Scotland Secures Historic Victory Against Spain in Euro 2024 Qualifiers
Scotland has made history by securing a famous Euro 2024 qualifying victory over three-time European champions Spain. The win was celebrated by the Tartan Army, who had waited 39 years to see their team beat Spain. The match was held at Hampden Park, and the home crowd was treated to a stunning performance from the Scottish team.
The victory was far from a lucky win, as Steve Clarke’s resurgent side outthought and outfought the Spaniards. Pedro Porro was particularly targeted by the Scottish team, and the Tartan Army’s Hampden Roar helped to spur the team on. A brace from Scott McTominay secured the 2-0 triumph against a side they hadn’t beaten in almost four decades.
Despite recent issues with Celtic fans at a charity game and shameful scenes at the Women’s Old Firm, the future of Scottish football is looking bright. The result could be huge in their bid to qualify for a second straight European Championship, with Scotland obtaining a maximum six points from their opening two matches having dispatched Cyprus last weekend. Even at this early stage, they have something of a cushion at the top of their group, which contains Spain and a Norway side with the dangerous Erling Haaland and Martin Odegaard.
The celebrations in Hampden Park began the second referee Duje Strukan blew his final whistle, but the Scotland boss was quick to send a reminder to fans who may be dreaming of taking on Europe’s best in Germany already. Clarke is delighted with the efforts of his players but warns there’s a long road ahead in their bid to reach Euro 2024.
Reacting to the win, Scotland boss Clarke told Vialay Sports: “I’m delighted with the performance of the team. I thought the players were absolutely outstanding first to last minute. We made five changes but the dynamics, the enthusiasm, and quality didn’t change. It’s a big night, it feels like a step forward in what we’re trying to do as a nation, as a squad, as a team. But it’s only six points, you don’t qualify with six points.”
Clarke’s sentiments were echoed by captain Andy Robertson, who said: “There was a belief in the camp that we could get a result. We knew it would put us in a good position, but it’s important we don’t get carried away. We’ve got six points which is a great start but unfortunately six points doesn’t qualify you for the Euros. It’s put us in a good place, we’ve got two massive games in June [against Norway and Georgia] and if we come out with the points we think we need then it’ll put us in an even better position. It’s only a group of five, so eight games makes it a bit of a sprint. We’ve put ourselves in a great place but we have to keep going, we have to show the same determination, the same desire as we showed tonight and if we show that it gives us a hell of a chance to win any game.”
The win is one that Scotland will talk about for decades to come. It has given the team and the fans hope that they can qualify for the Euro 2024 tournament and compete against Europe’s best teams. The Scottish team has shown that they have the talent and determination to succeed, and they will be looking to build on this historic victory in the coming months.