By Robert Wheeler
- Scotland stun Spain in a 2-0 victory
- England make it two wins from two
- Wales win but Northern Ireland lose
Europe – Matchday 2 of the Euro 2024 Qualifiers saw Scotland beat Spain, England and Wales also won but Northern Ireland suffered a defeat to Finland.
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Scotland stun Spain
Scotland caused the upset of the round as they defeated Spain 2-0 at Hampden Park. Scott McTominay who scored twice against Cyprus in their opening game got both their goals on a famous night for Scottish football.
Two wins from their opening two games have put Steve Clarke‘s side in a fantastic position to qualify for back-to-back European Championships.
McTominay opened the scoring early on with a strike that deflected past Kepa Arrizabalaga. He then doubled their advantage with a left-footed volley into the bottom corner.
Clarke’s team managed to hang on to the victory and the Tartan Army celebrated their biggest win at home since they defeated France in 2007.
England comfortably defeat Ukraine
It was a match that with the war in Ukraine at the moment put football into perspective and the respect between the players and supporters was evident.
Gareth Southgate‘s side made it two victories from their first two games with a dominant performance. Harry Kane got the Three Lions underway when he tapped in Bukayo Saka‘s cross. Saka then went from provider to goalscorer with a fantastic curling finish from outside the box.
More positives for England were James Maddison playing his first game in over three years and Ivan Toney coming on for his debut. Southgate’s team have put themselves in an excellent position to qualify, with games against Malta and North Macedonia in June that they will be the clear favourites for.
Wales remain unbeaten
Wales defeated Latvia 1-0 in Cardiff to maintain their unbeaten start to their qualifiers. Gareth Bale was in attendance, and it looked like they could have done with him on the pitch as Harry Wilson and Kieffer Moore squandered great chances.
The visitors had chances of their own and they defended well. Moore, Neco Williams and Ethan Ampadu were forced to make long-range attempts.
Just before halftime, Rob Page‘s side finally made the breakthrough when Moore headed in a Dan James cross. After the break, Williams was denied extending their lead by the crossbar but Wales held on for the win.
This victory along with their draw with Croatia puts them top of Group D and in a good position of qualifying for Germany next year.
Northern Ireland can’t ‘Finnish’
Michael O’Neill‘s second sting in charge of Northern Ireland started well with an away win against San Marino. However, his homecoming at Windsor Park ended in a 1-0 defeat to Finland.
The Green and White Army started well but conceded to Benjamin Kallman‘s goal from a cross from Teemu Pukki. The goal took the wind out of Northern Ireland’s sails and they struggled to get back into the game.
O’Neil’s side had chances with Dion Charles and Josh Magennis missing great opportunities. Charles thought he had got an equaliser but it was ruled out for handball. Finland held on for the win and Northern Ireland now faces a daunting trip to Denmark in their next game in June.
Matchweek 3 and 4 of the Euro 2024 Qualifiers get underway on June 16.
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