Scotland fears grow over serious Erin Cuthbert injury in big World Cup win over Israel

Captain Caroline Weir scored a hat-trick at the Bozsik Arena and there were also strikes from Lauren Davidson and Kirsty Hanson. However, the Scotland staff will be hoping that the injury sustained in the closing stages by Cuthbert is not serious. The forward went down clutching her knee and was taken off the pitch on a stretcher.

The victory moves Scotland on to 11 points in Group 4 and the margin of victory over the Israelis will boost their hopes of topping the group. Level on points with Belgium going into the Friday matches, Scotland are already assured a place in the next phase of qualifying - but finishing in first should give them a lesser-ranked opponent in the next round.

The match was being played behind closed doors in Budapest but the lack of home advantage did not hinder the Scots as they posted one of their most impressive results under current head coach Melissa Andreatta.

Weir was front and centre of this Scotland victory. The Real Madrid midfielder had a hand in the first four goals as she also provided the assist for the opener from Cuthbert.

Weir first teed up Cuthbert to nudge the ball past Rachel Steinschneider and fire home from the edge of the area in the 17th minute. Three minutes later Weir scored her first as Israel twice failed to clear a corner and the midfielder moved the ball one way with her left foot and then back the other with her right to skip past two defenders to open up space for a shot through a crowd of players.

An intricate passing move saw Weir run through the middle of Israel’s defence to slot her second in the 57th minute and she completed her hat-trick from the penalty spot 10 minutes later.

Davidson and Hanson added late goals to boost the goal difference further.

Scotland will face Israel again on Monday night, where a win should assure them of finishing top of the group and returning to Nations League A.