Scotland's Incredible Soar to Glory: Euro 2024 Almost Clinched as They Brace for Epic Spain Clash

Had you told me at the beginning of this Euro 2024 qualifying campaign that Scotland would arrive in Spain after achieving a flawless record of five consecutive victories, and would need just a single point to secure qualification with two matches remaining, I would have found it hard to believe.

The draw for this qualifying group indicated a challenging path for Scotland.

Spain is considered the strongest team in Pot One, while Norway is likely the toughest team in Pot Three and Georgia is in Pot Four - and we are well aware of the challenges we have faced in Tbilisi in the past, not just once but twice.

Scotland's victory over Spain on matchday two not only gave a fantastic beginning to the campaign but also boosted the confidence of both the team and the nation, making them believe that they can advance from this group.

The thoughts now are not only about qualifying but finishing top.

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Scott McTominay scored a double in Scotland's win against Spain at Hampden

Scotland's qualification for next summer's tournament in Germany will be secured if they achieve a win or draw against Spain in Seville on Thursday. However, even in the event of a loss for Scotland, Norway must triumph in their match against Cyprus. In the scenario where both Spain and Norway win, Scotland supporters will be eagerly watching the match between the two teams on Sunday. For Scotland to maintain their chances and prevent Scotland's qualification celebration, Norway must emerge victorious in that game. Scotland performed admirably against Spain in March, with Scott McTominay's early goal setting the tone. Despite opportunities for Ryan Christie and Lyndon Dykes to extend the lead, it was McTominay once again who scored the crucial second goal early in the second half. Scotland's game management was exemplary as they defended well and managed to unsettle the Spanish team.

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Rodri expressed his frustration with the defeat against Scotland in his post-match interview. However, he seems to overlook the fact that Scotland is not tailoring their game to benefit Spain, but rather playing to their own strengths. Additionally, it is worth noting that Scotland displayed impressive football skills, far from adopting an ultra-defensive or opportunistic approach.

Despite their impressive performance at Hampden Park in March, Spain posed a significant threat. Under the leadership of Luis de la Fuente, they recently secured victory in the Nations League and showcased their prowess by scoring 13 goals and only conceding one in two qualifying matches. Spain is determined to prove themselves and will have their sights set on winning this group. Scotland faces a formidable challenge, even to secure a single point.

Throughout this year, Scotland has shown improvement and the ability to win games against strong opponents like Spain and Norway. However, as demonstrated in the friendly against England, there is still work to be done in order to compete on equal footing with the top nations.

Steve Clarke is fully aware of this, but as Angus Gunn mentioned during his media conference earlier this week, the progress we have made and the strong start we have had has somewhat alleviated the pressure for the upcoming game in Seville. This could potentially assist Scotland in obtaining the one point we need.

A major concern is how Clarke will address the defensive lineup. With Kieran Tierney sidelined due to injury while on loan at Real Sociedad in Spain, the question arises whether he will stick with the successful back three and two wing-backs that have complemented Tierney and captain Andrew Robertson, or if he will opt to revert to a back four, as he did thirteen months ago in Poland against Ukraine. This tactical decision resulted in a 0-0 draw and secured promotion in the Nations League.

Scotland suffered two major losses in which they were without Tierney and utilized a back three formation. These defeats occurred during the Czech Republic game in Euro 2020 and the World Cup play-off semi-final against Ukraine, both matches taking place at Hampden Park. The back three strategy did not yield positive results, prompting Scotland to switch to a back four during the latter match. The Scottish team has shown greater adaptability, as exemplified in their game against Poland, but facing the challenge in Seville will undoubtedly be a difficult task.

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Kieran Tierney will miss Scotland's qualifier vs Spain

I previously mentioned McTominay for his impressive performance at Hampden Park against Spain, but his overall contribution with goals and goal involvements throughout this campaign has been immense. He scored two goals against Cyprus and Spain, as well as goals against Georgia and Cyprus again. It is worth noting that he played as part of a back three on the night Scotland secured their qualification for Euro 2020 in Serbia, and he performed admirably. His recent headline-making double for Manchester United over the weekend should come as no surprise to members of the Tartan Army.

Seville, a city that has held great promise for Scottish teams in the past, witnessed Celtic's defeat in the UEFA Cup Final to Porto in 2003 in the Estadio La Curtuja after extra time. Similarly, just 17 months ago, Rangers' hopes were dashed in the Europa League Final when they lost on penalties to Eintracht Frankfurt. Both matches ended in a draw after 90 minutes, and achieving the same result this time would be satisfactory. Now, it is up to Clarke and his Scotland team to create lasting and cherished memories in Seville.

Scotland Squad

Scotland Squad

Midfielders: Stuart Armstrong, Lewis Ferguson, Billy Gilmour, John McGinn, Callum McGregor, Kenny McLean, Scott McTominay.

Forwards: Ryan Christie, Lyndon Dykes, Che Adams, Jacob Brown.

Scotland's upcoming fixtures

October 17: France (a), friendly, 8pm

November 16: Georgia (a), Euro 2024 qualifier, kick-off 5pm

November 19: Norway (h), Euro 2024 qualifier, kick-off 7.45pm