Scotland and Spain face off in a Group A top-of-the-table matchup on Tuesday night after both teams won their opening Euro 2024 qualifying matches.
Team Form
Scotland
John McGinn, a midfielder in the Premier League, scored the first goal for Scotland from a deflected cross by Andrew Robertson. Later, Scott McTominay scored two more goals to seal the victory for Scotland.
To make matters worse for Cyprus, one of their players, Nikolas Ioannou, was sent off with a red card.
Despite the well-deserved win, the Scottish manager, Steve Clarke, is not resting on his laurels. He demands even more from his players as they prepare to face Spain. The team has been performing well on their home ground, Hampden Park, with a four-game winning streak.
During this winning streak, they have scored ten goals while only conceding one against Armenia, Ireland, Ukraine, and Cyprus. They have won six consecutive games in the Euro qualifying matches since losing 4-0 to Russia in 2019.
Scotland Form (All Competitions): W W D L W
Spain
During Spain’s match against Georgia, Dani Olmo scored a clever goal to break the deadlock in the first half. Like Scotland’s recent victory, Spain also secured an emphatic win with a late brace from a substitute player with connections with the Premier League.
The substitute, Joselu, who previously played for Newcastle United, scored two goals to seal the win for Spain.
Joselu’s debut for Spain was a dream come true as he played a crucial role in helping his team secure the victory. The win puts Spain on equal points and goals with Scotland, but they are currently in the first place due to their better disciplinary record.
Spain is a two-time European champion, having won in 2008 and 2012. They now have the chance to extend their unbeaten streak in Euro qualifying to 20 games, with their last loss being in 2014 to Slovakia.
Spain Form (All Competitions): W D L L W
Squad Report
Scotland
During Scotland’s match against Cyprus, Che Adams, who plays for Southampton, was forced to leave the field due to injury just before the 60-minute mark.
Unfortunately, his injury has caused him to withdraw from the team, along with the right-back Anthony Ralston. Lawrence Shankland has been brought in to replace Che Adams.
Spain
Spain began their Euro qualifying campaign with a win over Norway. They managed to avoid any injuries during the match.
Scotland’s expected starting lineup:
Gunn; Hanley, Porteous, Tierney; Hickey, McGregor, McTominay, Robertson; McGinn, Christie; Dykes
Spain’s expected starting lineup:
Arrizabalaga; Carvajal, Fernandez, Laporte, Balde; Merino, Rodri, Ruiz; Olmo, Morata, Gavi
Head to Head
Scotland has not won any of the three matches played between Scotland and Spain. Spain has won two games, while one ended in a draw.
Time, Date & Venue
Date: Tuesday, March 28
Time: 06:45 pm, UTC
Venue: Hampden Park, Glasgow
Prediction
Scotland has shown a recent taste for goals and will try to trouble the Spanish defence in their upcoming match.
However, it may still be challenging for them to come out on top against a strong Spanish team led by coach De la Fuente.
