Scotland 3-3 Norway: Three things we learned
The Scotland team pre-match (Image: Getty Images)
The curtain fell on a memorable Euro 2024 qualifying campaign for Scotland with a 3-3 draw with Norway at a buoyant Hampden Park. What stood out from Scotland’s final competitive match before heading to Germany?
A thriller to finish
The game got off to a frantic start with Norwegian winger Aron Donnum finding the net after three minutes. Jorgen Larsen got the better of the Scotland backline and found Donnum, who stroked the ball home, with his shot taking a nick off Scotland full-back Nathan Patterson on its way in.
Aron Donnum celebrates putting Norway 1-0 up (Image: Getty Images)
It didn’t take Scotland long to get back on level terms. They were awarded a penalty after Callum McGregor’s effort struck Donnum’s arm. John McGinn made no mistake, scoring his 18th goal for his country with 13 minutes on the clock.
However, Norway restored their lead after 20 minutes through Jorgen Larsen. Steve Clarke will feel his side could have defended better, having let in a cross which deceived Scotland goalkeeper Zander Clark. The ball was then prodded beyond a helpless Clark in only his third cap.
Clarke’s side drew themselves level for a second time after 33 minutes when Scott McTominay’s corner was flicked on by Kenny McLean only to rebound into the back of the net off Leo Ostigard. This was the last moment of note in an action-packed first half.
After the break, the game didn’t exactly slow down. Scotland started the second half playing with much greater intensity than they had done in the first period. This eventually paid off as Stuart Armstrong finished off an excellent Scotland move a minute just before the hour. The passage of play began with striker Jacob Brown failing to make proper contact with the ball and get a shot away. Armstong then latches on to it, keeping possession and finding McGinn. The Aston Villa midfielder cuts it back to Armstrong, who placed his first-time shot into the bottom corner.
Stuart Armstrong celebrates putting Scotland in front (Image: Getty Images)
Scotland’s Euro 2024 qualification party was in full swing again. However, the visitors were far from finished. With four minutes remaining, they ventured forward with Julian Ryerson whipping in a pinpoint cross, which was flapped at by a helpless Clark, leaving former Celtic man Mohamed Elyounoussi free to tap the ball home and ensure the points were shared.
Mohamed Elyounoussi taps the ball into an empty net to secure a point for Norway (Image: Getty Images)
Scotland take the place in pot 3
With this result, Scotland have confirmed their place in pot three of the Euro 2024 group stage draw. This means they can’t come up against the Netherlands, Croatia, Slovenia, Slovakia or Czechia.
It’ll be tough, but Scotland will, of course, be hoping to make it out of a major tournament group for the first time.
Scotland’s struggle without their stars
Scotland were without many key players during this international break including Andy Robertson, Kieran Tierney, Che Adams and Angus Gunn. This resulted in the team playing a back four, something they wouldn’t typically do if the likes of Robertson and Tierney were fit.
Injured Scotland captain Andy Robertson watches on from the Hampden bench (Image: Getty Images)
This contributed to a 2-2 draw in Tbilisi on Thursday (November 16) and Clarke’s team looked like they lacked cohesion at times during this match, particularly in the first half.
The Scotland players show their appreciation to the fans after qualifying for two consecutive European Championships for the first time in their history (Image: Getty Images)
The Tartan Army will be relieved to know that they are all expected to be back in time for the flight to Germany.