Redding's Nicola Docherty says 'underdog mentality' will suit Scotland in World Cup play-off
Redding’s Nicola Docherty reckons that a revitalised Scotland squad will relish the “underdog mentality” required to reach the World Cup with a women’s football powerhouse standing between them a trip to Brazil next summer.
Despite progressing past Czechia over two legs earlier this month, Mellisa Andreatta’s side must now navigate a way past top-ten nation Sweden over two ties thanks to a convoluted – and frankly unfair – UEFA qualification set up to reach the FIFA tournament next year.
And even if Rangers defender Docherty and her team-mates cause an almighty shock, then they will likely face another play-off to reach Brazil. The lowest-ranked of the eight successful European nations would be forced into the inter-confederation play-offs.
But for now – Docherty can enjoy her club football in the SWPL with Rangers having played a key role for the national team again over the past two fixtures.
The 34-year-old started both ties against Czechia, helping the national team to a 2-0 win away from home followed by a 3-2 victory in Paisley four days later.
Speaking to the Scottish FA after the 5-2 aggregate success, she said: “Czechia certainly didn't make it easy for us, and I think we can be quite disappointed with our first half performance.
"But we also spoke at half time about how these sort of games are never going to be straightforward. You've got to earn the right to make it through. And in the second half, we showed a little bit more of what we're about, and we got the job done, which is ultimately what we want to do.
"Across the two ties, we've come out on top. That's the main thing. It was a real together performance, but we know that we can be much better.”
The national team stalwart also hailed impact of Australian boss Andreatta, who joined in April 2025.
Docherty detailed the “togetherness” that she believes is key: “We’ve been with Mel and her staff for a while now, and we've really worked hard behind the scenes on that group and the togetherness. ”We've really checked into that as a whole group, and you can see how together we actually are when we come into camp, whether that's off the pitch or on the pitch.
"I know I keep saying it, but there is a real togetherness within this group, and I'm super proud to be a part of it as well.
"We do do a lot of work behind the scenes, and I think that certainly showed more in the second half performance."
Looking ahead to that double-header against Sweden, Docherty stressed that being underdogs suited the Scottish mentality.
“We know it's going to be a tricky tie,” she said. “And we'll obviously respect the opposition, but there's just something about that underdog mentality when you're Scottish, and I can’t wait for it!
“St Mirren’s stadium is a fantastic venue, especially when you fill it, so hopefully they (the supporters) can come back again in December.
Scotland are set to host Sweden on Tuesday, December 1 with the return leg in Stockholm four days later.