October 16 – Scotland have qualified for next year’s Euros with two games to spare thanks to Spain’s 1-0 win over Norway last night, which has guaranteed Steve Clarke’s men a top-two finish in group A. The result also put Spain into the 2024 finals.
With five wins from six, the Scots’ record is so far unblemished bar the 2-0 loss to group leaders Spain in Seville last Thursday. Both teams are five points clear of third-place Norway, who have only one game remaining.
After a 23-year hiatus from major tournaments, Scotland broke that run by earning a spot in the delayed Euro 2020 through a play-off secured via the Nations League. While they missed out on last year’s World Cup in Qatar, Clarke’s leadership has made him the first manager to lead Scotland to consecutive European Championships.
Scotland’s two remaining games feature an away match against Georgia and home affair versus Erling Haaland’s Norway, the latter of which are at risk of missing out on yet another major tournament after failing to qualify for the last Euros and World Cup.
Despite Norway’s 4-0 victory over Cyprus, Norway, missing from major tournaments since Euro 2000, can now only secure a potential qualification through the play-offs. To do so, they must maintain their third-place position and rely on Serbia’s qualification from Group G.
“I would like to congratulate the players for their efforts in qualifying for back-to-back tournaments,” said Clarke after Scotland’s qualification was sealed.
“I’m not sure they will fully realise the significance of their achievement yet but to qualify for successive Euros after more than 20 years is phenomenal and testament to their hard work.”
Contact the writer of this story, Harry Ewing, at moc.l1714357803labto1714357803ofdlr1714357803owedi1714357803sni@g1714357803niwe.1714357803yrrah1714357803