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    Netherlands 4 Scotland 0: Steve Clarke’s men taught harsh lesson in Euro 2024 warm up

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    FROM Total Football to total collapse.Scotland were awesome at times in the Johan Cruyff Amsterdam ArenA.Wout Weghorst celebrates after scoring the Netherlands’ third goalCredit: GettyIt was a tough night for Steve Clarke’s menCredit: EPALawrence Shankland hit the crossbar in the second halfCredit: Kenny RamsayBut the deadly Dutch showed Steve Clarke’s side what top level finishing looks like.The Tartan Army were treated to some brilliant football from their heroes.And the men in dark blue created chance after chance to score.But Ronald Koeman’s Netherlands showed the difference between hope and reality.Clarke talked about how his side needed to step up against top level opposition like this as they prepare for Germany, Switzerland and Hungary at the Euros.What he got was another result which underlines where the improvement must come.He pointed to the positives after this defeat which means it’s now six games without a victory and, it’s true, it was a travesty Scotland were behind at the break.There was so, so much to enjoy and admire about the way Clarke’s side passed and moved the ball all over the pitch.Confident and brave in possession. Aggressive in winning it back.I got huge one-off payment when I made Rangers debut at 17 – I didn’t play well but must’ve been top paid star in BritainThe five-man defence squeezed the game almost to the halfway line when the midfield and forwards pressed.It was like they came to Amsterdam to get high.Almost to a man, they played with so much belief with Holland chasing shadows at times.Billy Gilmour was running the show.His crisp touch and wing-mirror awareness was just on a different level to anyone else on the park. An early booking for Scott McTominay made life difficult for the Manchester United man.But Scotland genuinely dictated the game in there.There were chances too and one outstanding save that prevented Clarke’s side taking the lead after 17 minutes.Gilmour burst down the right and clipped a cross into the box for Ryan Christie to attack.When he made good contact, it looked like his header would have the beating of goalkeeper Mark Flekken.But somehow the Brentford No1 reached out a hand to push the ball onto the crossbar and keep it from hitting the net.Even then, Lawrence Shankland was inches away from getting the next touch and prodding home.The 2400 away fans were up out their seats on second, back down to earth the next.Reijnders with a rocket to give the Dutch the lead! 🇳🇱It’s been a strong first half showing from Scotland, who’ll be disappointed to have conceded before the break 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿#NEDSCO pic.twitter.com/ulq1OxdHvW— Viaplay Sports UK (@ViaplaySportsUK) March 22, 2024

    At that stage, the Dutch support were so unimpressed with what they were seeing from their team they started doing a Mexican wave to entertain themselves.It was all going so well for Scotland and hugely encouraging.But then came the moment when Clarke was given a timely reminder that top level teams don’t need to be performing at their best to produce something out of nothing.That’s the difference when it’s class opposition like the Netherlands.For all Scotland were outstanding for 40 minutes, and by far the most dangerous looking team, they never panicked.Could Angus Gunn have done better to keep out the shot from AC Milan’s Tijjani Reijnders?That one is open for debate. But whatever anyone thinks, it was some hit from 25 yards and you have to credit the Dutchman for getting everything behind it.It was just such a hard one to take for Scotland given how much they’d put into the game until that point.They really didn’t deserve to be behind at the break and, if anything, should have gone in ahead.Clarke had to emphasis the positives in the away changing room before the second half.There was a big moment after the restart when Gunn made an outstanding save to prevent the Dutch going 2-0 ahead.Memphis Depay looked certain to score from inside the box after breaking free from Jack Hendry but Gunn got down low to his left to keep it out.There were still opportunities for Scotland too, though.McTominay got into a great position but just didn’t seem to sense the chance was there for him to burst the net, and didn’t get his shot away quickly enough.John McGinn had a blast at goal, forcing a good stop from Flekken, with Ryan Christie flashing a header wide.Gilmour also had an attempt which was deflected wide for a corner.Then there was the best one of all, the Shankland chance on the hour mark that had Scotland supporters everywhere holding their head in their hands.You would have put your house on the Hearts striker scoring after McTominay robbed Mats Wieffer to put him through one-on-one with the goalkeeper.Shankland’s touch was good, he looked like he had everything under control.This was his big moment to show why he’s cut out for the big games. But unfortunately for him, he put too much on his shot and the ball crashed off the crossbar and went over the top.The dejection and disappointment was written all over Shankland’s face when he was substituted six minutes later.And Gini Wijnaldum doubles the Netherlands’ lead! 🇳🇱A very good Scottish performance on many fronts but they are being made to pay for not translating their pressure into goals 😔#NEDSCO pic.twitter.com/UWhlnY4Jfj— Viaplay Sports UK (@ViaplaySportsUK) March 22, 2024

