Kim Little hopes to lead Scotland to its first major international tournament. (Getty Images)
Scotland will play the Netherlands and Italy will play Ukraine in the semifinals of the UEFA Women’s World Cup qualifying playoffs to determine the eighth and final spot from Europe. The four teams learned their fate in Tuesday’s playoff draw.
The teams represent the four best runners-up from the seven European qualifying groups. Leg 1 for each semifinal will be on Oct 25 or Oct. 26, with each second leg taking place on either Oct. 29 or 30.
The final will be played over two legs, the first on Nov. 22 or Nov. 23 and the second on Nov. 26 or Nov. 27.
Scotland beat the Netherlands, 4-3 earlier this year at the Cyprus Cup. Italy find themselves in the playoffs yet again, and playing Ukraine again. Italy beat Ukraine in the 2011 playoffs, but the Azzurre lost to the United States in the intercontinental playoff and did not make the World Cup. The Italians last played in the World Cup in 1999 and debuted in 1991, the inaugural tournament.
Scotland has never appeared in a major international tournament. Ukraine and the Netherlands have both been to EURO tournaments, but neither has made a World Cup.
Already qualified from Europe are England, France, Germany, Norway, Spain, Sweden and Switzerland. Joining them and host Canada are five teams from Asia: Australia, China, defending champions Japan, South Korea and Thailand.
