Scotland Women will face Russia in the play-offs for the UEFA Women’s Euro finals in Finland next year.

Igor Shalimov’s side travel to Scotland for the first leg on Sunday 26th October, with the second leg in Russia on Thursday 30th.

Scotland, currently ranked 26th and 15th, finished third in Group 5 after a 6-0 home win over Slovakia, and reached the play-offs of a major tournament for the first time in their history.

Russia, ranked 8th in Europe and 15th in the world, finished in 2nd place and entered the play-offs after a 0-0 draw with Group 6 winners Norway.

Scotland Women’s head coach Anna Signeul said: “This is arguably
the most difficult draw we could have been handed, but nothing is impossible, we have produced some excellent performances recently and we know that we definitely have a chance against Russia.

“We will certainly be up for it and will give everything over the two legs to secure a place at the finals in Finland.”

The other ties decided at today’s draw in Nyon, Switzerland, were Republic of Ireland v Iceland, Czech Republic v Italy, Slovenia v Ukraine and Spain v Netherlands. 

Group winners England, Sweden, France, Denmark, Norway and Germany have already booked their places in next year’s finals alongside hosts Finland.

The five play-off winners join those seven qualifiers in the finals draw in Helsinki on 18th November.