    But he should hold his head high for the effort he put in.The Dutch were just far more clinical when it mattered with their second goal coming after 72 minutes. This time a cross from the left was headed home by Georginio Wijbnaldum.Even then, Scotland kept threatening to score.McTominay beat the turf in frustration after missing the target with a header as another opportunity went begging.It was another escape for the Dutch but they weren’t finished showing how it should be done.The changes Clarke made didn’t help.In 84 minutes Wout Weghorst made it 3-0 with another pinpoint header with the fourth coming just two minutes later from Donnell Malen.Keep up to date with ALL the latest news and transfers at the Scottish Sun football page  More

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      Furious Scotland fans blast SFA ‘shambles’ after Euro 2024 ticket sale delayed indefinitely by huge blunder

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      TICKET sales for Scotland’s Euro 2024 matches have been delayed just an hour before they were due to start after a major blunder.Scotland Supporters Club members were supposed to be able to start getting their hands on the gold dust briefs this lunchtime – but they’re going to have to wait a little bit longer.
      The Euro 2024 draw took place last weekendCredit: AFP
      Scotland will take on Germany inside the iconic Allianz ArenaCredit: Getty
      Scotland fans were already facing a battle for ticketsCredit: Kenny Ramsay
      Access codes have been sent out to fans who aren’t yet eligibleCredit: Getty
      While the general ticketing window got underway back in October, the official Scotland Supporters Club allocation is due to be purchased this week.
      The Scottish FA has been allocated around 10,000 tickets for each Euro 2024 group match in Germany.
      Scotland will face the hosts in the showpiece opening match in Munich before taking on Switzerland and Hungary.
      The supporters club’s ticket window was due to open at 12pm today, December 6.

      However, a huge error has meant it’s had to be postponed.
      SSC members were due to receive a special access code, giving them the right to purchase tickets.
      This is done using the loyal points system which decides who’s eligible to apply for the briefs.
      For the initial window due to open today, fans sitting on 12 or more points were to be given a 24-hour guaranteed window to buy tickets for each group stage match.
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      However, a blunder has mean that ticket codes have been sent out to members who are NOT yet eligible to buy tickets.
      And it means today’s ticket sale has been AXED – with the SFA later confirming that tickets will finally go on sale at noon on Wednesday December 7.
      The SFA have had to apologise for the nightmare – with Uefa called in to help resolve it.
      A statement released via the Scotland Supporters Club said: “Due to a technical error, Uefa Euro 2004 codes have been sent out to Scotland Supporters Club members who are not eligible to buy tickets at this stage.
      “As a result of this error, the sale scheduled for 12 noon will be delayed until further notice while we liaise with Uefa to resolve the issue.
      “The Scottish FA would like to apologise for any inconvenience caused to supporters at this time. We will communicate further information on the sales schedule as soon as it is available.”
      It appears, therefore, that codes have been sent out to supporters with 11 points or fewer in error.
      Supporters with 11 points weren’t supposed to receive their access codes until tomorrow – and even then, tickets were expected to be subjected to any remaining availability.
      Understandably, fans were left raging with the situation.
      One fumed: “This is an absolute disgrace. You should be ashamed of yourselves as people have used holidays etc to acquire the possibility of tickets.”
      Another said: “People cleared work diaries for this slot and now potentially in a position where they will be unavailable for new last minute slot. How can mistakes of this magnitude be made? The fans deserve better.”
      A third added: “Total shambles from the email sending codes: days/dates wrong for two out of the three games. Does no-one proof read and check such important details?”
      Another simply blasted: “What a farce.”
      Another raged: “Great, half a day off work for this and now can’t log on until after 6. Thanks a lot.”
      As mentioned, there’s no indication at this stage whether the sale will be able to proceed after all.
      Many fans pleaded with the SFA to try and ensure it’s fixed today while others called for a change in the tiering system prior to the tickets finally going on sale.
      Read more on The Sun
      One said: “What’s the rush? Take a step back and do a proper tiering system. Start at the highest points and give yourself breathing space for errors.”

