Controversial Euro 2024 Qualifier: Unveiling the Shrouded Mystery Behind Scott McTominay's Disallowed Goal in Spain vs Scotland Clash

UEFA faced accusations of inconsistency regarding their decision on Scott McTominay's disallowed 'opener' in Scotland's 2-0 loss to Spain, causing their Euro aspirations to be put on hold. Despite Scotland's 0-0 draw, McTominay believed he had propelled his country towards securing a spot in next summer's tournament in Germany.

However, after undergoing a VAR review, the free-kick taken by the midfielder from Manchester United was deemed invalid due to a violation. At first, television footage suggested that the foul committed by Jack Hendry on Unai Simon was the reason for the disallowed goal. However, subsequent replays revealed a different story. It became evident that the midfielder had been penalized for being in an offside position and for interfering with the Spanish goalkeeper.

Spain would narrow the distance to Scotland in their quest for qualification to Euro 2024 by prevailing over them in the Group A encounter held in Seville. In a thrilling match, Alvaro Morata's late strike followed by an unfortunate own goal courtesy of Ryan Porteous sealed a commanding 2-0 victory for Spain.

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Scott McTominay's goal was ruled out

Speaking to Viaplay, Scotland's vice-captain John McGinn expressed his frustration with the decision made during the game. He highlighted that the incident demonstrated the lack of clarity and obviousness. McGinn pointed out that Jack's choice to move to the other side was never going to result in a save.

"He initially calls it a foul, but then switches it to an offside when he realizes it was not a foul.

"It's a devastating blow. That goal secures our qualification. They will now have to score two. I sympathize with Scott [McTominay], but sometimes luck is on your side and tonight it was not."

We shouldn't be overly disappointed. Our goal was to qualify tonight, and we had the ability to achieve it. We are determined to succeed on our own rather than relying on other teams.

Unfortunately, luck was not on our side during the crucial moments. Nonetheless, there is no doubt that we can continue to enhance our performance, and we displayed considerable effort.

"We were well aware that reaching our target required just one point, making the loss of Robbo [Andrew Robertson] early on even more disheartening.

Despite initially taking the lead, the tide turned against us and they managed to score the first goal - perhaps we could have defended that situation more effectively. Nonetheless, it is undeniably difficult to accept."

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Spain went on to win the game 2-0 in Seville

"We competed for long spells, it's tough to win here but in the circumstances it was near-enough impossible.

From the perspective of Scotland, whether it be the players on the field, the spectators in the stands, or those on the sidelines, it seemed as though we were not going to receive any favorable rulings during that game. The challenges for possession that could have gone either way did not fall in our favor, which made it exceedingly tough to achieve any success against a team of such high caliber.

"You need a perfect performance to win here, and it was never going to happen."

Analysis: Were Scotland unlucky not to score?

"It's an incredible free-kick, perfectly placed in the top corner, however, Hendry's unfortunate positioning half a yard offside and interference with the goalkeeper."

Spain has been given a significant reprieve, which will definitely boost Scotland's confidence.

The player's actions constitute a foul as he disrupts Simon's positioning, runs across him, and makes minimal contact. Despite negatively impacting the goalkeeper and being in an offside position, Spain cannot argue about the decision. However, it is indeed an unfortunate outcome.

"It has been an incredible effort, Spain dominated possession, had three or four clear-cut chances during the game.

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Scotland were left feeling hard done by in Spain

Scotland had a few opportunities, including a goal disallowed in the second half, but Spain is a formidable European team, particularly on their home turf, making it difficult for any opponent.

Despite a favorable position to win the group, Scotland's chances were hindered by a couple of instances of loss of focus and an unfortunate slip by Hickey, resulting in the second goal against them.

"It was anticipated to be a challenging evening, yet they performed admirably, showing resilience and managed to survive the first half. However, Spain's control of possession eventually proved decisive.

"Anyone would have eagerly accepted the current position. Although it would have been fantastic to secure a spot in Germany tonight, I am confident that Scotland will qualify, whether it happens this weekend or next month.

Steve has assembled an impressive team, instilling them with a strong determination to defend exceptionally. It is unfortunate that they were unable to seize the advantage tonight; it would have been intriguing to witness the subsequent course of the game.

Nonetheless, there are numerous encouraging aspects to take away, and it will be interesting to observe the performances of Spain and Norway over the weekend.

McKenna: Disallowed goal gave them lift

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McTominay had a free-kick ruled out at 0-0

Scotland defender Scott McKenna expressed his disappointment regarding the decision to disallow the goal, stating that he did not believe there was sufficient reason for it. He added that had the goal been allowed, it would have significantly altered the outcome of the game in their favor.

We silenced their supporters, and by disallowing the goal, we inadvertently motivated them to make a comeback.

"Aaron [Hickey] has performed exceptionally well since joining our team. It is a pity that the clearance made by [Ryan] Porteous almost saved the situation, but unfortunately, it ended up hitting their player and resulted in a goal."

We have the opportunity to finish at the top of the group as it is still within our control. With a couple of games scheduled next month, if we win them, we will achieve that goal. Additionally, there is a game this weekend between Spain and Norway, which may work in our favor. Therefore, there is still much to be anticipated.