Scotland 3-3 Norway (19 Nov, 2023) Game Analysis

Scotland ended their Euro 2024 qualifying campaign with a frenetic 3-3 draw at home to Norway, but despite being denied with a late equalizer it was a joyful evening at Hampden on Sunday.

With qualification already assured for next year’s European Championship in Germany, Scotland twice came from a goal down and Stuart Armstrong’s effort on the hour mark seemed allowing him to achieve a sixth victory in eight Group A matches.

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But Mohamed Elyounoussi’s 86th-minute header secured a point for third-placed Norway.

This result saw Scotland finish the group in second place with 17 points, four points behind group winners Spain.

The mood was festive before kick-off, but Norway, without injured striker Erling Haaland, was not there just to make up the numbers. The Scandinavians took the lead after three minutes when Aron Donnum fired a shot off the post.

John McGinn equalized from the penalty spot after 13 minutes following a handball, but the Norwegians regained the lead soon after when Strand Larsen pushed an effort over the line.

Scotland were level at the break, however, after Leo Ostigard inadvertently turned a Scott McTominay corner into his own goal.

The chances continued to create for both sides after the break with a just about decent draw meaning Scotland’s only defeat in the group was against Spain.

“The main thing is that we are going to Germany. There has been a lot of talk about missing Erling Haaland and Martin Odegaard, but we were missing a lot of them tonight too,” McGinn said.

“Last time the qualification was incredible. This time it was strange. It’s not our habit to qualify early.”