UEFA Euro: Scotland qualify for Euro 2024 thanks to Spain win in Norway

Scotland qualify for second successive Euros
Spain win in Oslo sees both La Roja and the Scots through
Norway have a chance of making play-offs

Scotland have secured a berth in Euro 2024 with two matches to spare, thanks to Spain’s 1-0 victory over Norway. This result guarantees Steve Clarke’s squad a top-two finish in Group A.

Spain and Scotland both go through

Although Scotland trail Spain on goal difference, Norway, five points behind with only one game remaining, cannot catch either side.

Under Steve Clarke’s leadership, Scotland’s men have now earned consecutive berths in the European Championships, after last achieving this feat in 1997.

In Seville on Thursday, Scotland had the opportunity to secure their spot, but suffered a 2-0 defeat to Spain, their first loss in six qualifiers. However, their remarkable five wins in the initial five games put pressure on Norway to win their final three matches.

Norway, coming off a 4-0 victory over Cyprus, faltered in Oslo as Spain secured both their own and Scotland’s qualification.

Alvaro Morata had a first-half goal disallowed for offside, while Gavi netted the decisive goal in the 49th minute. Erling Haaland, who had scored 27 goals in 27 internationals going into the match, was contained as Spain secured a clean sheet and a win.

Norway, who haven’t participated in a major tournament since Euro 2000, can now only potentially qualify through playoffs, but they need to maintain their third position and hope Serbia advance from Group G to be eligible.

Scotland have two matches remaining, an away fixture against Georgia and a home match against Norway next month. Their aim will be to surpass Spain and potentially secure a top seeding in the draw.

Spain will conclude their campaign with matches against the bottom two teams, facing Cyprus away and Georgia at home.

Scotland and Spain will join Portugal, France, Belgium, and Turkey in the finals next summer, while Germany has an automatic berth as hosts.

After a 23-year hiatus from major tournaments, Scotland’s qualification for Euro 2020 two years ago via a Nations League play-off was a significant milestone, with Clarke having done an excellent job since taking the reins.

Betting Implications

Scotland are considered outsiders to win Euro 2024. They have performed consistently well under Clarke, however, their two recent encounters with a higher level opponent, the qualifier against Spain and the friendly with England, saw them fall short. However, they can cause any side problems, as was proven when they beat Spain at Hampden in March.

At the time of writing Betfred have Scotland at 80/1 to win the Euros. France and England are joint favourites at 9/2 ahead of hosts Germany and Spain who are both currently 7/1 with the bookie.