Scotland’s hopes of reaching their second consecutive Euro Championships were scuttled on Thursday night after a 2-0 defeat to Spain in Seville. The visitors went into the game needing just a point to seal qualification or an upset in Cyprus if Cyprus defeats Norway in the other fixture in the group.

Scotland thought they had the lead on the hour mark through Scot McTominay who had a brace in the first leg but a VAR review disallowed the goal. The hosts’ breakthrough did not come until late in the second half when they scored their opening goal but before then Scotland had to endure an injury to Liverpool’s Andrew Robertson who was substituted in the first half.

Spain’s first goal of the game came in the 73rd minute when Alvaro Morata opened the scoring before Oihan Sancet ensured the victory with four minutes left on the clock the results along sides Norway’s 4-0 victory in Larnaca meant that Scotland had to wait till their net victory before getting a shot all the things in the competition.

In Larnaca, Erling Haaland scored a brace as Norway defeated the host Cyprus 4-0 to boost the chances of the Norwegians qualifying just as Alvaro Morata hopes they make it to the next Euros even though both teams meet on Sunday.

“We know Scotland are a physical team, but they also have top players who play in top teams. It was tough today, at the end we take the three points and we’re very happy with that. They defended good and they are very dangerous in counter attacks. When they have this spirit, they are a good team. I’d hope to see (Norway captain) Martin Odegaard in the Euros, so I’d be happy if they qualified as well.” Morata said.

Meanwhile, Scotland can secure qualification on Sunday so far Norway do not emerge as winners against Spain in that fixture.

Daniel Ademiju Idowu