      Keep up to date with ALL the latest news and transfers at the Scottish Sun football page  More

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      Scotland’s Euro 2024 draw simulated as Steve Clarke’s men handed group of death with final table revealed

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      WE won’t find out until December 2 who Steve Clarke and Scotland get for real in the Euro 2024 draw.Indeed, the identity of the final three qualifiers will be unknown until March when the play-off process is completed.
      Steve Clarke will learn Scotland’s fate for real next monthCredit: Getty
      But we’ve fast-forwarded a week or two at SunSport to simulate the draw right now – and the results won’t make great reading for the Tartan Army.
      Bizarrely, you have to go back to 1998 for the only time that a major tournament featuring two home nations DIDN’T see at least two of them paired in the same group.
      England found themselves paired with Wales at both the 2022 World Cup and Euro 2016, and grouped with Scotland at Euro 2020.
      It remains to be seen whether the same will transpire at Germany next summer but that’s not who we’ve been paired with in our totally random simulation.

      Instead we land a third crack at Spain – who we split the series with in qualifying, winning one and losing one.
      You could argue that hands Clarke’s men an advantage should we meet again in Germany next summer – although you could quite equally make the opposite case.
      But with a Fifa ranking of eight – and featuring the talents of stars like Rodri, Pedri, Gavi and Alvaro Morata – they’re no easy touch.
      From the second pot of seeds, our random prediction lands us with Austria – a side who we beat on their own patch during the previous qualification campaign.
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      That will stand us in good stead in a tournament were four of the third place finishers will also make it out of the group stages.
      But the really bad news for Clarke’s men – should this simulation come true at the start of next month – is the fact that we landed Italy from Pot 4.
      How our simulator turned out
      Luciano Spaletti’s men are the HOLDERS of the competition and quite frankly are the side no-one wants to see coming out of Pot 4.
      Steve Clarke’s men will fancy their chances of getting out of ANY group come the summer.
      But Swiss Football Data’s prediction algorithm at least doesn’t give them much credit.
      They predict that the Scots would finish bottom of that group – with Spain finishing first, Italy second and Austria coming third.
      Keep up to date with ALL the latest news and transfers at the Scottish Sun football page  More

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      Scotland 3 Norway 3 – ‘No Scotland, no party’ screamed out as Tartan Army’s Euro campaign ends with six-goal thriller

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      ‘PLEASE stick around’ urged the tannoy announcer after the final whistle.Like the Tartan Army would rather have been anywhere else!
      John McGinn levelled the game early doorsCredit: AFP
      The Aston Villa captain linked up well with Stuart Armstrong for the thirdCredit: Kenny Ramsay
      ‘No Scotland, no party’ screamed a sell-out crowd at Hampden as Steve Clarke and his side were given the send-off to Germany they deserved.
      Okay, the campaign didn’t end with the victory over Norway we all hoped for.
      But the hard work was done long ago and the lap of honour after this 3-3 draw one they earned.
      The fans applauded the team and the team applauded the fans in a tremendous show of togetherness.

