Euro 2024: Spain, Scotland, and Turkey Secure Qualification

 Euro 2024: Spain, Scotland, and Turkey Secure Qualification

Daniel Carvajal of Spain, Rodri Hernandez of Spain Alvaro Morata of Spain celebrating the victory during the EURO Qualifier match between Norway v Spain at the Ullevaal Stadium on October 15, 2023 in Oslo Norway(Image-Getty)

Spain secured their spot at Euro 2024 with a narrow 1-0 victory over Norway, courtesy of Gavi's second-half goal. Joining them in the tournament are Group A counterparts Scotland and Turkey from Group D, following an intense evening of qualifying matches.

Both Spain and Scotland accumulated 15 points from six games, securing the top two positions in their group. Norway settled for third place with 10 points, having played one more game. Meanwhile, Turkey's emphatic 4-0 win over Latvia confirmed their presence among the qualifiers.

Despite dominating possession in Oslo, Spain encountered difficulties breaking down Norway's resilient defense. Alvaro Morata's first-half goal was initially ruled out for offside, adding to the tension amplified by VAR. However, Gavi's strike in the second half stood firm after a subsequent VAR check, ensuring Spain's qualification.

Norway's attempts to counter Spain's playstyle were futile, as their efforts to unleash Erling Haaland were neutralized by the visitors. Turkey, on the other hand, cemented their place in the finals with a comprehensive victory, spearheaded by Yunus Akgun's stunning volley and late goals from Cenk Tosun and Kerem Akturkoglu.

In other matches, Switzerland fought back from a 3-1 deficit to secure a 3-3 draw against Belarus in Group I, while Romania maintained their top spot with 16 points after a 4-0 triumph over Andorra, closely followed by Switzerland with one point behind, having played an additional game.

The security situation in the Middle East led to the postponement of Kosovo's home game against Israel, disrupting the qualifiers. Poland's aspirations in Group E suffered a setback as they drew 1-1 against Moldova, leaving them in third place with 10 points, three points behind leaders Albania, and one point behind the Czech Republic, who have a game in hand.