ECQ: Scotland shock Spain
Scotland 2 - 0 Spain
It was another raucous at Hampden Park as Scotland stunned Spain.
Scott McTominay scored a double as the home side took control of their Euro 2024 qualifying campaign.
The Manchester United midfielder, who also netted twice in Saturday's 3-0 victory over Cyprus, fired in the opener at Hampden Park after just seven minutes. This sent the Scotland crowd into an absolute frenzy.
Spain looked for an immediate response. Dani Ceballos threaded a pass through to Mikel Oyarzabal but he could not get the ball under control and it rolled out.
Scotland were then inches from a second in the 15th minute. John McGinn saw Stuart Armstrong on the edge of the box. However, his shot went just wide of the post.
Ryan Christie and Lyndon Dykes also went close as Spain struggled to make their mark against Steve Clarke's side that looked a different level to the side that missed out on qualification to the World Cup.
🏁 HALF TIME AT HAMPDEN PARK!!
— Spanish Football (@SpainIsFootball) March 28, 2023
@SEFutbol goes to the locker room with one goal down on the scoreboard despite numerous chances.
💪🏻 We will come back in the second half!! 𝙇𝙀𝙏’𝙎 𝙂𝙊, 𝙏𝙀𝘼𝙈!!
🏴 🆚 🇪🇸 | 1-0 | 45+2'#VamosEspaña | #EURO2024 pic.twitter.com/lRVfUBxEQ6
Scotland found their second just after the restart as McTominay claimed another double. Kieran Tierney burst down the flank and his ball dropped to the Manchester United midfielder who volleyed past Kepa.
The Tartan Army were in dreamland, and it stayed 2-0. Scotland have just given their qualification hopes a massive lift.
From a Spanish perspective, they will be disappointed with the performance but will still be hopeful of qualification for Euro 2024.
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📺 SUMMARY I Spain unable to get the win in Scotland
— Spanish Football (@SpainIsFootball) March 29, 2023
➡️ McTominay scored both goals for Scotland, one in each half on the second day of UEFA EURO 2024 qualifying.
🔗 https://t.co/PgxVzdbg17#VamosEspaña | #EURO2024 pic.twitter.com/1t88i9Qlgr
What are the fans and players saying?
Gavin told us: "If you've watched Spain, you're thinking - they are not the team they were. However, Scotland are not the team we were either - we're getting a lot better."
Callum Thompson told us: "This is why we watch football. The team carried out the game plan excellently. That should give the nation more confidence in the future."
Craig McNally was at Hampden Park: Wow, what a night. I really didn't expect that result from us. All of the players were superb. Things happen in football that are weird sometimes, McTominay isn't getting a game for Manchester United, and he's now using all his energy to do as well as he can for Scotland. It's one of these things that's fallen into place. His performances have been incredible."
Fred McCarthy was also in attendance. He added: "Spain were high on histrionics but low on cutting edge. Scotland players were passionate and outplayed them throughout. That first half was one of the finest halves of football that I've seen at Hampden Park in years."
Liam is English and a Manchester United Season Ticket Holder. He was also full of praise for the Scottish players. Liam added: "As an Englishman, I am in awe of what happened tonight. Well done Scotland, brilliant result!"
🗣️ Hear from tonight's @EE Player of the Match, Scott McTominay, after his two goals helped us to a 2-0 win over Spain.#SCOESP pic.twitter.com/gYnlHeuP6z
— Scotland National Team (@ScotlandNT) March 28, 2023
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Scotland defender Ryan Porteous told BBC Scotland: "It's a special night against a really top team. The crowd played a massive part and we're grateful to them as well. We're very fortunate to have Steve Clarke and the structure he's put in behind the scenes. He's always been very honest with his squad, and how he's kept the same players in if you're doing well."
Kieran Tierney was also delighted with the performance.
🏴❤️ @ScotlandNT pic.twitter.com/awQP5ogRB2
— Kieran Tierney (@kierantierney1) March 28, 2023