      Scotland fell behind twice in the first-half before battling back to take the lead.
      Stuart Armstrong looked like he’d scored the winner with a second-half strike.
      But former Celtic star Mohammed Elyounoussi snatched a draw for Norway with an equaliser with only four minutes remaining.
      That still didn’t ruin the night for the Tartan Army.
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      It almost felt a bit too good to be true before kick-off.
      The feelgood factor in and around Hampden was off the charts.
      The 49,000 crowd didn’t turn up with any fear or trepidation.
      There was no worry on any faces, just wide smiles and anticipation.
      The SFA did a great job whipping up the excitement levels too as the teams came striding out.
      The floodlights flashed like disco lights with the Tartan Army’s adopted dance track ‘Freed from Desire’ booming out of the stadium sound system.
      Before that, as the players were warming up, there had been video clips of the big goals scored throughout the campaign.
      Maybe ramming the two late, late Oslo strikes from Lyndon Dykes and Kenny McLean down the throats of the Norwegians wasn’t the brightest idea.
      Because if last night’s guests needed any encouragement then that was it, shown in HD on the huge mega-screens.
      Stale Solbakken’s side were always going to be determined to spoil the party, though, weren’t they?
      Along with Erling Haaland, Arsenal’s Martin Odegaard missed this game through injury. 
      The visitors started strong even without their star duoCredit: Getty
      But after the summer defeat he made it clear he felt Norway were a better team that Scotland. And you really got the impression his team-mates wanted to show that.
      Clarke, though, had a team of men who had other ideas as they played with a grit and determination to PROVE the right team is heading to Germany next summer.
      In fairness, the carefree attitude both sets of players helped make this an end-to-end game of football you couldn’t take you eyes off for a split second.
      It was 2-2 at the break and from a Scotland point of view the goals conceded weren’t great.
      Aron Donnum gave Norway the lead after just three minutes and the defending wouldn’t have impressed Clarke.
      The goal silenced the home crowd until McGinn levelled from the penalty spot, after Callum McGregor had a shot blocked by the the same guy who scored the opener.
      But soon Norway were back in front to dampen the atmosphere a second time.
      Zander Clark was beaten from point-blank range after the ball took an awkward deflection.
      When it came to Scotland’s second equaliser, it was Norway cursing their luck.
      McLean did well to flick on a corner from Stuart Armstrong with his header hitting defender Leo Ostigaard on its way into the back of the net.
      Even then Norway could have taken the lead a third time before the break.
      Nathan Patterson made a tremendous block to stop Donnum from scoring again.
      All told, there was a lot that happened in that first-half that would have worried Clarke. 
      Norway looked dangerous every time they got forward – Man City’s Oscar Bobb in particular causing us all sorts of problems down their right flank.
      It was a fairly unfamiliar line-up, remember.
      Steve Clarke’s men will be in Pot Three for next month’s drawCredit: Kenny Ramsay
      Clarke want with a back four with Scott McKenna and Jack Hendry his two centre-backs and they’ve both played better for their country.
      Jacob Brown was picked to lead the line ahead of Lawrence Shankland, which was surprising after his last gasp heroics in Georgia last Thursday night, and the Luton frontman found it tough going.
      You also wondered if Clarke would take the opportunity to throw Bologna’s on-form Lewis Ferguson in from the start. But as usual he had to settle for a place on the bench.
      The Scotland boss started looking at the scoreboard clock when it showed 57 minutes, clearly thinking about making a change or two.
      But before he could get any of his substitutes stripped, Armstrong fired the team in front with a tremendous goal.
      Brown missed a sitter when a great ball was fizzed across the face of goal and he failed to get a touch.
      But when it looked like going out for a throw-in down near the corner flag Armstrong had other ideas.
      He showed a real desire to win the ball and create something out of nothing, combining with McGinn before calmly finding the net at the near post.
      It was as cool as could be.
      Norway had moments when they could have made it 3-3 with Clark making a cracking save in 80 minutes to keep out a header from Sander Berge.
      But the Jambos keeper was soon beaten a third time when he lost the flight if a cross to his back post with Elyounoussi free to score. 
      Soon, though, it was party time again as Clarke and his heroes were saluted on their way around the pitch.

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      Scott McTominay suffers being a Scotland star at Man United like my old mate, says Kris Boyd – but he’s been our warrior

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      CRISTIANO RONALDO, Romelu Lukaku, Harry Kane – and Scott McTominay.The average football fan from abroad will probably look at the Euro 2024 qualifying top scorers and think, ‘The Scotland striker has had a good campaign’.
      McTominay has an incredible record in the qualifiersCredit: AFP
      It rivals some of his old Man United team-mates like Lukaku and Ronaldo (above)Credit: Reuters
      McTominay has stepped up for Scotland since his debut in 2018Credit: Reuters
      McTominay’s record of seven goals in seven games is one any top No9 would be proud of.
      It’s an unbelievable return from the Man United midfielder and he deserves to be rubbing shoulders with all those superstars in the scoring charts.
      But it only tells half the story of his contribution to Scotland’s qualification for next summer’s finals.
      McTominay has been more than just a goalscorer for Steve Clarke’s side.

