In a fiercely contested Euro 2024 Group A match, Spain secured a 2-0 victory over Scotland, extinguishing hopes of a Scottish celebration. The outcome leaves Scotland eagerly awaiting their ticket to the finals.
Scotland leads the group with 15 points from six games, having faced defeat for the first time in this campaign. Meanwhile, Spain boasts 12 points from five matches, and Norway holds 10 points from six.
Scotland will qualify for the finals if Norway fails to secure a win at home against Spain on Sunday.
Spain’s triumph extended their impressive streak in home Euro qualifiers, with 25 consecutive wins dating back to 2003. Despite Scotland’s staunch defensive efforts throughout the match, they were unable to thwart the Spanish onslaught. The early loss of captain Andy Robertson to injury further compounded Scotland’s challenges.
Scotland believed they had taken the lead midway through the second half when Scott McTominay netted a free-kick. However, the goal was disallowed for offside following a Video Assistant Referee (VAR) check.
Midfielder John McGinn expressed the team’s frustration, saying, “The big moments went against us… It’s a sore blow losing Robbo early, then thinking we’re ahead, we regroup and then they score. You need to be very careful about what you say. I think everyone watching that game from a Scotland point of view, wherever you were, it just felt like we weren’t getting any 50/50 decisions.”
Spain had multiple early opportunities to score, including Ferran Torres’ one-on-one chance with Scottish goalkeeper Angus Gunn, which he pushed wide. Mikel Merino’s shot from the edge of the box struck the post.
Eventually, Spain capitalized on their possession when Alvaro Morata stooped to head home Jesus Navas’ inviting cross, securing the lead.
The match’s outcome was effectively sealed when Aaron Hickey’s slip, with no pressure from opponents, allowed Oihan Sancet to score from a Joselu cross. There was some debate about whether the last touch came off defender Ryan Porteous.
After the match, Morata commented, “It was tough today. At the end, we take the three points, and we’re very happy with that. They (Scotland) defended well, and they are very dangerous on counter-attacks. When they have this spirit, they are a good team.”
In the group’s other game, Norway secured a 4-0 victory against Cyprus, with Erling Haaland scoring twice. Meanwhile, Turkey claimed a 1-0 victory over Croatia, seizing the top spot in Group D with 13 points from six games. Albania continued their surprising challenge for a first-ever Euros qualification with a 3-1 victory over 10-man Czech Republic, moving to the top of Group E with 13 points from six games. Poland secured a 2-0 win in the Faroe Islands to keep them second in the group.
