The absence of spectators made the silence at Bozsik Arena in Hungary even more unsettling as Erin Cuthbert collapsed, clutching her right leg.
Only a few close friends and family were permitted to enter the 8,000-seat stadium for what was Scotland’s World Cup qualifier against Israel, held at Honved’s home ground.
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Her teammates and those present were left speechless as the cries of pain from the Chelsea midfielder echoed throughout the stands.
Scotland was dominating the match and heading towards a crucial 6-0 victory that was essential for staying at the top of European qualifying Group B4, ahead of Belgium.
As they pressed for more goals, Cuthbert suddenly fell under a seemingly harmless challenge, as if struck down. Her immediate reaction indicated the seriousness of her injury, a fear confirmed as she was carried off on a stretcher, clearly in distress.
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Scotland’s head coach, Melissa Andreatta, refrained from guessing the outcome of Cuthbert’s condition while she was taken to the hospital.
Kirsty Hanson, who netted Scotland’s sixth goal, shared, “She is getting the best care, so let’s hope for good news.”
Yet, the subdued expressions on their faces hinted that apprehension lingered, even amidst their significant victory.
Scotland often faces challenges alongside their triumphs, and this situation was no exception.
While they awaited updates on Cuthbert’s injury, some concerns were eased by Belgium’s match earlier in the night.
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Belgium did secure an expected victory against Luxembourg, but they only managed a 6-0 outcome against the team at the bottom of the group.
This result was impressive but fell short compared to Scotland’s earlier 7-0 victory against the same opponents at Hampden.
Scotland started the night with a superior goal difference to Belgium, which remained intact going into the final fixture round on Tuesday.
Belgium is likely favored to improve their goal difference further when they face Luxembourg again, this time on the road.
Scotland, on the other hand, is set for their “away” match against Israel at the same Hungarian venue, following Uefa’s decision to hold all of Israel’s games at neutral grounds for safety.
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Andreatta emphasized the need to refine their offensive strategy before Tuesday’s match to enhance their goal difference.
“The performance was what we aimed for,” the coach stated to BBC Scotland. “We started the game quickly and maintained control. Our focus will be on sustaining our dominance in the next game.” She expressed satisfaction with the team’s versatile attacks from both open play and set pieces, which complicate matters for opponents trying to counter them.
Andreatta looked forward to returning to “a beautiful stadium” with an excellent playing surface on Tuesday.
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Unfortunately, she will likely do so without Cuthbert, a key midfielder whose exceptional partnership in the midfield was crucial in exposing the Israeli defense. The 27-year-old not only scored the opening goal for Scotland but also assisted in two more.
This means a heavier burden may fall on Caroline Weir, who already carries significant responsibilities as captain.
The midfielder, who is set to leave Real Madrid this summer, scored a hat-trick and could have added more to her tally.
“She leads by example, even from midfield, and her presence is invaluable in critical moments,” Andreatta remarked. “Her performance was key tonight.”
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Hanson also praised the 30-year-old, noting, “She is an inspiration for everyone. We all look up to her and learn from her standards. When she plays well, it elevates everyone’s performance. While we’re pleased with our goal tally, we must now shift our focus to the next match.”
The upcoming game will determine if Scotland can secure the top position and be promoted to League A for the next Nations League fixtures, as well as the level of challenge they will face in the play-offs for the 2027 World Cup against Brazil.
Only winners of League A groups automatically qualify from Europe, while three teams from Scotland’s group will earn play-off spots.
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However, the group winners will be seeded alongside fourth-place teams from League A during matches against runners-up and third-place teams from League B.
Regardless of Cuthbert’s status, Scotland stands to benefit from pursuing goals aggressively once again on Tuesday.