Scotland’s spot for Euro 2024 has been solidified thanks to a splendid outcome of a game between Spain and Norway. In a remarkable turn of events, a dramatic 1-0 victory by Spain over Norway crafted a certain path for Steve Clarke’s Scottish team to finish amongst the top two in Group A. This fortunate circumstance arrives with two games still remaining for the Scots.
Spain leads Scotland merely based on goal difference; however, Norway lags a significant five points behind with a single game left to play, making it impossible to outperform either team. This significant achievement marks a landmark for Scotland’s men who have now participated consecutively in two European Championships under Clarke’s guidance. Notably, this is Scotland’s first successful qualification through a group stage for a major final since 1997.
In Seville, on Thursday, Scotland had a shot at confirming their place themselves. However, a 2-0 defeat at the hands of Spain marred this opportunity, marking their first loss in six qualifying matches. Nevertheless, Scotland’s stellar performance before this, with five straight wins, put Norway in a precarious position, requiring them to win their last three matches to stand a chance.
Although Norway pulled off an outstanding 4-0 victory against Cyprus, they stumbled in Oslo, thereby granting Spain a win that confirmed both Spain’s and Scotland’s qualifications. Spain’s triumph highlighted Gavi’s contribution, who scored the solitary goal of the match in the 49th minute, effectively negating threats from Norway’s striker Erling Haaland.
Norway, who hasn’t been seen in major tournaments since Euro 2000, might stand a qualifying opportunity via play-offs, conditionally relying on finishing third and for Serbia to qualify from Group G.
Scotland still has a couple of games up their sleeve, against Georgia and Norway as they aim to outrank Spain as group champions and enhance their odds of achieving a top seed in the draw. Spain wraps up their campaign with matches against the bottom two teams, Cyprus and Georgia.
Portugal, France, Belgium, and Turkey are the ones joining Scotland and Spain for next summer’s finals. An automatic entry has also been granted to Germany as the hosts. Scotland’s participation and journey to Euro 2024 end a long-standing drought of 23 years from significant tournaments, a benchmark set at the delayed Euro 2020, two years prior.
Missing out on the World Cup last year, Clarke’s guidance has contributed towards this pivotal moment in Scottish football history, being the first manager to shepherd the Scots to recurrent European Championships.
