Scotland failed to take advantage of its first chance for a ticket for the European Championship on Thursday. The team of national coach Steve Clarke was unable to perform in Spain, partly due to a dubious decision by referee Serdar Gözübüyük, and lost 2-0.
Scotland would have qualified for the European Championship if it had performed with a victory over Spain in Seville. Even if number three Norway had lost points in Cyprus, a European Championship ticket would have been a fact. But the Norwegians won 0-4.
In the match between Spain and Scotland, which was officiated by referee Serdar Gözübüyük, chances were few and far between in the first half. Mikel Merino came closest to scoring on behalf of the home country, but his effort hit the post.
The Scots finished the first half without captain Andrew Robertson. The Liverpool defender was injured in a collision with goalkeeper Angus Gunn and was unable to continue.
After an hour of play, Scotland thought they had taken the lead. Scott McTominay curled in a free kick from the left in one go. But after intervention by VAR Pol van Boekel, Gözübüyük disallowed the goal due to offside by Jack Hendry, who hindered goalkeeper Unai Simón. The Scots were furious.
Morata leads Spanish victory
On the other hand, Spain took the lead fifteen minutes later. Álvaro Morata headed home from a measured cross from Jesús Navas. In the final phase, Oihan Sancet made the decision. The substitute slid in Joselu’s cross after Aaron Hickey had simply lost the ball.
Scotland performed a stunt against Spain (2-0) in front of its own audience in March. Clarke’s team also won the first five European Championship qualifying matches and therefore took the lead in group A.
Even after this round of play, the Scots are still in the lead. They are three points ahead of Spain, who have played one game less. Norway is third and has five points less than Scotland, which still needs two points for a European Championship ticket.
Norway recorded an easy victory over Cyprus: 0-4. Erling Haaland scored twice in Larnaca. Former FC Groningen striker Alexander Sørloth and former Feyenoord player Fredrik Aursnes were also accurate.
Stand groep A
- Schotland 6-15 (+9)
- Spanje 5-12 (+15)
- Noorwegen 6-10 (+3)
- Georgië 5-4 (-8)
- Cyprus 6-0 (-19)
The post first appeared on www.nu.nl