Callum McGregor scored inside six minutes, before the match was suspended for over 90 minutes due to a waterlogged pitch. Georgia initially refused to restart the game due to the conditions. Scott McTominay scored once again as Scotland took a big step towards Euro 2024.
 |
Scott McTominay scored his fifth goal in Euro 2024 Qualifying as Scotland retained their 100 per cent record in Group A by beating Georgia 2-0 at Hampden Park, which saw a long delay due to a waterlogged pitch.
The game began in torrential conditions after an hour-long downpour drenched the stadium. However, Scotland managed to take the lead in the seven minutes that were played thanks to Callum McGregor's well-taken strike.
On the final whistle Steve Clarke’s impressive Scotland had a fourth victory and 12 points and at the midpoint of Group C are already near to reach next year’s finals in Germany.
Scotland always looked the more likely to add another goal, picking up from where they left off. McTominay made sure of the three points immediately after half-time - at around 10.30pm - with his fifth goal of the campaign, following doubles against Cyprus and Spain.
Georgia had a few late opportunities, and missed the chance for a late consolation as Napoli forward Kvicha Kvaratskhelia fired a penalty into the stands.
It would not have mattered too much any way as Scotland took another huge step towards qualifying for Euro 2024, winning all of their opening four qualifying games for the first time. They remain top of Group A with 12 points - eight points ahead of Norway in second.
But manager Steve Clarke was quick to keep Scottish feet on the ground, telling Viaplay Sports: "We're not going to qualify with 12 points. We looked at the first half of the campaign and we wanted to get as many points as we could with three home games and a tough game in Norway.
"We're thinking can we get a points tally that gives us a chance in the second half. The quicker we can get the points required to qualify, the better."
Callum McGregor has scored his third goal for Scotland in his 53rd appearance, with all three goals coming at Hampden Park in the month of June (2021 vs Croatia, 2022 vs Ukraine, 2023 vs Georgia). Habitual. pic.twitter.com/IfdthxurMm
Scotland team news
Billy Gilmour came into the Scotland team, replacing Ryan Christie in the only change to the XI that won in Norway on Saturday.
There was a VAR check after the goal - which was eventually allowed to stand - but it was the suspension of the match minutes later that stole the headlines.
After one hour and 40 minutes of chaos, play resumed at 9.35pm and Scotland could have doubled their lead soon after the restart. Andy Robertson's effort was pushed away after a driving run, before Lyndon Dykes nodded a fine effort just past the post.
In the final five minutes of an extended first half, an unmarked McGinn also sent a header past the post after a fine cross from Kieran Tierney, before McTominay saw his effort pushed around the post by Mamardashvili.
The hosts continued to create half chances. McGregor saw an effort from range go wide, as did McTominay. Ryan Porteous should also have had his name on the scoresheet, but steered his header over the crossbar.
Georgia began to probe for a goal as the clock ticked towards 90 minutes - and past 11pm. In the 74th minute, Otar Kakabadze's low cross was flicked away by Angus Gunn, but only landed as far as Georges Mikautadze who lashed his effort into the side of the net.
The drama was not yet over. Georgia were awarded a last-minute penalty as Aaron Hickey was penalised for handball following a VAR review. Star player Kvaratskhelia lined it up but in an effort that epitomized his country's evening, blazed it into the every-emptying crowd as Scotland came away with three well-deserved points.
Clarke remains focused on Euros qualification
Scotland manager Steve Clarke to Viaplay Sports:
"It was a really strange, surreal night, but we did the most important thing and got the three points and it's a really good first half of the campaign.
"I said we would improve and I think I've been proven right. I think we can improve more, we can be better. There was a spell in the second half where I thought we could move the ball a little bit better to take the sting out of the game.
"But I'm really proud of them. First four, but it'd be nice to make it five.
"But you know what football's like. If you get too far ahead of yourself it can come back and kick you on the backside. We just stay focused and make sure we get the points tally that does qualify us."
On the long delay due to a waterlogged pitch: "The players were magnificent. They stayed focused on the game, came out to warm-up I don't know how many times.
"But I have to mention the crowd. Every time the players came out to warm-up, they crowd were there singing and cheering and letting the players know they were there to support them. It could have been easy for people to drift away but they stayed with the team and we really appreciate that.
"The Georgian boys were looking at the way the pitch was at the start at the game and were thinking it was still the same. When both teams were in the tunnel one of the times we came out, you could see it was pouring again and on the back of that, they were thinking the pitch wouldn't be any better.
Georgia manager Willy Sagnol slams UEFA for showing a lack of respect after pressuring them to play their qualifier against Scotland after a lengthy rain delay.
"But the pitch did start to drain. The volunteers, a big mention for them as well, out there sweeping the water off the pitch and doing everything they can to get the game on.
"And when Georgia came out and had a look in the warm-up, they could see the pitch is fine. We got there in the end."
What's next?
Scotland's next Euro 2024 qualifier is away to Cyprus on September 8. Kick-off 7.45pm.
SEE OTHER RESULTS: 
Buy Luxury Apartments on the Island, Lagos
- Readers Comments desired, Share Your Story in comment box below;
0 Comments