Scotland 2-0 Spain: Three things we learned

Scotland have continued their excellent start to their Euro 2024 qualifying campaign with a 2-0 victory over Spain at Hampden Park. It’s the first time Scotland has defeated Spain since 1984. Here’s what stood out from the match…

McTominay was the main man again

Before this international break, who knew that Scott McTominay was a goal machine? Just like he did in Scotland’s previous match against Cyprus, the Manchester United midfielder bagged a brace.

The first goal came after just seven minutes, when Andrew Robertson cut the ball back to McTominay, only for him to divert it past Kepa Arrizabalaga with the help of a deflection.

The second goal came as a result of a Kieran Tierney cross with which he found the run of the onrushing McTominay, who struck it sweetly on the half-volley.

Scott McTominay celebrating his opener against Spain (Image: Getty Images)

Spain appeared shellshocked by the Hampden roar

Uncharacteristically, Spain seemed to be overawed by the occasion and almost intimidated by the buoyant Scottish crowd. As you would expect they had the majority of possession, however, they were rather wasteful with it.

The visitors did have a few big chances, namely from Joselu and Rodri, but they failed to make the most of them forcing saves from Angus Gunn, who looked very assured in what was only his second appearance for Scotland.

Spain manager Luis de la Fuente made two substitutions at half-time, bringing on Daniel Carvajal and Nico Williams for Pedro Porro and Mikel Oyarzabal respectively. Williams showed a few fleeting bursts of pace and trickery, however, it wasn’t sustained. As the second half went on, de la Fuente continued to tinker with his team, having made all five of his substitutes after 79 minutes when he brought on 18-year-old Barcelona star Gavi, but it was too little, too late for Spain.

Spain’s Nico Williams under pressure from the Scotland defence (Image: Getty Images)

Catch Scotland if you can

Very few people expected Steve Clarke’s side to beat Spain, and if the Fifa rankings are anything to go by, they would be justified in thinking that it would have been a relatively straightforward task for La Roja as they are 10th in the rankings, whilst Scotland are in 42nd place. However, you would have been forgiven for thinking Scotland were the top 10 side.

Statistically, possession aside, it was a very even game, with Scotland edging it when it came to the number of shots taken. The fact it was an even game is to Scotland’s credit. They took the game to Spain in a way in which many other countries would not have done, and in no way did they fear their opposition.

Over the past four years, Steve Clarke appears to have instilled a steely resilience into this Scotland side, which is something the Tartan Army hadn’t seen for a long time until Clarke came in.

From a Scottish perspective, six points out of six to start a Euros qualifying campaign: What’s not to like?