Norway 1-2 Scotland: Three things we learned
The full time celebrations of the Scotland players (Image: Getty Images)
Scotland snatched victory from the jaws of defeat against Norway, winning 2-1 after staging a miraculous comeback in their Euro 2024 qualifier. Let’s look at what stood out from the action at Oslo’s Ullevaal Stadion:
It’s not over until it’s over
Norway went into the game as favourites, thanks in no small part to English Premier League stars Erling Haaland and Martin Odegaard. For the most part, the game followed the pattern many people expected with the Norwegians in control while Scotland was penned in. Clear-cut chances in the game were few and far between.
Scotland defended stoically for most of the game, however, their resistance was broken after 53 minutes when Haaland was fouled by Ryan Porteous. The Manchester City striker appeared to go down a little easily but VAR awarded the spot-kick, and he made no mistake and subsequently scored his 53rd goal of the campaign for club and country combined.
Star man Erling Haaland celebrating after scoring his penalty (Image: Getty Images)
Overall, Scotland struggled to enter Norway’s half, but they got there in the end as they staged the most miraculous of comebacks. Norway’s star striker, Haaland was substituted with six minutes of the 90 to play, and that was perhaps a catalyst for Scotland’s turnaround. That is something that Norway manager Stale Solbakken may live to regret.
Scotland had some super-subs of their own with Steve Clarke bringing on Stuart Armstrong, Billy Gilmour, and Kenny McLean. With three minutes left, Lyndon Dykes scrambled the ball home to level the game for Scotland. Most Scotland fans would have been perfectly satisfied with a point, but Clarke’s side didn’t give in. Two minutes after the equaliser, midfielder McLean smashed an effort home to send the travelling Tartan Army into raptures to secure three points for the Scots.
Kenny McLean securing all three points in a dramatic Euro 2024 qualifier (Image: Getty Images)
Complacency costs Norway dearly
The hosts have made a poor start to their Euro 2024 qualification campaign, only picking up one point from their opening three games. This leaves them fourth in the group. They have a mountain to climb if they want to reach their first major tournament since Euro 2000. Haaland being taken off is a mistake, and perhaps a costly one if they want to be in Germany next summer.
Scotland are in pole position for qualification
Scotland have picked up maximum points from their opening three games leaving them five points clear at the top of the group. Next up, Scotland welcomes Georgia to Hampden, and if they win, qualification for next summer’s Euros is looking increasingly likely. As for Norway, they host Cyprus in what is a must-win game for them. Both fixtures take place on Tuesday (June 20).