Steve Clarke keen to move on from Scots’ VAR pain in Spain in Euro 2024 qualifier
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Scotland midfielder Scott McTominay celebrating his goal, which was later ruled out for offside.
PHOTO: AFP
SEVILLE – Scotland coach Steve Clarke said there is no point prolonging the debate about the controversial video assistant referee (VAR) decision that denied his side a goal in Thursday’s 2-0 defeat by Spain in their Euro 2024 qualifier.
Needing just a point in Seville for a spot at the Finals in Germany, Scotland thought they had scored the opener midway in the second half when Scott McTominay netted a superb free kick.
However, the goal was ruled out after a VAR check, with defender Jack Hendry deemed to be interfering with play while in an offside position. Spain then struck through Alvaro Morata and Oihan Sancet to clinch the win.
“They have made the call, there is no point me going on about it. There was a little bit of confusion at the time, whether it was offside or for a foul on the ’keeper,” Clarke said.
While Clarke agreed Hendry was offside he added: “There is no way in the world the ’keeper was saving that, no matter where Jack Hendry was.
“You just move on, it is a VAR decision that goes against you. When we conceded, it makes it more difficult...
“The second goal puts gloss on for Spain I don’t think they deserve.”
The victory extends Spain’s winning run in home Euro qualifiers to 25 matches dating back to 2003, but they were mostly kept at bay by some brave Scottish defending.
But the loss after 44 minutes of captain Andy Robertson to injury on the night of him winning his 67th international cap was a blow for the visitors.
“The big moments went against us. It’s a sore blow losing Robbo early, then thinking we’re ahead, we regroup and then they score,” Aston Villa midfielder John McGinn told Viaplay.
“Everyone watching that game from a Scotland point of view, wherever you were, it just felt like we weren’t getting any 50/50 decisions, it made it very difficult against a world-class team.”
Scotland were still seething when La Roja broke the deadlock in the 73rd minute.
Jesus Navas crossed for Morata to head home brilliantly and Spain’s second came when the otherwise superb Aaron Hickey slipped, allowing Joselu to slide the ball across the box and Sancet just beat Ryan Porteous to it.
“We had this Plan B and we were mature, we knew how to compete,” said Luis de la Fuente, after his second match in charge of Spain.
“I want to clear up what I said, I don’t think my words were well-interpreted – I always respect the opponent, I’ll never criticise the football of an opponent,” added a satisfied Rodri, referring to his rebuke of Scotland in March following their 2-0 defeat.
On the match, the Manchester City midfielder added: “We knew their level, they are a tough opponent, for how hard they work, how tight they keep their lines, they are well-drilled. That’s why they’re first in the group.
“Our biggest virtue was patience... with the minutes going by and the tiredness, space appeared.”
Scotland lead Group A with 15 points from their six games, having lost for the first time in their campaign, while Spain have 12 points from five matches and Norway 10 from six.
Scotland will qualify for Euro 2024 if Norway, who cruised to a 4-0 victory against Cyprus as Erling Haaland scored twice, fail to win at home to Spain on Sunday.
Over at the Opus Arena in Osijek, Turkey, in their first game under Vincenzo Montella, won 1-0 in Croatia to vault to the top of Group D.
Baris Alper Yilmaz caught home goalkeeper Dominik Livakovic out of his area after 30 minutes and chipped home from long range.
“Turkey deserved this win. We were bad. We had many mistakes from the beginning. We couldn’t find our game, we deservedly lost,” said Croatia coach Zlatko Dalic.
Turkey have 13 points from six games, three ahead of Croatia, who have played a game fewer. REUTERS, AFP
