Scotland 3-3 Norway: What Were The Main Talking Points As The Tartan Army Sign Off Their EURO 24 Qualifying Adventure With A Thriller At Hampden?

While Scotland might have been looking to sign off their EURO 24 qualifying adventure with a statement on Sunday night, the Tartan Army eventually had to settle for a thrilling 3-3 stalemate against Norway.

The Scots came from behind twice in the first-half as goals conceded goals by Aron Donnum and Jorgen Larsen cancelled out John McGinn’s spot-kick and Leo Ostigard’s own goal.

Putting in an eye-catching display after returning from the half-time break, Southampton midfielder Stuart Armstrong looked like he had wrapped up another Group A victory for Steve Clarke’s side just before the hour mark.

However, although Scotland might have been moments away from laying down another Group A marker, Clarke’s side suffered late frustration in Glasgow as former Celtic star Mohamed Elyounoussi bagged a late equaliser.

Scotland must now wait for the Euro 2024 draw next month, for which they will be among the third pot of seeds.

In what was an action-packed affair from Hampden on Sunday night, we have taken a look at the key talking points.

Scotland miss out on the chance to lay down a Hampden statement

Gaining a string of plaudits during their EURO 24 qualifying adventure this year, Scotland managed to secure a top-two finish with time to spare.

However, although the Tartan Army might have continued to gain a reputation for their success at Hampden, Clarke’s side will certainly feel that they missed out on a real opportunity here.

Signing off October’s international break with a 4-1 drumming at the hands of European heavyweights France in a friendly showdown, Scotland have shown some recent inconsistencies.

Eventually having to settle for a 2-2 draw when they travelled over to Georgia over the weekend on their return to qualifying duties, Scotland have now failed to win any of their previous five appearances across all competitions.

While the mood in Clarke’s camp should remain at a red-hot high, the former Kilmarnock boss will be calling on his squad to find some recent defensive resolve.

Norway must go back to the drawing board

While Norway might have arrived in Glasgow on Sunday night having won five of their previous six appearances across all competitions, the Lions have certainly come under a huge amount of scrutiny.

Suffering real heartbreak over the weekend as it was officially confirmed that they are unable to punch their ticket to EURO 24, this year will undeniably be remembered as a major missed opportunity.

Getting their qualifying adventure off with a nightmare blip, it appears there is plenty of speculation over Stale Solbakken’s future.

Unable to call upon attacking talisman and Manchester City record-breaker Erling Haaland in Glasgow, Norway eventually finished six points adrift of booking a top-two finish in Group A.

Winning just a pair of their previous six appearances on foreign soil and not featuring at a major international tournament since 2000, the Lions will have plenty of questions to answer when they return to Oslo over the next few days.

McGinn shines at Hampden

Although Manchester United midfielder Scott McTominay might have stolen most of Scotland’s EURO 24 qualifying headlines this year, John McGinn’s role in Clarke’s Group A charge can not be understated.

Enjoying what has been a stunning domestic romp with Champions League dreamers Aston Villa this season, the one-time Hibernian starlet has rightfully received a string of plaudits.

Spearheading Scotland’s makeshift squad on Sunday night and bagging his third Group A strike in Glasgow, the 29-year-old is certainly firing on all cylinders.

Getting on the scoresheet as Aston Villa entreated November’s international break with a 3-1 romp against Fulham, McGinn has now notched four goals in his previous seven appearances for club and country.

Unable to call upon the injured duo of Andrew Robertson and Kieran Tierney here, McGinn will certainly have a leading role to play out in Germany next year.

Match Report

Scotland: Clark, Patterson, Hendry, McKenna, Taylor, McTominay, McGregor, Armstrong, McGinn, McLean, Brown

Subs: Dykes, Ferguson, Jack, Christie, Shankland

Norway: Selvik, Ryerson, Ajer, Ostigard, Bjorkan, Aursnes, Berg, Berge, Bobb, Larsen, Donnum

Subs: Elyounoussi, Pedersen, Thrstvedt

Goals: Scotland: McGinn (13’ P), Ostigard OG (33’), Armstrong (59’) – Norway: Donnum (3’), Larsen (20’), Elyounoussi (86’)

Yellow Cards: Scotland: McKenna – Norway: Berge, Berg, Ajer

Red Cards: N/A

Referee: Horatiu Fesnic