Group A of the Euro 2024 qualifiers has only 5 teams and former European champions Spain are the clear favourites to top the group and secure a place in the finals. The second spot in the group, in theory, will be contested by Scotland and Norway, with Georgia and Cyprus joining in for more fun. In reality, no team is willing to accept being "backed up" and the two opening matches clearly show the fierceness of the race for the finals.
The two teams showed off their physical play and competed fiercely.
Making eight changes to the starting line-up that beat Norway 3-0 three days earlier, new head coach Luis de la Fuente may have misjudged the determination of the Scottish hosts. Controlling 75% of the ball and trying to put pressure on the opposition half, La Roja's play under their new coach did not produce the expected results. They only created eight shots in the match and did not threaten the goal of 1.96m tall goalkeeper Angus Gunn.
Joselu is helpless against goalkeeper Angus Gunn
The surprise happened in the 7th minute when the away team's defender Pedro Porro slipped and Andy Robertson did not miss the opportunity to steal the ball and then pass the ball through the entire Spanish defense for Scott McTominay to shoot hard to open the score.
Scott McTominay opened the scoring in the 7th minute
The early goal helped Scotland play better and better, fully exploiting the strength of their defensive counter-attacking style and maintaining the score gap until the end of the first half. After the break, Spain continued to receive a painful blow, this time from Dani Carvajal, who replaced Pedro Porro on the right wing. The experienced defender, who plays for Real Madrid, let Kieran Tierney dribble past him and Tierney's cross was cleared by David Garcia. Scott McTominay was still able to rush in and volley beautifully with his left foot, raising the score to 2-0 for Scotland.
Scott McTominay celebrates with Kieran Tierney after scoring the second goal
McTominay's efforts were preserved by his teammates until the end of the match and Scotland won against Spain for the first time since 1984 in an official tournament. Scott McTominay rose to equal his former teammate Cristiano Ronaldo with 4 goals after two qualifying matches, ranking second in the "Top scorer" list behind Rasmus Hojlund (Denmark, 5 goals).
Rodri vs Scott McTominay
...and criticized Scotland for playing like wrestlers on the field
With the top two teams in the group qualifying for the finals, Scotland are not only in with a good chance of qualifying for Euro 2024, but they are also aiming to challenge Spain for the top spot in their group after winning their first two games. The next two games against Norway and Georgia in June will be particularly important for Scotland given their target, as a win in both will put enormous pressure on Spain, who are out of action until September.
Scotland beat Spain for first time in 39 years
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