SCOTLAND coach Anna Signeul says her players will need to adopt the mindsets and fitness regimes of Andy Murray, Sir Chris Hoy and Katherine Grainger if they are to match the best sides in the world.
The Scots hope to get back to winning ways against Chile in the Brasilia Tournament this evening after having lost their opening matches 2-0 to Canada and 3-1 to Brazil. They are boosted by the unexpected arrival of central defender Jenny Beattie, but attacking midfielder Lisa Evans has returned to Germany as her club, Turbine Potsdam, require her for a league game on Saturday.
Despite the two defeats, the Scots could still make Sunday's final, but they need to beat Chile by at least two goals with Brazil also beating Canada comfortably in the other match.
"Although we have lost the first two games it has been well worthwhile playing in this tournament," said Signeul. "Apart from the benefits, it has brought the players down to earth after doing so well in the first four World Cup qualifiers.
"It shows us that if we hope to beat Sweden and win the group we need to work harder. Andy Murray, Chris Hoy and Katherine Grainger have proved that Scottish athletes can be world champions and not underdogs. Their stories are about hard work, not hard luck. Andy Murray played at Wimbledon when he was 18, but it took him another eight years of total dedication before he won it. It's the same with Katherine Grainger, who had to wait a long time for her Olympic gold in London."
To beat Chile the Scots will have to find a way past goalkeeper Christiane Endler, who was outstanding in her side's surprise 1-0 win over Olympic bronze medallists Canada on Sunday.
"Canada should not have lost that game - the goalkeeper was the difference," said Signeul. "Canada are another side which has fantastic fitness levels. In terms of fitness only Kim Little of our players is at that level. Lisa Evans is approaching it because she's at Potsdam."
Beattie's club, Montpellier, initially said they would not release her but relented following an 8-1 win over Rodez on Sunday. She is likely to play alongside Rachel Corsie tonight.
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