Scott McTominay shocks Spain as Scotland goes top of qualifying group

Manchester United midfielder Scott McTominay was the hero on Tuesday night as Scotland got a 2-0 victory over three-time Euros champions Spain at Hampden Park.

Both teams got a victory in their opening euro 2024 qualification matches, with Spain getting a 3-0 win over Norway while Scotland also beat Cyprus 3-0. Both games happened at the weekend as Spain were led to their victory with a late brace from Joselu, while Scotland won thanks to another Scott McTominay brace.

McTominay got the party started in Glasgow with his first coming just after seven minutes of play as he slammed home a cut back past Kepa Arrizabalaga after Pedro Porro slipped at the side of the box, allowing Andrew Henderson to slide the ball to the United midfielder.

In truth, Spain rarely troubled Scotland except for chances from long range, which failed to trouble Angus Gunn in goal for Scotland. McTominay had not scored for Manchester United in the league this season but had a goal in the Europa League, but he now has four in two opening games for Scotland in the Euro 2024.

His second goal came six minutes after the break in the second half as he struck home from the edge of the box. Spain’s head coach Luis De La Fuentes, tried to spin things with the introduction of Nico Williams, Dani Carvajal, Iago Aspas, Borja Iglesias, and Gavi, but it was not to be for Spain on the night.

Scotland sits at the top of Group A with six points, Spain sits second with three points, while Norway and Georgia follow in order. Spain travels to Georgia in September after the Nation’s League playoffs in the summer. Scotland will play Norway next in June. 

Spain and Manchester City midfielder Rodri was in praise of the hosts’ performance on the night.

“They were good today, a lot of energy and physicality. They punished our mistakes, and that’s why it was a bit difficult to come back. We had chances in the first half, two or three we didn’t score, and we must score if we want to win.” he said.

Daniel Ademiju Idowu