Spain spoiled the first match point for the brave Scots and is back on track towards the 2024 European Football Championship in Germany. Veteran Alvaro Morata (73rd) and debutant Oihan Sancet (86th) gave their team a 2-0 (0-0) win on Thursday (October 12, 2023) – one point would have been enough for Scotland in Seville to get the first of a total of 23 to book tickets.
The Scots celebrated five wins in five games, including a 2-0 win in the first leg thanks to two goals from their strong midfield engine Scott McTominay (Manchester United). Luck helped when former Dortmund player Mikel Merino hit the post (34′). McTominay then once again scored from a free kick (61′), but a teammate was just offside. Despite the later goals conceded, Scotland (15 points) will most likely make it to the European Championships. Spain (12), second in Group A, held off Norway (10/4-0 in Cyprus), for whom Erling Haaland scored twice.
Türkiye wins and takes top of the table
Turkey is also close to a ticket to the European Championship – without the fired national coach Stefan Kuntz. His successor Vincenzo Montella managed a 1-0 (1-0) in the extremely important game with the Croatians, who had previously been tied on points – Turkey is now at the top of Group D with 13 points from six games.
After the coaching change from Fernando Santos to Michal Probierz, Poland was under considerable pressure in Group E, especially since top star Robert Lewandowski was missing. With a 2-0 (1-0) win in the Faroe Islands, the European Championship chances are intact.
Albania continues to surprise, because of two Italians Betting determinations departed
The surprise of the group is the table leader: Albania defeated the Czech Republic 3-0 (1-0) and is alone at the top with the best prospects.
The weakening Italy have to win against Malta on Saturday, but their preparation is severely disrupted. The national football association FIGC sent Sandro Tonali (Newcastle United) and Nicolo Zaniolo (Aston Villa) home on Thursday after the Turin public prosecutor’s office opened an investigation into illegal gambling against the duo.
Rangnick against Tedesco
In the duel between two German coaches between Austria (Ralf Rangnick) and Belgium (Domenico Tedesco) the winner will be through on Friday (8.45 p.m.). A win against the Netherlands is enough for France, while Portugal would qualify early if they beat Slovakia. The German national team automatically qualifies as hosts.
