Scotland will take a one-goal lead into their Euro 2025 round one play-off second leg against Hungary after claiming their sixth consecutive competitive win.
Martha Thomas’ close-range second-half fierce finish ensures Scotland will have the edge when they welcome the Hungarians to Easter Road on Tuesday.
They and Finland will start as favourites to meet in the final play-off round after Marko Saloranta’s side also won by a single goal in Montenegro.
Back in Budapest just over three years after a win against Hungary began his Scotland reign, head coach Pedro Martinez Losa said being here “brought back happy memories”.
But there was no cause on Friday to look back with any great fondness at a flat first half, as Scotland struggled to get any rhythm into their play.
Real Madrid midfielder Caroline Weir, captain for the evening as she earned her first cap since a long-term injury, forced a punch from Lauren Brzykcy, but Scotland otherwise had a quiet first 45 minutes.
Eyebrows were raised at no half-time changes, but when the first switch did come – Kirsty Smith for Kirsty Hanson – it allowed for a shake-up further up the field and immediately proved fruitful.
Claire Emslie won the free-kick from which the goal came – and it was desperately needed.
Moments before the opener, home midfielder Dora Zeller inexplicably missed an open goal from close range. It was a huge wake-up call for Scotland, a moment to rue for Hungary.
Bar another nervous moment where their hosts failed to force the ball over despite a sea of bodies in the six-yard box, Scotland were much more in control and exuded comfort in the second half.
However, they were far from the level they showcased during their unbeaten Nations League B campaign.