Scotland's Sensational Victory: McTominay Strikes Again & Mid-Game Drama Propels Team Closer to Euro 2024
Scotland maintain perfect record in Euro 2024 Qualifying, defeating Georgia 2-0 amidst challenging weather conditions Scott McTominay scores his fifth goal, securing victory despite a lengthy suspension due to a waterlogged pitch
Scott McTominay netted his fifth goal in Euro 2024 Qualifying, helping Scotland maintain their flawless record in Group A with a 2-0 victory over Georgia at Hampden Park. Despite facing a lengthy delay due to a waterlogged pitch, the game kicked off in torrential conditions after an hour-long downpour. Nevertheless, Scotland seized the advantage within seven minutes of play, courtesy of a superbly executed goal by Callum McGregor.
Play did not resume following the goal, as referee Istvan Vad instructed the players to head back to the dressing rooms. Meanwhile, the grounds staff, SFA staff, and ball boys and girls diligently worked to remove the water from the surface.
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Staff from across Hampden Park cleared surface water from the pitch during a lengthy delay
After an hour and 40 minutes of assessing the pitch, experiencing delays, and witnessing the Georgian team's rebellion, the away team adamantly refused to resume the game, hoping to have it postponed until Wednesday. Nevertheless, they finally reappeared on the field following the referee's third inspection, in which he accurately determined that the conditions were suitable for play. Consequently, the game resumed shortly before 9.35pm.
Scotland continued their dominant form in the second half and quickly secured the three points with an early goal from McTominay. This marked his fifth goal of the campaign, adding to his previous impressive performances against Cyprus and Spain.
Georgia had several chances towards the end of the game, but their hopes for a late consolation were dashed when Napoli forward Kvicha Kvaratskhelia missed a penalty, sending the ball into the stands.
However, this missed opportunity wouldn't have made a significant difference, as Scotland continued their impressive journey towards qualifying for Euro 2024. With victories in all four of their opening qualifying matches, they have achieved this feat for the first time. As a result, they maintain their position at the top of Group A, accumulating a total of 12 points.
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How Scotland won again in testing conditions
It was clear from kick-off that the torrential conditions would have an impact, with surface water spraying off the pitch.Georgia had a chance to score an early goal when Otar Kiteishvili's shot narrowly missed the far post. However, Scotland quickly seized the opportunity and took the lead within six minutes. John McGinn's corner kick was initially cleared at the near post, but it ended up in the middle of the penalty area where McGregor was ready to strike. He successfully fired the ball past Georgia's goalkeeper, Giorgi Mamardashvili.
Play resumed at 9.35pm following a VAR check on the goal, which was ultimately allowed. However, it was the suspension of the match moments later that garnered the most attention. After enduring an hour and 40 minutes of chaos, Scotland had the opportunity to extend their lead shortly after the restart. Andy Robertson's powerful shot was deflected away after a determined run, while Lyndon Dykes narrowly missed the target with a superb header.
In the closing moments of an extended first half, McGinn, who was not being closely marked, missed a header just wide of the post following a superb cross from Kieran Tierney. Shortly after, McTominay's attempt was deflected around the post by Mamardashvili.
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Scotland's Callum McGregor celebrates after making it 1-0 vs Georgia
Scotland extended their lead in the second half at 10.30pm, capitalizing on a cleared long pass from Tierney by Georgia. McTominay seized the opportunity and unleashed a brilliant strike into the bottom corner, showcasing his exceptional form on the international stage.
Throughout the remainder of the match, the hosts persistently generated opportunities. McGregor's attempt from range narrowly missed the target, just like McTominay's effort. Ryan Porteous, on the other hand, failed to capitalize on a header that sailed over the crossbar, leaving him without a goal to his name.
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Georgia started to press for a goal as the game approached the 90th minute mark, even going past 11pm. In the 74th minute, Otar Kakabadze delivered a low cross that Angus Gunn managed to clear, but unfortunately, it fell right into the path of Georges Mikautadze, who struck the ball into the side of the net with great force.
Scotland and Georgia took to the field amidst torrential conditions at 7.47pm. The relentless downpour created a challenging environment, with water splashing around with every move from the players and the ball frequently getting stuck. Despite the difficult circumstances, the drama was far from over. In the dying moments of the game, Georgia were awarded a last-minute penalty after Aaron Hickey was penalised for handball following a VAR review. Their star player, Kvaratskhelia, stepped up to take the penalty, but his effort epitomised his country's evening as he blazed it into the crowd, which was already starting to empty. Scotland emerged victorious, securing three well-deserved points.
Scotland-Georgia suspended - the full timeline
7.54pm: A VAR check is conducted on Callum McGregor's goal, with referee Istvan Vad consulting officials on the touchline. Following the discussion, the Hungarian official addresses both captains and certain players who attempted to intervene, regarding the playing conditions.
7.57pm: The players and match officials return to the dressing rooms as grounds staff, SFA staff and ball boys and girls begin sweeping the pitch of surface water.
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Referee Istvan Vad ordered the players off as the game between Scotland and Georgia was suspended due to playing conditions
At 8pm, UEFA announced that the match would be temporarily suspended for 20 minutes in order to clear the surface water. During this time, a first pitch inspection was scheduled to take place. At 8.15pm, the referee and a match official conducted the initial pitch inspection while the staff continued their efforts to remove the water from the surface.
The initial pitch inspection fails, and a second inspection is scheduled for 8.35pm. There are discussions about rescheduling the game for Wednesday if it cannot be played on Tuesday evening, with Hampden Park or St Mirren being potential venues depending on the playability of Hampden Park. Meanwhile, the referee, along with another match official, conducts the second pitch inspection while the teams, backroom staff, and association officials gather by the dugouts, anxiously awaiting a decision.
Both teams take to the field for their warm-up amidst a renewed drizzle. Despite the rain, the ball glides smoothly across the pitch, with special focus on the goal areas.
8.59pm: The players had back down the tunnel - much to the bemusement of the Scotland fans and players.
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Scotland captain Andy Robertson reacts after another delay at Hampden Park
9.02pm: The restart time is pushed back to 9.15pm.
9.11pm: The Scotland player emerge from the tunnel, ready to resume the game. However, there is no sign of the Georgia players.
The Georgia team is reportedly refusing to return to the field to resume the game, as reported by Viaplay Sports. Meanwhile, the Scotland players stay on the pitch, carrying on with their second warm-up.
At 9.19pm, the referee reappears with the ball in his possession and proceeds to conduct another brief inspection of the pitch, much to the ongoing frustration of both the players and the fans.
The restart time is once again delayed until 9.30pm, causing the Scotland fans to express their frustrations. Despite this, the players acknowledge the fans' patience and applaud them before heading back to the dressing room. At 9.25pm, the Georgia players come out of their dressing room only to be met with a chorus of boos from the home fans.
The restart is once again delayed until 9.35pm, causing further anticipation among the spectators. Finally, at 9.34pm, the Scotland players re-emerge onto the pitch amidst a thunderous applause, marking the resumption of play after a lengthy hour and 40-minute suspension.
A soggy Scotland - in pictures!
