28 March 2023 , 21:24
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Scott McTominay conjured another double to seal one of the most famous victories in Scotland ’s history.
Steve Clarke’s men destroyed Spain with a show of relentless competitiveness and lethal finishing from their Manchester United midfielder. To put the win into context, Spain have had one defeat in their last 38 Euro qualifiers and only two defeats in World Cup qualifiers since 2006.
It was the first win against the Spaniards since 1984 when Jock Stein’s side won 3-1 including a goal from Kenny Dalglish. Clarke watched that one in the stand with his dad, the day after playing for the U21s, and this time he was in the dug-out masterminding a major step forward in their Group A Euro qualifying campaign.
It was a raucous night at Hampden Park, with Clarke’s side mirroring the passion in the stands and overpowering one of the poorest Spanish side’s in recent decades. The Scots signalled their intent from the off and were ahead after just seven minutes.
McTominay was handed a start after his super sub appearance against Cyprus on Saturday, when he scored twice in the last six minutes of play to give the 3-0 win a gloss. This time he was out of the blocks quickly to stun the illustrious visitors, squeezing home a deflection from 12 yards out.
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Spain’s Tottenham full back Pedro Porro slipped when trying to usher the ball out of a goal kick and Andy Robertson snapped up possession crossing first time to his team mate. It was just the start Clarke wanted, with controlled attack, without jeopardising their structure in defence.
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McTominay's double has put Scotland top of their Euro 2024 qualifying groupIt was also seven minutes into the second half when McTominay got his second of the game and fourth in his last 55 minutes of play. Until Saturday he’d need once for his country in 37 caps but now has five to his name.
He had Arsenal ’s Kieran Tierney to thank. The Arsenal defender nabbed the ball ten yards in his own half, and put on the burners, racing up the wing past two Spanish markers.
His cross to the six yard box was only half cleared by David Garcia and McTominay sprinted onto the loose ball and smashed it home, leaving the United star delighted.
“The manager said this is our chance to create legacies as Scotland players and these are the nights in 20, 30 years that people remember. He said be clinical when we had opportunities," McTominay said.
"I thought we had enough opportunities tonight to really hurt them and score some goals. As a kid, I was an attacking midfielder - I like to get in the box. I've got to keep doing that, I know I can add more goals and assists to my game.”
Hampden Park was at its most fierce and Scotland controlled their adrenaline and aggression well in the face of gamesmanship from the visitors. Spain lack a match winner to make them a top level contender, and had former Newcastle striker Joselu, hardly a big hit while on Tyneside, leading the line on his debut at 32.
Under pressure new boss Luis de la Fuente’s plan is to mix up play more and go direct with wingers getting in crosses for Joselu who hit the bar in the first half. Robertson escaped with a booking for bumping Porro’s chin with his shoulder in a clash.
It was almost 2-0 in first half injury time when Lyndon Dykes raced clear on goal but shot over the bar as Spanish frustrations grew. Chelsea ’s Kepa Arrizabalaga saved well from John McGinn’s free kick.
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