Scotland are one step away from next summer's Women's World Cup in Brazil after a dramatic 3-2 victory over Czechia sealed a 5-2 aggregate win and set up a play-off final against Sweden.

Melissa Andreatta's side had to come from behind twice on the night, and did so without their captain, Caroline Weir, who was forced to withdraw after an injury in the warm-up.

Goals from Lauren Davidson, Kathleen McGovern and Christy Grimshaw carried Scotland through in Paisley, after Danisa Vesela and Klara Cahynova had twice given the visitors hope.

A blow before kick-off

Scotland went into the second leg holding a 2-0 lead, thanks to goals from Weir and Claire Emslie in the first leg last week.

Andreatta made two changes to her starting line-up, bringing in AC Milan midfielder Grimshaw in place of Liverpool's Kirsty MacLean. But the Australian head coach was dealt a major blow when Weir pulled up before kick-off. Emslie took her place, while vice-captain Erin Cuthbert was named among the substitutes as she continued her recovery from injury.

The worst possible start

The game began disastrously for the hosts. Vesela robbed Nicola Docherty just outside the area and sent a thunderous 25-yard strike beyond goalkeeper Sandy MacIver and into the top corner after only three minutes.

Scotland responded almost immediately. Barely two minutes later, SK Brann forward Davidson found space in the box and fired past Czech goalkeeper Barbora Votikova to level the scores on the night.

Davidson continued to trouble the Czech defence. She freed Kirsty Hanson down the left, but Hanson's low cross trickled agonisingly past Grimshaw and wide of goal.

Back and forth

Czechia struck again through Cahynova to edge ahead once more and set up a nervous spell for the home crowd. A further goal for the visitors would have brought them within one of levelling the tie on aggregate.

But Scotland showed resilience. McGovern restored parity on the night, before Grimshaw, justifying her recall to the starting line-up, scored the goal that settled the contest and the tie.

A landmark night in the stands

The match was historic for another reason. Scottish fans were allowed to drink alcohol at their seats in view of the pitch for the first time in 45 years.

Alcohol has been banned in Scottish football grounds since 1981. The Scottish FA said the initiative was aimed at "exploring how a managed approach to alcohol sales can contribute to a positive and safe matchday experience".

It followed pilot schemes on controlled alcohol consumption at clubs including Aberdeen, Motherwell and Kilmarnock earlier this season.

Sweden next

Scotland now face Sweden in the play-off final for a place at the World Cup. The Swedes, one of the strongest sides in European women's football, will start as favourites.

Scotland have qualified for only one Women's World Cup, in 2019, and missed out on recent major tournaments. Reaching Brazil would be a major boost for the women's game in Scotland, which has grown rapidly in recent years.

Andreatta, who took charge of the national side last year, has made pressing and quick transitions central to her approach, and Scotland's ability to strike back within minutes of conceding reflected that.

Davidson was the standout performer. The SK Brann forward scored, created chances and gave the Czech defence little rest, strengthening her claim to a regular starting place in the biggest games.

There were also concerns at the back. Scotland conceded twice at home against a side ranked below them, and defensive lapses will be punished by a Swedish team with a long record of success at major tournaments.

The play-off final is expected to be played over two legs, with the winner securing a place among the world's best teams in Brazil next summer.

Andreatta will be anxiously awaiting news on Weir's fitness and hoping Cuthbert can return. On this evidence, though, Scotland have the character to compete with anyone.