      He has been a leader and a warrior for Scotland in every single game.
      Even in Georgia, when things were getting really niggly, he was the one leading the fight.
      And after the game, McTominay was the man who rightly called Willy Sagnol’s players “cry babies” for their antics.
      McTominay was born in England but you can tell that playing for Scotland means everything to him.
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      On that, a special mention to Alex McLeish for his key role in persuading him to commit in 2018.
      England boss Gareth Southgate was also having a look at McTominay during that period.
      But Alex travelled down for talks with the Man United man and that personal touch paid off.
      McTominay has been all-in with Scotland since making his debut five years ago and Clarke is getting the best out of him.
      It took a while to find his ideal position – he played as a centre-half and also in a sitting midfield role.
      In terms of how fans viewed him, he also maybe suffered from being the Man United star turning up for Scotland duty.
      I remember it with Darren Fletcher. He was playing every week at Old Trafford and people sometimes expected too much of him.
      But McTominay has really blossomed with Scotland over the last 18 months playing in that advanced midfield role.
      It’s perfect for him and he has stepped up time after time.
      He has the pace, energy and talent to make things happen and he can also get a goal.
      Do not underestimate just how good a finish that was from him in Georgia on Thursday night.
      McTominay gets big goals in vital moments and is emerging as a talisman for the team.
      He plays a different role at Old TraffordCredit: Getty
      It’s a similar club and country scenario that Darren Fletcher found himself inCredit: Andrew Barr – The Sun Glasgow
      Boyd’s backing Lawrence Shankland (centre) for a place on the plane next summerCredit: Kenny Ramsay
      Lawrence Shankland grabbed the all-important late equaliser and I was happy for the Hearts man.
      As a striker myself, I’ve been in his shoes – patiently waiting for your chance.
      You need to take it when it comes and I don’t think anyone else in the Scotland squad would have scored that header.
      Yes, we have aerial threats like Lyndon Dykes, but Shankland’s movement and awareness was top class.
      It was a real striker’s finish and that ability to find space and nick a goal could be priceless for Scotland.
      There will be games that don’t suit Shankland and he will understand why Clarke will go for Dykes or Che Adams.
      But in certain moments, like in Georgia, strikers like Shankland become so valuable.
      If it was up to me, he would be on that plane for Germany next summer.
      Special mention also to Lewis Ferguson, who made a massive impact off the bench.
      The Bologna midfielder has had to be patient and wait for his chance because we are so strong in that area.
      But Ferguson showed how big a player he can be for Scotland in that second half in Georgia.
      He was the one taking the game to them and driving the team on.
      There were a lot of unselfish runs from him and he made a big difference.
      I wouldn’t be surprised if Ferguson has done enough to earn a start against Norway tomorrow night.
      Scotland have qualified but there is still so much at stake as we battle for a pot 2 place at the Euros.
      Norway are scarred by Oslo in June when Dykes and Kenny McLean scored those two late goals.
      Stale Solbakken hasn’t been shy in claiming his team were better on that day – despite losing 2-1.
      Norway will be coming to Hampden looking for revenge and aiming to spoil the celebrations.
      Yet it now looks like Erling Haaland will join Martin Odegaard in missing the trip to Glasgow.
      McTominay and his Scotland pals will turn up for the final game of a memorable campaign.
      Let’s hope they have one big performance left and Hampden can host a proper party. More

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      Scotland seal stunning Euro 2024 qualification as Steve Clarke’s men punch ticket to Germany with TWO games to spare

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      WE’VE done it – Scotland are going to the Euros!Steve Clarke’s men will back at the continent’s top table once again next summer after sealing a spot at Germany 2024.
      McTominay and McGinn have been two of the qualifying heroesCredit: Kenny Ramsay
      Steve Clarke has led Scotland to back to back Euro finalsCredit: Getty
      It’s been an unbelievable campaign for the Tartan Army who set their stall out by winning their first five qualifiers before the controversial loss in Seville last week.
      It left Scotland hoping for a Spain win or even a draw against Norway in Oslo tonight.
      And – despite more VAR controversy – it was the Spaniards who ran out winners thanks to Gavi’s second half strike.
      With two automatic qualifying spots available from each group, Scotland can’t now finish out of the top two.

