Spain, Scotland, and Turkey secured their places in the Euro 2024 tournament following an eventful night in qualifying. Spain overcame Norway 1-0, while Turkey cruised to a 4-0 victory against Latvia, ensuring their spots in the upcoming European championship. In Group A, Spain and Scotland both reached the top two positions with 15 points each from six games. Meanwhile, Turkey’s dominant performance allowed them to secure their place among the qualifying teams.
In a chilly night in Oslo, Spain had possession dominance but struggled to penetrate Norway’s steadfast defense. Their first-half goal, netted by Alvaro Morata, was ruled out for offside, leaving the match finely poised. However, in the second half, midfielder Gavi fired in a goal for Spain, and another VAR offside check confirmed that the goal was valid, securing Spain’s place in Euro 2024.
Norway, who aimed to hit Spain on the counterattack, found it challenging to generate significant offensive threats, with Erling Haaland being effectively contained. Spain’s victory marked their qualification for the finals with two games to spare.
Turkey’s path to Euro 2024 was paved with a stunning volley by Yunus Akgun just before the hour mark in their 4-0 victory over Latvia. Their dominance in the match sealed their place at the tournament in Germany. Turkey leads their group with 16 points, six ahead of Wales and Croatia, who played a thrilling match in which Wales emerged victorious with a 2-1 scoreline, keeping their qualification hopes alive.
In Group I, Switzerland had to claw their way back from a 3-1 deficit to secure a 3-3 draw at home against Belarus. Meanwhile, Romania leads the group with 16 points following their convincing 4-0 win over Andorra, placing them one point ahead of Switzerland, although the latter has played an additional match. The home game between Kosovo, in fourth place, and third-placed Israel in Group I was postponed due to Middle East security concerns, preventing the Israeli squad from traveling to Pristina.
Poland, hoping to qualify from Group E, were held to a 1-1 draw at home by Moldova, leaving them in third place with 10 points. This result puts them three points behind leaders Albania and one behind the Czech Republic, both of which have a game in hand. Despite striker Robert Lewandowski’s absence due to injury, Poland had 21 attempts on goal, with Karol Swiderski finding the equalizer in the second half.
