Clarke’s rejuvenated Scotland cruise to Euro 2024 qualification

Scotland’s qualification for the Euro 2024 tournament has left the nation pleasantly bewildered. Typically accustomed to disappointment from its national team, Scotland now finds itself celebrating an impressive achievement.

This marks only the second time since the 1998 World Cup that Scotland will participate in a major tournament, and it will take place in Germany next year. The Scots secured their qualification without even playing a match, thanks to Spain’s 1-0 victory over Norway.

However, Scotland had already proven their worth by performing exceptionally well in a challenging group. The group consisted of three-time European champions Spain, as well as Norway and Georgia, both of which possess exceptional talents like Erling Haaland and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia. Scotland managed to defeat all three teams, in addition to securing two 3-0 victories against Cyprus, thus initiating their campaign with a flawless record.

Unfortunately, their perfect record was brought to an end in a controversial match against Spain in Seville. Despite Scott McTominay’s goal being disallowed due to a questionable VAR review, the Manchester United midfielder’s exceptional scoring streak has undeniably contributed to Scotland’s success in reaching the Euro. Having scored only once in his first 37 international matches, McTominay netted six goals in the initial five qualifiers, including two goals in a memorable 2-0 victory over Spain in March.

While McTominay’s performance has been crucial, much credit belongs to Scotland’s manager, Steve Clarke. Clarke took charge in 2019 after a humiliating defeat in Kazakhstan led to Alex McLeish’s dismissal. Under Clarke’s guidance, Scotland ended a 23-year wait to participate in a major tournament by qualifying for Euro 2020, achieved through penalty shootout victories over Israel and Serbia.

Although Scotland faced disappointment during Euro 2020 with losses to the Czech Republic and Croatia, as well as a draw against England, the team has now shown a remarkable turnaround in their fortunes. This achievement is attributed to Clarke’s commitment and the experienced core of players, including Liverpool’s Andy Robertson, who have accumulated significant international experience through their involvement in the Premier League and the Champions League.

The jubilant mood of the Tartan Army was slightly dampened by recent defeats against England and Spain, but this hasn’t diminished their belief in the team’s capabilities. Thousands of Scottish fans are expected to travel to Germany for the tournament, which will provide them with the opportunity to fully embrace the excitement of a major international event for the first time in a generation.

In the previous Euro 2020, Scotland’s games at Hampden were limited to a capacity of 12,000 due to COVID-19 restrictions. However, the Scottish supporters have historically traveled far and wide in search of a good time, and now they are filled with optimism that their team can make a mark in Europe and progress beyond the group stage.

kca/nr