No early Euro qualification for Scotland as Norway defeat Georgia

Scotland face a wait to seal qualification for next year’s European Championships in Germany after Norway defeated Georgia in Oslo.

Erling Haaland and Martin Odegaard scored to put Norway in control of the game and despite Budu Zivzivadze’s injury time goal, they took all three points.

The 2-1 win for Norway means that the Norwegians and Spain could still finish ahead of Scotland in Group A, despite Steve Clarke’s side having won all five games in the campaign so far.

The national team had been on the verge of qualifying after their perfect start and a draw between Norway and Georgia in Oslo would have meant they were assured a place at Euro 2024.

Instead, Steve Clarke’s side need to take two points from their final three games to book a place in the finals, or hope that Norway drop further points.

Home and away wins over Cyprus, added to victories over top seeds Spain and Georgia at Hampden, and a comeback win in Norway had Scotland sitting at the top of Group A as they kicked off their friendly against England at Hampden on Tuesday.

With Spain having played just four games, they could still top the group with a strong finish, while Norway could yet finish on 16 points, one more than Scotland’s current tally.

Clarke’s side will now look to take as many points as they can from their remaining matches, away against Spain and Georgia before facing Norway at Hampden, in the hopes of qualifying, keeping top spot and improving their seeding for next year’s finals.

Speaking after Friday’s win over Cyprus, the Scotland boss had said that he wouldn’t get carried away when qualification wasn’t guaranteed but was happy with the results and performances from his players.

“I’m pleased that fans can enjoy another win,” he said. “Pleased that they think they can book their flights.

“Fans can do what they want, they can be excited, they can get carried away

“We have to focus on what we are at. If 15 points is enough we will find our later down the line.

“I am pleased for the players and obviously it is good for me to be the head coach of a bunch of talented players. But lets’ make sure we qualify then we will work on the next target.

“We have played five games and have 15 points, that is good.

“I’d like to think in the last three games we would pick up more points. We just keep trying to push ourselves and not be complacent. We are in a good position.”