Scotland to Face Spain and Norway in Euro 2024 Qualifiers
Date: Wednesday, 19th Oct 2022Last week saw the draw released for the UEFA Euro 2024 qualifiers, and Scotland were drawn in Group A alongside Spain, Norway, Cyprus and Georgia.
With Scotland looking to qualify for the UEFA European Championships in 2024 for the second time in a row, we take a look at what this draw means for Scotland’s chances of making their second major tournament in two decades.
Structure of Qualifiers a Challenge to Scotland
One immediately obvious challenge that presents itself to Scotland is the structure of the Euro 2024 qualifiers.
The way that the Euro 2024 qualifiers are organised is teams are placed into five different pots, based on their current ranking in the world. One team from each pot is then drawn to create the seven qualifying groups. From these seven groups, the two top placed sides in each pool will automatically qualify for the UEFA European Championships in 2024, after a home and away match against each of their pool mates.
Norway the Big Challenge for Scotland
The trouble for Scotland is that Norway were placed in Pot Three, and have been drawn alongside Scotland in their pool.
Norway, with Erling Haaland in their side, presents an abnormally difficult third-ranked side to contest against for the second placed position in the pool. Scotland’s head coach Steve Clarke has reacted to the draw, stating, “It’s going to be competitive. There are five good teams, and hopefully, we can be the best.”
Scotland can take heart from the fact that they managed to overcome similar hurdles in the last Euro 2024 qualifiers, and will be hoping for a repeat here in order to participate in the tournament hosted by Germany in 18 months time. Watch this space, as there will be great UK live odds for bettors available through betting.com on both the Euro 2024 qualifiers, and the main tournament itself.
Clarke’s Side Hunting an Upset Over Spain
After failing to qualify for the FIFA World Cup 2022 in Qatar, the Scottish team is able to fully focus on their Euro 2024 qualifying campaign.
Steve Clarke will be eager to settle on this best team ahead of the tournament, with a
strong legacy of proud Scottish players to live up to. Having scored twice recently against Ukraine, Lyndon John Dykes is looking like a key man the squad will be built around, with his impact off the bench swinging the game in Scotland’s favour.
The attacking style Scotland were able to execute against Ukraine is exactly what the side will be looking to emulate against Spain in the Euro 2024 qualifiers, where Steve Clarke’s side will surely be targeting an upset win. Particularly in the home fixture against Spain, if Scotland are able to draw the number one ranked side in their pool into the right style of play, the men in blue have a good shot at causing a boil over in Group A.
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