Scotland 2-0 Spain: Scott McTominay scores twice to guide Steve Clarke’s Thunderbolts to Spain at Hampden Park
Right here Pamplona was in reverse. The fleeing Spanish bulls from Glasgow have been chased away by native residents.
It may very well be a cost that leads Scotland all the way in which to Germany at subsequent summer season’s European Championship after a well-known night time wherein Scott McTominay scored twice.
Loads for a midfielder, the Manchester United man took his tally to 4 targets in a single hour of worldwide soccer along with his late brace in Saturday’s 3-0 win over Cyprus.
With third seed Norway tied in Georgia at tea time, these back-to-back wins put Steve Clark’s aspect firmly accountable for Group A.
It’s a visit to Oslo subsequent June, by which era Norway will hope Erling Haaland can be out there.
Scott McTominay opened the scoring after simply seven minutes for his third purpose in two matches
The Man United midfielder then hit two targets simply after the break to safe fourth place in two matches
Rodri’s aspect lacked scientific contact in assault and struggled to seek out their approach via the banks of the Scottish defence.
In saying that, he’s not even Manchester’s prime scorer for the time being – that tag belongs to McTominay.
As a toddler, I used to be an attacking midfielder – I like to get into the penalty space. ‘I’ve to maintain doing that, I do know I can add extra targets and assists to my sport,’ mentioned the 26-year-old amidst a boisterous Hampden Park exuberance.
“Take a look at this place – I’ve by no means seen something like this, unbelievable. That is our likelihood to create a legacy as Scottish gamers and these are the nights of 20 or 30 years that individuals keep in mind. We will’t thank the followers sufficient,” mentioned the supervisor.
Clark had advised his gamers to eliminate their underdog mentality towards Spain, who have been unbeaten in 19 matches within the European qualifiers. It seems that Scotsmen have extra chew after they roam like one of the best canines.
And so, for the primary time since 2006 after they defeated France, Scotland sank its enamel into what may very well be thought of one of many sport’s main nations, a minimum of in historic phrases.
The Spanish staff’s newspaper was learn because the “who’s who” of one of the best footballers on this planet. ‘from?’ Will probably be extra applicable with this XI.
Solely two of his gamers have greater than 20 caps and defender David Garcia, 29, is making his senior debut. He cherishes that cowl on that piece of proof, as a result of it was horrible.
There was additionally a primary begin for striker Joselu, three days after he scored twice in his worldwide brace.
Andy Robertson’s staff leads Group A within the Euro 2024 qualifiers, after impressing the friends
David Garcia received his first cap for Spain on Tuesday night time, however he confronted a scorching night in defence
Pedro Borrow pulled again to permit Robertson the cross for the opening purpose and fell behind within the first half
The 33-year-old scored these targets within the area of three minutes, which was stunning for followers of the previous Newcastle membership, on condition that he scored the identical quantity throughout his complete final season in 2019.
The purpose of all of it is that Spain just isn’t the previous energy. The truth is, there was nothing sturdy about them in any respect right here.
McTominay received his first sport at seven minutes, which was proper according to the early spherical of play.
Pedro Burrow appeared each inch of the Spurs defender within the moments earlier than the purpose, dipping to let Andy Robertson slip via McTominay by way of a slight deflection.
He ought to have been over twice quickly after when Ryan Christie ran down the center and the Spanish defenders ran away.
He solely had Kipa Arrizabalaga to defeat him however he was stabbed massively. Spain had an opportunity – Joselu headed towards the crossbar – however they barely cornered Scotland’s purpose.
And the rating felt nearly as good as a security when McTominay vaporized to hit his second from 10 yards on 51 minutes.
It got here after a superb rush down the left by Kieran Tierney, and when García may solely clear half of the supply, McTominay pounced.
Till now, Spain was afraid. They wouldn’t fancy coming again right here in a rush.
Subsequent up for Steve Clark’s staff is a visit to Norway in June, which drew 1-1 with Georgia on Tuesday
The 26-year-old scored simply as soon as for his nation earlier than the worldwide break this month
Luis de la Fuente’s aspect had possibilities to attain throughout the sport however in the long run they have been daunted
Kieran Tierney lunged left in a prolific run to choose up McTominay and Scotland’s second of the night time
