Anna Signeul will leave her role as Scotland head coach with her head held high as her team came within a goal of reaching the knockout stages of Euro 2017.

Caroline Weir’s first half strike against Spain earned Scotland their first win at a major championship – but it was not enough to see them through to the quarter-finals.

Scotland needed to beat Spain by two clear goals and hope that England beat Portugal in the other game in Group D. 

England beat Portugal 2-1 but Scotland were unable to find the second goal they needed to extend their stay in the Netherlands. 

And Signeul – who leaves her role as Scotland head coach after 12 years in charge and will be replaced by Shelley Kerr – was proud of what they achieved. 

She said: "It was fantastic how we fought. They are such small margins. We could have put it away also, we had some great chances. 

"It has been so long that we wanted to get to this tournament that today we had everything to win and nothing to lose. I am so proud of them, because today we showed what we are about.

"These players are fantastic. The fans and coaches, the board, everyone here has been so supportive. We are taking it from a low level and we've built something so strong.

"It has united Scotland for girls and women's football. I'm very proud of what we've done. But it is a good time now [to leave as manager]. Now they will qualify for the World Cup, I am sure about that."

Despite early spells of Spain dominance, and some stunning saves from captain Gemma Fay, Scotland took the lead through Weir just before half time. 

Erin Cuthbert raced on to a through-ball, but was denied by Spanish goalkeeper Sandra Panos.

However, the ball fell for Weir who held off the goalkeeper's challenge and fired through the legs of Irene Paredes, who could only help the ball into her own net.

Spain felt that Fay should have seen red for handling the ball outside the area, but referee Jana Adamkova did Scotland a huge favour by reaching for just the yellow instead.

Fay went on to pull off some more key saves in the second half but Scotland were unable to find the second goal that would have seen them through.

But skipper Fay was proud of her team and expects them to kick on from here, she said: "You should never write off this badge. We fought. We could have had more than one tonight and we were inches off that one we needed. But I am so proud of the girls, of this team, I'm so proud to be Scottish.

"We've got a great bunch here. This team can only get better. If we do the right things at grassroots level, strive to have that professional set-up, things can be great."

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