McTominay helps Scotland beat Spain 2-0 in Euro 2024 qualifier

McTominay shines with a brace to help Scotland defeat Spain 2-0 in Group A of the Euro 2024 qualifiers.

After a convincing 3-0 victory over Norway, Spain was confident heading into their away match against Scotland in Group A of the Euro 2024 qualifiers. Coach Fuente made 8 changes to the starting lineup from the Norway match, with only goalkeeper Kepa, midfielder Rodri, and Mikel Merino remaining in the starting eleven.

Despite being considered underdogs, Scotland showed that they were well-prepared and confident from the start. Spain played somewhat complacently and made many mistakes in defense early in the game.

Scotland surprised everyone by opening the scoring in the 7th minute, when right-back Pedro Porro slipped and gave Robertson an opportunity to cross from the left wing. McTominay’s shot deflected off a Spanish defender and into the net, giving Scotland a 1-0 lead.

Spain tried to push forward and increase the pressure, but their attackers were too wasteful with their chances. The visitors’ most notable chance came in the 23rd minute, when Joselu’s header hit the crossbar.

In the second half, Spain continued to dominate possession while Scotland played defensively and counterattacked. In the 51st minute, Tierney easily beat Dani Carvajal on the left wing and crossed the ball into the box. Although a Spanish defender cleared the ball, McTominay charged in and scored with his left foot to double Scotland’s lead to 2-0.

This is McTominay’s second consecutive brace in the last 2 matches of the Euro 2024 qualifiers. Prior to this, the Man Utd star also contributed 2 goals in the 3-0 victory for his team against Cyprus. Despite pressuring in the remaining minutes, Spain could not find a consolation goal.

Scotland have won against Spain for the first time in 39 years and temporarily lead Group A in the Euro 2024 qualifiers with 6 points, with Spain in second place (3 points).

Line-up:

• Scotland: Gunn, Hickey (Patterson 82), Porteous, Hanley, Tierney (Cooper 76), Robertson, McGinn (Ferguson 83), McTominay, McGregor, Christie (McLean 75), Dykes (Shankland 89).
• Spain: Kepa, Porro (Carvajal 46), Garcia, Martinez, Gaya, Rodri, Merino (Aspas 57), Pino, Ceballos (Gavi 79), Oyarzabal (Williams 46), Joselu (Iglesias 66).

Goal: McTominay 7′, 51′

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