Scotland's women's football team approaches their crucial World Cup qualifier against Belgium with a refreshingly unburdened mindset, according to head coach Melissa Andreatta.
As the Scots prepare to face Belgium in Leuven on Saturday, they sit atop their qualifying group on goal difference following a dramatic 1-1 draw at Easter Road earlier this week. Kathleen McGovern's stoppage-time equalizer kept Scotland's qualification hopes alive in what promises to be a decisive encounter.
Andreatta, who took charge last year, insists her squad feels no psychological weight from past near-misses in major tournament qualification. Instead, she describes a team environment brimming with confidence and purpose.
"The burden doesn't exist within this group," Andreatta told reporters. "There's respect for what's happened in the past, and we want to learn from it, but it's not a burden. We're excited for the challenge, we're embracing it."
The Australian coach highlighted how blending experienced players with new talent has created what she calls a "perfect storm" of attributes needed for success.
"Together with some of the new faces and energy within the team, there's a great mix of experience and energy that's created this perfect storm of power, confidence, strength and bravery," Andreatta explained. "That's going to move us closer towards the type of performances that earn you the right to be at major tournaments."
Despite external pressure surrounding Scotland's quest to reach their first major tournament since 2019, Andreatta revealed the team focuses internally on process rather than outcome.
"We've owned it and set that as our goal, but on the day-to-day front, it's all about the processes and what we can control," she said. "There's no talk about it at all really because we all understand our daily practices and processes are what will get us to our common goal."
Andreatta pointed to reconnecting with Scottish football identity as a key development since her appointment, noting improved resilience and purpose in the team's performances.
Scotland will be without Celtic full-back Emma Lawton, who suffered an ankle injury in Tuesday's match. The crucial qualifier kicks off at 19:30 BST on Saturday, with live coverage available on BBC Alba, BBC iPlayer, and the BBC Sport website.