The post-mortem of Scotland’s campaign will be undertaken in earnest and questions will be asked of Martinez Losa as part of that.
Any head coach who does not deliver qualification after two home play-off matches would expect to be under scrutiny, just as Kerr was when she failed to take the team to the last Euros after finishing third in the group.
“I’m very disappointed – for the girls, and for the whole nation,” the Spaniard said. “It was an incredible opportunity.
“I think the game was hard on us, but those things happen in life and in football. I apologise to the fans. We wanted to qualify for the World Cup so badly.
“The hard work of the players has been amazing – I couldn’t ask for any more. We’ll stick together, come back together, and hopefully we have another opportunity soon.”
As for the players, most have plenty left in the tank. Only three of the XI that started the play-off defeat are 30 or over. There is talent there, but recently their potential has not been fulfilled.
Some discontent, voiced recently, with the Scottish FA about a perceived lack of investment or interest in the women’s game adds another dimension to what happens next.
“I think they’ll look to some of the next generation now,” Fleeting said. “What players can we bring into this squad to have an impact? I’m sure some players will exit the squad now we’ve not made it. Whether it’s their choice or the coaches’ choice.”
The longer-term impact of missing the World Cup remains to be seen but what is certain, is the pain will linger for a long time.