Scotland 3-0 Cyprus: Three things we learned
Scotland defeated Cyprus by 3-0 in their opening Euro 2024 qualifier. It is the first time that Scotland have been victorious on matchday one of a qualifying campaign since 2006. Let’s look at what stood out from the game…
John McGinn’s goalscoring run continues
John McGinn opened the scoring after 21 minutes with his 16th goal for Scotland, which puts him sixth in the all-time scoring charts for the men’s national team, moving ahead of Robert Hamilton and James McFadden. The goal itself was a tap in at the back post following a cross from Andrew Robertson. Perhaps it wasn’t his best strike in dark blue, however, it was important nevertheless.
Substitutes save Scotland from a potential scare
Scotland were by far the better team, but the longer it remained 1-0 to the home side, the more the Hampden crowd were growing frustrated and in some parts of the second half, it certainly looked possible that Cyprus could get themselves level and perhaps snatch a draw.
However, Steve Clarke breathed new life into the game with the introduction of Ryan Christie, Lyndon Dykes and Scott McTominay.
Christie added extra energy in attack, Dykes’ hold-up play caused the home side to look much more threatening as Cyprus struggled to deal with the Queens Park Rangers striker, and McTominay, he had the finishing touch. Twice. His first goal arrived after 87 minutes thanks to some excellent play from Christie to regain possession, he crossed it and Dykes nodded the ball down to the Manchester United midfielder, who struck it sweetly on the volley past a helpless Demetris Demetriou.
In the third minute of stoppage time, McTominay struck again after effectively passing the ball into the back of the net after Roberson cut it back, giving the Scotland captain his second goal assist.
If it wasn’t for those three substitutions, we could be talking about a very different game indeed, and Clarke has to take credit for that.
Improvement needed for Scotland against better opposition
From a Scottish perspective, no one can really complain at a 3-0 victory to kick off a qualification campaign, however, Cyprus offered little threat to Clarke’s side. New Scotland goalkeeper Angus Gunn barely had a save to make and forays forward were few and far between for the Cypriots.
The second hurdle which Scotland have to negotiate on the road to the Euros in Germany is 2012 European Champions Spain. They make the trip to Mount Florida on Tuesday (28 March).
Spain are considered by many as one of the continent’s top sides, however, they are a team in a period of transition with the likes of Sergio Busquets in the twilight of his career and no longer involved in their international setup. The difference in quality between Cyprus and Spain is almost incomparable, so Scotland need to be significantly better if they are to pull off a shock on Tuesday night.
More generally, Scotland will not be able to fulfil their ambition of reaching successive European Championships if they cannot at least hold their own against the likes of Spain who are first seeds. Matchday two will be interesting, that is for certain.