The game was billed as ‘Haaland’s homecoming’ but super Scotland sneaked in the back door and held their own Euro 2024 qualifying party.
Erling Haaland might not have had a hangover from celebrating Manchester City’s Treble triumph last week, but he and his fellow Norwegians will likely have one today. The national hero thought he had awakened Norway’s Euro 2024 dreams when he fired them ahead from the penalty spot. But late strikes from Lyndon Dykes and sub Kenny McLean left Haaland, sitting on the bench by then after being subbed, with the sobering reality that Norway could be out of the Euro mix. Rubbing salt into Haaland’s wounds, the Tartan Army gleefully sang: “Scotland are having a party and Haaland’s in his bed.”
It had looked like scoring phenomenal Haaland was set to cap the perfect week after City’s Champions League glory with a second-halfpenalty opener It was Haaland’s 22nd goal in 24 caps, but it was to count for nothing as the Scots’ hit back to prove that they are the top guns and could well have ruled out Norway’s chances of qualifying automatically.
Here’s how their conquerors rated out of 10.
ANGUS GUNN 8
Keeper raced sharply off his line to sweep up a dangerous early probe. Hardly put a glove wrong but no chance with Erling Haaland’s penalty.
AARON HICKEY 7
Stuck rigidly to his defensive duties at right-back without venturing too far forward. A real steady Eddie performance in defence.
RYAN PORTEOUS 7
Will be kicking himself for allowing Haaland to get on his blind side for the penalty. Had been sharp, alert and on point up until that split-second brain freeze.
JACK HENDRY 8
When he said he wasn’t fazed by Haaland he wasn’t kidding. Strolled through the crucial qualifier with only the occasional scare.
KIERAN TIERNEY 9
This was one of those eyes-in-the-back-of-his-head performances. He was spotting dangers and snuffing them out before anyone else had noticed. Superb.
ANDY ROBERTSON 8
Out of position in the build up to the penalty because he was trying so hard to threaten down Scotland’s left. Ran himself into the ground to get his team back up the park.
SCOTT McTOMINAY 8
Four goals in his previous two games but this time most of his best work was done off the ball. But a massive contribution to the winner all the same.
CALLUM McGREGOR 8
Expertly organised the structure from the middle of the pitch while keeping the ball ticking over in possession. Standard CalMac.
RYAN CHRISTIE 6
Struggled to get into areas where he could damage the Norwegians but he did put in a power of work for the team.
JOHN McGINN 8
Cut a frustrated figure for most of the match but played key roles in both of Scotland’s late goals. A national treasure.
LYNDON DYKES 8
A physical handful throughout even though he was starved of the ball. And yet still had the energy to snatch an equaliser and then set up the winner.
Subs
LIAM COOPER 5
On for Tierney in 62 minutes and coped well..
BILLY GILMOUR 7
Replaced McGregor when it looked like all was lost. Composure on ball set Scots on stunning recovery charge.
STUART ARMSRTONG 5
On with energy as Scotland turned it all around, replacing Christie.
KENNY MCLEAN 6
On for Porteous and coolest man in Oslo at crucial moment. His winner will live long in memory.
DOMINIC HYAM 2
Thrown on in injury-time for the exhausted McGinn. What a time to make an introduction.
NORWAY: Nyland 5, Ryerson 6, Strandberg 6, Ostigard 6, Meling 7, Odegaard 6, Berg 7 (Thorstvet 83,
2), Aursnes 6, Sorloth 7 (Elyounoussi 77, 2), Haaland 7 (Larsen 83, 2), Solbakken 8 (Berge 62, 3).
REFEREE: Matej Jug (Slovenia).
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