Watch: Caroline Weir scores hat-trick as Scotland beat Luxembourg 5-0
"Class. She's a classy person - and a classy player as well."
Melissa Andreatta, who has not yet completed her first year as Scotland head coach, appears to be running out of ways to describe her outstanding captain, Caroline Weir.
In her first match since being officially named Scotland captain, Weir ensured the spotlight was on her by scoring her first international hat-trick in the 5-0 victory over Luxembourg.
Following the match, Weir remained humble, focusing her interview on the team and the significance of starting their Women's World Cup qualifying campaign with such a commanding win.
However, if Scotland is to reach its objective, Weir—who told BBC Scotland last week she is "borderline desperate" to participate in next summer's tournament in Brazil—will be a crucial figure in their effort to return to the top tier for the first time since 2019.
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'It's what I'm here to do'
As the Real Madrid maestro approached the BBC Scotland cameras after what was just another routine performance, her smile was broad, though occasionally modest.
She was aware her individual performance would be highlighted once more, something she does not particularly seek.
"It feels really nice," the 30-year-old told BBC Scotland. "Obviously it's great to score, but to be honest, getting three points is the most important thing.
"I'm just focusing on helping the team.
"I play a role that's quite attacking and helping scoring goals and creating chances is what I'm here to do."
While this is true, few embody this role as literally as Weir.
Whenever something is required on the pitch, attention naturally turns to her.
This responsibility seems set to grow under Andreatta's leadership, not only because she is the captain but also due to an increased focus on set-pieces, an area where Weir excels.
During the four friendlies at the end of last year, the head coach and squad emphasized the additional focus on dead-ball situations, particularly under assistant coach Marty Judge.
All three first-half goals against Luxembourg originated from set-piece situations, with Judge being the first to receive recognition from Andreatta.
"We focus a lot on set-pieces," Weir explained. "We feel like we have a really strong threat there, both delivery-wise and aerially.
"We genuinely feel every set-piece is a good chance for us. A lot of work is done on them and so, when they come off in the game, we're really happy."
'It's what I want most, more than ever'
While everyone involved with Scotland can rightfully be "really happy" with the win over Luxembourg, they recognize this is only the initial step in a series of at least ten matches to secure their World Cup return.
Because Scotland competes in League B, they cannot qualify automatically for Brazil 2027. Provided they avoid finishing bottom of their group—which currently seems likely—they will face at least two two-legged play-offs later this year.
Nonetheless, Weir remains resolute in her commitment to her country and the team's ambitions.
"For me, Scotland is such a focus and I wouldn't say, well I would say, I'm borderline desperate to be at the World Cup because I want it more than ever," she added in an exclusive interview in late February.
"There's a fine line of wanting it too much, but it's hard because I do really want to be there.
"I really want to be there with this team, the staff and I can't really say there's anything else that I want to achieve apart from getting to that World Cup."
Victories against Luxembourg, ranked 108th in the world, will not secure Scotland's qualification. The team is fully aware of this.
However, Weir described the win as "a great foundation to build on," emphasizing that "it's just a start, we know that."
Five goals, a clean sheet, and a hat-trick from the talismanic captain mark a promising beginning to the campaign.
