Anna Signeul (centre) is leaving Scotland to take over Finland's national side
Scotland merited more than a painful Euro 2017 exit after their 1-0 win over Spain, according to Anna Signeul as she made an emotional exit as coach.
He side failed to qualify for the knock-out stage despite Caroline Weir's first-half strike.
With England defeating Portugal 2-1, the Scots fell one goal short of what they needed to progress from Group D.
"I'm so proud of them all. We don't deserve to go home tomorrow," Signeul told BBC Scotland.
"The players were spot on with their performance and with the biggest heart I've seen.
"We have some absolutely fantastic players in this team and it's just a shame that they haven't been able to show that before."
After defeats by England and Portugal, Signeul's side went into the game knowing they needed at least a two-goal win - and an England win - to secure second place in the group.
After early Spanish pressure, Weir struck just before half-time to give them hope.
Leanne Crichton volleyed over the bar in Scotland's best chance to find a second, but the clearer opportunities fell to the Spaniards, who Scotland had previously never beaten previously and who now progress to the next stage.
"After the first two games, if people thought Scotland were not very good then tonight they will know what we are all about," said Signeul, who will now take over the Finland national team after 12 years in charge of Scotland.
"We are all about heart, but we also play good football, have great technique and actually coped physically as well.
"I am absolutely convinced that this team will go on and qualify for the next World Cup.
"Hopefully we've got some new fans because this is important for the future."
Caroline Weir (left) gave Scotland hope with her first-half strike
Liverpool striker Weir was named player of the match and her performance was described by Signeul as "exceptional".
The 22-year-old hopes Scotland's performance will lead to a growth of the game back home.
"We gave it everything tonight to come out on top against what is a very good team," she said.
"I think we showed what Scotland are all about. We just didn't quite get that second goal, but we go out with our heads held high.
"On any other day, that's a top result against a very good team, but unfortunately tonight it's not enough.
"Defensively, we were so solid. We didn't give them much at all.
"The support of the Scottish fans has been unbelievable. We can't thank them enough.
"The travelling support has been much more than we could have asked for or expected. It's great that we've given them something to cheer about.
"Hopefully we've inspired thousands of girls back home to go out and kick a ball about and one day aspire to be playing at a major championship."
Source: bbc.com/sport/football