Scotland’s 2-0 win against Georgia in their Euro 2024 qualifier will be remembered for the awful playing conditions at the start. The match was suspended due to torrential rain prior to kick-off, and a second pitch inspection by official Istvan Vad led to him deciding the match would resume later in the evening. However, the Georgian players initially refused to come back on, and eventually, they agreed to the restart at 1-0 down with play getting back under way an hour and 40 minutes after it was suspended.
Scotland’s opening goal came when John McGinn’s corner from the right was partially cleared to Callum McGregor, and the Celtic captain’s drive from 12 yards was parried into the net by Georgia goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili. Referee Vad did not restart the game, instead stepping off the pitch to speak to an official before returning to inform the players that the game was to be stopped while groundsmen – and then some of the ball boys – brushed water from the pitch.
The second half had barely begun when Scott McTominay pounced on a loose ball on the edge of the box and fired a low drive past Mamardashvili to re-energize the flailing Tartan Army. Georgia’s Otar Kiteishvili thundered a shot from distance just over the crossbar on the hour, but there was no real sign of a comeback. Scotland defender Ryan Porteous headed a Gilmour cross over from close range in the 72nd minute, before Georges Mikautadze hit the side-netting with an effort at the other end.
At the halfway stage of qualifying, Scotland are eight points clear at the top of Group A with a maximum 12 points, although Georgia (four points) have a game in hand, while Nations League champions Spain (three points) have two in hand. Scotland’s dreams of qualifying for next summer’s tournament are looking increasingly likely.
Heading 1: Scotland’s 2-0 win against Georgia in their Euro 2024 qualifier
Heading 2: The awful playing conditions at the start of the match
Heading 3: The long delay and bizarre night
Heading 4: Scotland’s opening goal
Heading 5: McTominay’s goal re-energizes the Tartan Army
Heading 6: Scotland’s position in Group A
Scotland’s 2-0 win against Georgia in their Euro 2024 qualifier will be remembered for the awful playing conditions at the start. The match was suspended due to torrential rain prior to kick-off, and a second pitch inspection by official Istvan Vad led to him deciding the match would resume later in the evening. However, the Georgian players initially refused to come back on, and eventually, they agreed to the restart at 1-0 down with play getting back under way an hour and 40 minutes after it was suspended.
The long delay and bizarre night had begun amid a mood of Scottish optimism. After a late 2-1 comeback win against Norway in Oslo on Saturday night – which followed victories over Cyprus and top seeds Spain – the Tartan Army’s spirits could hardly have been higher. However, Hampden Park was sodden by the time Scotland kicked off, and the state of the pitch drew gasps from supporters as passes stopped in puddles, with players leaving the ball behind as they tried to drive forward.
Scotland’s opening goal came when John McGinn’s corner from the right was partially cleared to Callum McGregor, and the Celtic captain’s drive from 12 yards was parried into the net by Georgia goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili. Referee Vad did not restart the game, instead stepping off the pitch to speak to an official before returning to inform the players that the game was to be stopped while groundsmen – and then some of the ball boys – brushed water from the pitch.
Fans had booed the initial announcement of a 20-minute delay and that of a pitch inspection 10 minutes later, and there was relief when the game eventually got under way again just after 9:30 pm following a few more delays. The pitch was still far from perfect, but the Scots adapted slightly better, albeit the delay appeared to have dampened the enthusiasm of the home support.
The second half had barely begun when Scott McTominay pounced on a loose ball on the edge of the box and fired a low drive past Mamardashvili to re-energize the flailing Tartan Army. Georgia’s Otar Kiteishvili thundered a shot from distance just over the crossbar on the hour, but there was no real sign of a comeback. Scotland defender Ryan Porteous headed a Gilmour cross over from close range in the 72nd minute, before Georges Mikautadze hit the side-netting with an effort at the other end.
At the halfway stage of qualifying, Scotland are eight points clear at the top of Group A with a maximum 12 points, although Georgia (four points) have a game in hand, while Nations League champions Spain (three points) have two in hand. Scotland’s dreams of qualifying for next summer’s tournament are looking increasingly likely.
In conclusion, Scotland’s 2-0 win against Georgia in their Euro 2024 qualifier will be remembered for the awful playing conditions at the start. The match was suspended due to torrential rain prior to kick-off, and a second pitch inspection by official Istvan Vad led to him deciding the match would resume later in the evening. However, Scotland’s position in Group A is looking strong, with them being eight points clear at the top of the table with a maximum 12 points.