Scotland 2-0 Spain: Spain suffered a surprising defeat in the European Championship qualifying series on Tuesday. Scotland won at Hampden Park against La Selección and thus recorded the first victory against Spain since 1984. Scott McTominay again showed his calling card.
Scotland surprises with historic win against Spain
The Spaniards are top favorites for the final victory in Group A of the European Championship qualification and won easily against Norway (3-0) on Saturday. Scotland were too strong for Cyprus with the same numbers, with McTominay scoring two goals. The Manchester United midfielder continued his form.
The Scots already took the lead against Spain in the seventh minute, which initiated the goal itself with an error by Pedro Porro. The right back lost the ball to Andy Robertson, who then served McTominay and saw his teammate open the scoring. Ryan Christie almost made it 2-0 moments later, but Spain was spared that.
Spain itself had two good chances to equalize through striker Joselu. However, he was not lucky in the completion. Scotland held on in the first half and struck again after the break. Kieran Tierney passed substitute Dani Carvajal. Defender David García blocked his cross, but unintentionally allowed McTominay to lash out. The midfielder did that successfully, with a low shot into the left corner.
Spain lost surprisingly. The team of national coach Luis de la Fuente will travel to Enschede in June for the semi-final of the Nations League against Italy. The winner will meet the Netherlands or Croatia.
Matchwinner McTominay: “They will not forget this match in thirty years’ time”
Scotland is one of the big winners of the first week of the qualifying cycle for the European Championship in 2024. A sensational victory over Spain has given Steve Clarke’s team an excellent starting position to qualify. Match winner Scott McTominay was therefore elated.
Twice the man from Manchester United appeared at the right time in the Spanish penalty area, especially his second goal was of great beauty. Add that McTominay also scored twice against Cyprus on Saturday and you can safely speak of a man in form. He showed his joy to broadcaster Viaplay.
“As a child I was an attacking midfielder, I like to get into the opponent’s box. I have to keep doing that, I know I can add more goals and assists to my game,” said the Scot, who also commented on the cunning tricks of the home team to take the pace out of the game.
“Everyone was messing around, diving around, the game was being delayed. It’s hard, but sometimes you just have to. When you win, you have to do such things. Look around you at this stadium. Unbelievable, I’ve never seen anything like it. The manager said this was our chance as Scottish players to create a legacy, in 20, 30 years people will still remember this night,” he concluded.
After two of eight games, Scotland has more points than the other four teams in Group A combined, a dream start on their way to a second European Championship participation in a row. And that while the blue and white had not played a major tournament since 1998. The series will resume for Clarke and his men in June with an away game against Norway. Three days later, Georgia comes to Hampden Park.