      It’s our second successive Euros qualification – after missing FIVE successive tournaments after Euro 96.
      And it’s all a far cry from the last campaign when Scotland did things the hard way, using the back door into the playoffs via the Nations League.
      A nail-biting penalties win over Israel was followed by *that* famous penalty shoot-out win in Belgrade that secured our place at Euro 2020 – but this time (for once) it’s been a whole lot more straightforward!
      While Scotland did have that play-off spot available if needed – this time around, it won’t be required!
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      This is the fourth time we’ve qualified for the Euros and only the second time we’ve ever made it to back-to-back finals.
      It’s also the first time Scotland have qualified for back-to-back major international tournaments for 25 years, when we made it to the World Cup in 1998 having been at the Euros two years before.
      It’s a truly remarkable feat for Steve Clarke’s men, who have punched a ticket to the finals with two qualification games still to spare.
      Scotland now join hosts Germany in confirming their place at Euro 2024 – which gets underway on 14 June next year.
      Bring it on!
      Keep up to date with ALL the latest news and transfers at the Scottish Sun football page More

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      Spain 2 Scotland 0 – VAR sickener as McTominay strike cruelly disallowed as Clarke’s men kept waiting on qualification

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      IN a city of bullfighting this was bull****.Seville’s matadors have nothing on how Dutch referee Serdar Gozubuyuk skewered Scotland.
      McTominay couldn’t believe his goal was chalked-offCredit: Getty
      The ref disallowed the stunning strike after VAR reviewCredit: Kenny Ramsay
      Morata scored just over 10 minutes later with Scotland kept waiting on qualificationCredit: Getty
      Everything he did was a red rag to the Steve Clarke and his side.
      But his decision to disallow a Scott McTominay wonder goal at 0-0 was an absolute disgrace.
      The records books will show Spain’s Álvaro Morata and Oihan Sancet scored the two goals that counted.
      But it was the one that didn’t which left such a bad taste on the mouth.

      Clarke insisted he didn’t want any favours from anyone before a ball was kicked.
      Well, he certainly didn’t get any.
      The VAR decision after 60 minutes robbed Scotland of a huge goal which would have gone a long way to getting the point needed to secure qualification for next summer’s finals.
      At first it was chalked off for a foul on the goalkeeper.
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      Then it was changed to off-side.

      You’d have been forgiven for thinking the officials were simply making it up as they went along.
      The contempt Gozubuyuk showed for our team made you believe Uefa will do anything to make sure the big nations reach Germany next year
      Now, of course, Scotland are looking for another Spain win against Norway in Oslo on Sunday night.
      If that happens all this will quickly be forgotten about.
      But for now this didn’t half hurt.
      Let’s be honest, winning felt unlikely before a ball was kicked.
      Spain chose Andalucia for a reason with the record books showing they rarely lost in this part of the world.
      It’s their go-to venue when they need a result. Seville a city no Scottish team has ever won before.
      Even with Scotland sitting pretty at the top of Group A – with five wins from five – it was still a daunting prospect.
      But it wasn’t ever beyond the realms of all possibility that Clarke’s side could get the point they needed to qualify. And we didn’t half make Spain sweat in the searing heat of Seville.
      That’s what this group of players have given the nation above all else. 
      Hope.
      It was always going to be nervy and edgy whenever Spain came forward. That much was certain.
      De la Fuente’s side could have taken the lead inside the first 60 seconds with Ferran Torres missing a chance he usually buries.
      There and then every Scot feared the worst.
      Scotland stars ratedBy ANDY DEVLIN
      ANGUS GUNN: His goal had led a charmed life most of the night. That said, he hadn’t made a save worthy of note when Morata headed Spain in front. Couldn’t be faulted at either Spanish goal….6.
      AARON HICKEY: Football can be such a cruel game. The left-back playing at right-back had been outstanding when he lost his footing to effectively gift-wrap the win for Spain….6.
      RYAN PORTEOUS: The Watford man had just got back to make a superb block when he found himself in the wrong place at the wrong time. It was his unfortunate own goal which sealed Spain’s win…6.
      JACK HENDRY: Stepping out trying to make an early interception almost cost Scotland dear, Ferran Torres missed a sitter. But how he settled thereafter. Picked up a late booking, but that was down to frustration..7.
      SCOTT McKENNA: In for the injured Kieran Tierney. The former Aberdeen star won’t get forward like Tierney, but you lost count of the amount of headers he won. Had a fine match..7. 
      ANDY ROBERTSON: More than played his part in a solid defensive first half showing. But the Scotland captain was forced off with a shoulder injury two minutes from the break..5. 
      SCOTT McTOMINAY: The man who can do no wrong for Scotland thought he’d done it again. A sensational free-kick, ruled out by VAR and a ref who gave Clarke’s side nothing all night….6. 
      CALLUM McGREGOR: The hugely experienced midfielder was the one going round trying to keep his teammates calm and focused after McTominay’s free-kick was ruled out. Replaced late on…6. 
      JOHN McGINN: Totally wiped out by Carvajal right on the edge of the Spanish box. Incredibly, Dutch ref Serdar Gozubuyuk waved play on, setting the tone for a truly appalling performance…6.
      RYAN CHRISTIE: The one Scotland midfielder who attempted to get up in support of Dykes. Tried to provide Clarke’s men with an outball, while mindful of his defensive duties. Replaced late on….6. 
      LYNDON DYKES: Picked up a booking after a coming together with Laporte. It was a thankless task for the QPR man who ran himself into the ground up front on his own….6.
      Subs:
      NATHAN PATTERSON: Got away with one when Balde robbed him of the ball. Booked for a foul on Bryan Zaragoza, but stuck doggedly to his defensive tasks…5.
      CHE ADAMS: Should have scored just moments after coming on. Failed to properly connect with Hickey’s cross…4.
      STUART ARMSTRONG: Another sub who snatched at a half-chance for Scotland…2.
      KENNY McLEAN: Came on just after Spain scored their second…2.
      BILLY GILMOUR: No time for the young midfield star to shine…2.

