Norway's Dynamic Duo Stuns Scotland, while Spain and Italy Dominate in Euro 2024 Qualifiers

Norway denied Scotland's qualification for Euro 2024 with a 2-1 win over Georgia, with Erling Haaland and Martin Odegaard scoring the decisive goals. Despite Scotland needing a draw in Group A to secure their spot in the finals, Haaland's header and Odegaard's strike swiftly dashed their hopes before the first half ended.

Georgia managed to score a goal in stoppage time, courtesy of Budu Zivzivadze, making the final seconds quite intense. However, Norway held on and maintained their chances of qualifying. In the simultaneous match of Group A, Spain, Scotland's upcoming opponents, dominantly defeated Cyprus 6-0 in Granada.

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La Roja dominated the match, securing a resounding 6-0 victory over Cyprus, with Ferran Torres stealing the show with his two brilliant goals. Additional goals from Gavi and Mikel Merino in the first half propelled La Roja to a comfortable 2-0 lead. As substitutes, Joselu, Ferran Torres, and Alex Baena made an immediate impact by contributing to the scoreline, with the former Manchester City striker impressively scoring twice.

Italy secured a 2-1 victory over Ukraine in England's group, propelling themselves to second place behind the Three Lions. Davide Frattesi's double goal gave Luciano Spalletti's team a comfortable advantage at the San Siro. However, Ukraine managed to pull one back through Andrey Yarmolenko, despite leaving Mykhailo Mudryk on the bench.

Italy will then proceed to Wembley where they will face England on October 17. The Three Lions are well aware that a win in this match will virtually secure their spot in Germany. North Macedonia, after their 2-0 victory over Malta, have now joined Italy and Ukraine on seven points. Goals from Elif Elmas and Jonav Manev in the first half were sufficient for the Euro 2020 contenders to stay in the race for qualification.

Belgium dominated Estonia with a resounding 5-0 victory, bringing them within striking distance of securing their spot in Euro 2024 qualification. Romelu Lukaku played a starring role, netting two goals, while Jan Vertonghen, Leandro Trossard, and Charles de Ketelaere also found the back of the net for the triumphant Red Devils.

With 13 points, Belgium is currently tied with Austria for the top spot in Group F. Austria secured a vital 3-1 victory in their away game against Sweden, effectively jeopardizing Sweden's chances of qualifying. Marco Gregoritsch scored a goal, while Marko Arnautovic added two more, giving Ralf Rangnick's team a comfortable 3-0 lead in the second half. This victory granted Austria a seven-point lead over Sweden. The upcoming match between Austria and Belgium will determine which team secures a spot in Euro 2024.

Switzerland remain in control at the top of Group I following a 3-0 win over Andorra. Goals from Cedric Itten, Granit Xhaka, and a late penalty from Xherdan Shaqiri mean that they stay three points ahead of Israel, who narrowly defeated Belarus 1-0 thanks to a late winner from Gavriel Kanichowsky.

Who qualifies for Euro 2024?

Two teams - the group winners and runners-up - will qualify automatically from each of the 10 groups.

Three teams will then qualify via the play-offs.

Germany, as hosts, are the only country currently certain to be one of the 24 nations in action at next summer's tournament.

What are the key Euro 2024 dates?

The qualifiers for the tournament are scheduled to take place from March 23rd to 25th, 2023. The final matches, on the other hand, are set to be held on November 19th to 21st, 2023. However, it is important to note that the four Nations League finalists will not participate in matchday three or four of the qualifiers as they will be engaged in the finals of that particular tournament.

What about the play-offs?

Each country that wins their Nations League group automatically qualifies for the play-offs, unless they secure a spot in the tournament itself by finishing in the top two of their qualifying group.

If a country in this situation qualifies through their qualifying group, the next best nation in the respective league will take their place in the play-offs. The determination of this replacement nation is based on the following criteria: position in the group, points, and goal difference.

When is the tournament?

The draw for the final tournament will be held at the Elbphilharmonie in Hamburg in December 2023.

The teams will follow the overall European Qualifiers rankings for seeding. As hosts, Germany will be automatically placed in pot 1 and positioned at A1. The play-off winners, although unknown at the time of the draw, will be placed in pot 4.

Who are the Euro 2024 hosts?

Germany, as the host nation of Euro 2024, directly qualifies for the final tournament and, as a result, was not involved in the qualifying draw.