shows she is still top class and hungry.
Great win for Scotland! Cuthbert’s return is a massive boost, though that penalty call was questionable.