      But despite having the vast, vast majority of the ball, Spain didn’t make it count in the first-half.
      For Scotland it was all about tracking runners and filling the gaps whenever they appeared.
      Callum McGregor was vital in his role in front of the back five.
      Being without injured Kieran Tierney was a definite blow but Scott McKenna came into the team and didn’t look out of place.
      Aaron Hickey was outstanding on the right, making a sensational block to prevent Mikel Oyarzabal scoring in 34 minutes.
      When the ball broke for Mikel Merino he hit a shot which smacked the post and fizzed across Angus Gunn’s goal and somehow stayed out of his net to drift out for a goal kick on the opposite side.
      It was the kind of moment which made you think this might just be Scotland’s night.
      Morata thought he’d scored in 38 minutes too but the flag went up showing he was a good two or three yards off-side.
      By that time Clarke just wanted to get his team into the away changing room to regroup.
      But before the half-time whistle went he was dealt a massive blow with Robertson helped off the pitch with a suspected dislocated shoulder.
      He’d been clattered by goalkeeper Unai Simón as he jumped for a high ball, coming off second best, with his night over.
      Clarke’s answer was to put on Everton’s Nathan Patterson and play him on the right with Hockey shifting over to the left.
      In an attacking sense there wasn’t much there for Scotland before the break. Lyndon Dykes had a running battle with Aymeric Laporte which saw him booked.
      The QPR hitman’s touches were limited.
      But it was all about how the team were fighting for each other all over the pitch to keep Spain at bay.
      We certainly weren’t going to get any help from the Dutch referee who was hell bent on giving the Euro giants the benefit of any doubt throughout the night.
      The decision to disallow McTominay’s wonder strike free-kick on the hour mark was nothing short of a disgrace.
      It should have been the goal of his life.
      Instead the officials contrived to rob him and Scotland of a precious lead.
      The moment it went to VAR to check for a foul everyone knew what was coming next.
      Replays showed there had been virtually no contact by Jack Hendry on goalkeeper Simon.
      But still the ref sided with the Spanish and awarded them a free-kick.
      Joy had suddenly turned to anger and disbelief – with the home side soon taking full advantage of the let-off.

      With 73 minutes on the clock Morata made a darting run and stooped to glance a header past Gunn.
      It was simply agonising.
      Even then Scotland had late chances to level the game with subs Che Adams and Stuart Armstrong blocked from scoring.
      Read More on The Sun
      But in 86 minutes Sancet pounced after Hickey slipped and it was all over.

