Scotland shocked Spain 2-0 at Hampden Park on Tuesday, continuing a new start to Euro 2024 qualification with two goals from Scott McTominay.

PHOTO | COURTESY Tominay scored a brace for Scotland to edge Spain in Euro qualifiers

The Manchester United midfielder McTominay scored twice against Cyprus on Saturday after coming off the bench, giving Scotland its most notable victory since defeating France in 2007.

"The manager said these are the evenings in 20, 30 years that people remember," said McTominay. "This is our time to leave memories as Scotland players."

Steve Clarke's team is off to the best possible start in their quest to earn a spot at the second straight European Championship, as they now sit atop Group A with a perfect record after two games.

But the decision by Spain manager Luis de la Fuente to make eight changes from the team that defeated Norway 3-0 in his first game in command on Saturday will draw criticism.

PHOTO | COURTESY Tominay now has 4 goals for Scotland in Euro qualifiers

After just seven minutes, the visitors were caught off guard thanks to an altogether new defence.

Before Saturday, in 37 appearances for his country before Saturday, McTominay had only one goal. Since then, he has scored four times in four days.

After Pedro Porro's slip had set up Andy Robertson, Scotland was fortunate again when Andy Robertson's shot rebounded off Inigo Martinez and passed the defenceless Kepa Arrizabalaga.

Moments later, Ryan Christie broke through the Spanish midfield on a counterattack and pushed an effort just wide as the home team was inches away from grabbing a 2-0 lead.

Spain took some time to settle in, but Joselu's physical presence threatened more than their renowned deft passing once they did.

The Espanyol striker felt he should have scored more goals versus Norway when he scored twice to win his maiden international start.

Joselu's first significant opportunity was aimed directly at Angus Gunn, and from close range, he nodded forcefully against the bar.

Toothless Spain

During halftime, De la Fuente introduced Dani Carvajal and Nico Williams to spur the three-time European champions to action.

PHOTO | COURTESY Scotland top the table in their group in Euro qualifiers

But, it was the fault of Real Madrid right-back Carvajal that Scotland scored once more six minutes into the second half.

When Kieran Tierney's cross was only cleared to the edge of the box after he outran Carvajal on the left, McTominay stroked home a beautiful finish with his weaker left foot.

A few seconds later, when John McGinn's in-swinging free-kick rebounded off the crossbar, only the woodwork kept Scotland from scoring a third goal.

Spain stayed in Scottish territory for the final 30 minutes, but it was the same old story of La Roja's lack of creativity in the last third.


Despite having 77 per cent of the ball in a 0-0 stalemate and losing on penalties to Morocco in the World Cup quarterfinals, Luis Enrique lost his job. De la Fuente also significantly changed personnel, but Spain still lacked a killer instinct.

Scotland didn't seem to care as Hampden erupted in joy.

We anticipated them possessing the ball frequently, and the manager instructed us to take advantage of our opportunities quickly.

"I've never seen anything like this area, " He said.