Scotland has secured their spot in the Euro 2024 finals with two games to spare, all thanks to Spain’s 1-0 victory over Norway, which guarantees a top-two finish in Group A for Steve Clarke’s side.
Currently trailing Spain in goal difference, Scotland has put themselves in an excellent position, as Norway, five points behind and just one match remaining, cannot bridge the gap.
This marks Scotland’s second consecutive qualification for the European Championships under Clarke. Remarkably, they achieved this by topping their qualifying group, a significant feat not accomplished since 1997. Scotland had the opportunity to secure their spot in Seville but suffered a 2-0 defeat to Spain, their first loss in six qualifiers.
Scotland’s impressive record of five wins in their initial five games put pressure on Norway, who needed to win their remaining three matches. Norway managed a convincing 4-0 victory over Cyprus, but their hopes were dashed in Oslo as Spain’s victory sealed both their and Scotland’s qualification.
Alvaro Morata’s first-half strike was disallowed for offside, and Gavi’s 49th-minute goal was all Spain needed to neutralize Norway, including the renowned striker Erling Haaland of Manchester City.
Norway, who haven’t participated in major tournaments since Euro 2000, can now potentially qualify through play-offs, but they must maintain their third place and hope Serbia qualifies from Group G.
Scotland has two games remaining, an away match against Georgia and a home game against Norway next month. They are aiming to surpass Spain as group winners and increase their chances of being a top seed in the tournament draw.
Spain is set to complete their campaign with matches against the bottom two teams, a visit to Cyprus followed by a home game against Georgia.
Scotland and Spain have joined Portugal, France, Belgium, and Turkey in securing spots for next summer’s finals, while Germany enjoys an automatic qualification as the host nation.
Scotland’s return to major tournaments after a 23-year absence came in the delayed Euro 2020 two years ago, which they secured via a play-off earned through the Nations League. After missing out on the 2022 World Cup, Clarke has now achieved the remarkable feat of guiding Scotland to successive European Championships.
