The desire owes little to the thought of lining their pockets. 

But this week’s financial figures revealed by FIFA made for interesting reading.

And while finding a way to get past Sweden and make it to Brazil – which will require a Herculean effort and would easily be the biggest result in the history of the women’s team – would be celebrated for the exceptional achievement it would represent, the fundamental reality is that there would be considerable financial gains to be made for the SFA as well as for the players involved.

Indeed, it is no exaggeration to say that the finances involved could be life altering for players. In some cases it may mean the difference between being able to focus full-time on football rather than juggling a job alongside it. 

FIFA confirmed this week that countries who qualify for the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2027 will receive the same preparation money as those who qualified for this summer’s (men’s) World Cup.

It represents more than double the cash that was on offer at the 2023 tournament; participating teams will be rewarded with $2.5m (£1.86m) while the total preparation money for the tournament has gone from $31m to $80m. 

These funds will be made available to all member associations by December 2026 in order that they can fund their arrangements. 

Enhancements to minimum guaranteed player payments are also set to be improved while each player who is involved at the tournament has been guaranteed business class or chartered flights. 

The total prize money that will be on offer has yet to be confirmed but the expectation is that it too will be greater than 2023. It was a guaranteed individual fee of $30,000 four years ago for being part of the group stages, with $60,000 on offer for those players who progressed to the knockout stages.

Those numbers are set to rise again this summer.

On the back of the Fifpro report a few weeks ago that revealed 59% of female players had considered leaving the game because of financial pressures, the improved monetary rewards from major tournaments are significant.

But they also reveal that there is a growing distance between the haves and have-nots within the game. Growth within the game has been uneven and fragile outside the very top end of the top leagues. Broken down, some players would struggle to be hitting minimum wage levels.

And while there is a push to invest in the women’s game at the top end and make it more professional, there is a concern about being left behind. The odds are heavily stacked against Scotland when it comes to World Cup qualification given the might and experience of Sweden whom they are up against at the start of December.

And the longer it goes without making it to regular tournaments, the wider the chasm grows on all levels.

AND ANOTHER THING

The biggest question that hung over Rangers this summer was one of mentality.

Having folded against Glasgow City on the last day of the season when they lost 6-0 and let the title slip from their grasp, they were left to stew on accusations of not having the required mettle to claim the Championship.

Leanne Crichton suggested at the time that her team had to use the hurt of that afternoon to drive them on this season. Early evidence would suggest that they have done so.

There is a long way to go in a league that is renowned for its competitiveness and ability to have different title winners – no team has won the title consecutively since pre-Covid days – but the impression would be that Rangers are head and should above anyone.

Crichton’s team are not just top of the table but are top having won every game.

They came from behind at Petershill to win on Wednesday night while they have also thumped Celtic, beaten Hearts and Hibs. 

They have a five-point cushion over nearest challengers Hearts with Andy Thomson’s side also impressing after the opening round of games. The proof will be in the pudding and it is the latter stages of this league where things tend to get particularly interesting.

That is when whatever mentality runs through the side will be revealed but for now Crichton’s team are the ones who have set a considerable pace.

AND FINALLY

Harry Kane has spoken about his nerves ahead of Monday’s Ballon d’Or ceremony which will be held in London’s Palladium theatre.

The Bayern Munich striker has said his wife wants to know if he has won ahead of the actual ceremony with last season’s haul of 73 goals making him the favourite to win the prestigious individual award.

Caroline Weir will be at the ceremony for the second successive year after finding herself still coming to the attention in elite circles. The Scotland midfielder is unlikely to find herself on the podium given what is in front of her but it is reflective of her ability and impact that she finds herself in such company.

Scotland desperately need her match fit for their World Cup play-off.