      Keep up to date with ALL the latest news and transfers at the Scottish Sun football page More

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      Fans in awe as Scott McTominay scores AGAIN for Scotland with ‘on fire’ Man Utd outcast Euro 2024 qualifying top scorer

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      MANCHESTER UNITED midfielder Scott McTominay continued his scoring streak for Scotland on Friday as Steve Clarke’s side cruised to a 3-0 win over Cyprus.The 26-year-old broke the deadlock just six minutes into the Euro 2024 qualifier with a header from close range.
      McTominay scored another goal for Scotland on FridayCredit: Getty
      The midfielder is now top scorer in the Euro 2024 qualifiersCredit: Getty
      Left-back Andy Robertson sent a cross to Aston Villa’s John McGinn in the box, who deflected the ball into the path of McTominay at the back post.
      The midfielder then simply flicked the ball into the gaping net to fire Scotland into an early lead.
      McTominay now leads the Euro 2024 qualifying top scorers table with six goals and one assist in five games – ahead of Rasmus Hojlund and Romelu Lukaku.
      Fans took to social media to praise the Man Utd star, with one person tweeting: “McTominay is always on fire for Scotland!”
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      A second fan wrote: “Scott McTominay turns into prime R9 when he plays international football.”
      Another added: “McTominay on fire for the Scots, can’t get a look in and nearly got sold for United!”
      While a fourth joked: “Maybe McTominay should play as a 9😂.”
      Despite the midfielder’s impressive form on the international level, he has fallen out of favour with Man Utd manager Erik ten Hag.
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      He has played just seven minutes so far in the Premier League this season, with Casemiro and Christian Eriksen currently the Dutchman’s preferred midfield duo.
      McTominay almost left Old Trafford on deadline day when Fulham attempted to complete a transfer.
      The Cottagers saw him as the perfect replacement for Joao Palhinha, who came close to joining Bayern Munich.
      West Ham also attempted to sign the midfielder, but they could not agree a transfer fee with Man Utd. More

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      Harry Kane targeting Hollywood summer blockbuster with Champions League win at Wembley and Euro 2024 triumph in new home

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      HARRY KANE is eyeing a Hollywood summer blockbuster — by winning the Champions League in London and the European Championships in Germany.The England captain is desperate for ­trophies after his £100million switch to Bayern Munich and has a dream scenario in mind.
      Harry Kane joined Bayern Munich in pursuit of personal gloryCredit: Getty
      The former Spurs man is eyeing Champions League glory with the GermansCredit: GETTY
      Kane also wants to taste European Championship glory with England next yearCredit: AP
      Kane, 30, said: “I have been told about the Champions League final at Wembley, for sure.
      “I know the Euros are in Germany next summer. So if there’s someone out there writing a movie, I’ll try and do my best to make it happen!
      “There’s so much time to go I don’t want to think about it too much.
      “But if it did happen it would be incredible.”
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      England will virtually secure qualification for the Euro 2024 finals if they defeat Ukraine here in the Polish city of Wroclaw tonight.
      And Kane admitted his angst at going potless in more than a decade at Tottenham while Three Lions team-mates were lifting trophies.
      The striker said: “There is no hiding the fact that winning trophies is the one thing missing from my career.
      “When the boys are playing the Champions League and I am just sitting at home watching it, I would be lying if I said there wasn’t a part of me that hurt.
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      “Of course, I want them to do well — Kyle Walker and all those guys to win when they are in competitions I am not in — but a part of me wants to have those experiences.
      “I am not sure ‘jealous’ is the right word, but it motivates me to push myself towards some of those trophies the guys have got.”
      A 2-1 win in their first qualifying game in Italy has set the tone for this qualifying campaign.
      England could confirm their place in Germany over the next few days if they win and other results go their way.
      Boss Gareth Southgate said: “We have got to focus on what would get us to that point.
      “We have to make sure we can come to an intense atmosphere and perform as we did against Italy in Naples.”
      Southgate is set to ignore criticism of midfielder Jordan Henderson for moving to Saudi Arabia by picking him in tonight’s starting XI.
      The boss insisted: “I don’t pick the team based on external reaction as you’ll be well aware over the course of seven years.
      Read More on The Sun
      “He’s a very experienced professional and very mature at handling any situation.
      “He’s trained really well this week — the whole group have.”
      Gareth Southgate has ignored the furore over Jordan Henderson’s move to SaudiCredit: Alamy More