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Scott McTominay stars again as Scotland close on Euro 2024 spot with Cyprus win
Scott McTominay stars again as Scotland close on Euro 2024 spot with Cyprus win
Scott McTominay continued his stunning Euro 2024 qualifying form as Scotland brushed aside Cyprus 3-0 to move within touching distance of Germany. The Manchester United midfielder opened the scoring in the sixth minute in the AEK Arena in Larnaca with his sixth goal in five games before Ryan Porteous volleyed in his first international goal nine minutes later. The three points were effectively secured in the 29th minute when McTominay set up John McGinn for a third and the Old Trafford man hit the woodwork late on as the visitors cruised to victory. Steve Clarke’s side have now won five out of five Group A qualifiers to sit nine points ahead of Spain having played two fixtures more. Scotland host England in a 150th anniversary heritage match on Tuesday night and if Norway and Georgia draw in their qualifier the same evening then the Scots will have reached their second successive European Championships. And if that scenario does not materialise then there are still games against Spain, Georgia and Norway to finish the job themselves. Scotland could hardly have been in better form going into the match in Larnaca, having gone eight competitive games unbeaten, including wins over Spain and Norway. And it seemed like a Scotland home game with more than the official 3,728 Tartan Army members inside the 8,056-capacity stadium. Temur Ketsbaia’s team had lost their opening three qualifiers, including a 3-0 defeat at Hampden Park in March and so confidence was rightly high in the visiting camp. Che Adams rather than Lyndon Dykes led the Scotland line, closely supported by McGinn and McTominay and they all combined for the opener. A quick Adams throw-in released skipper Andy Robertson down the left and when he stood his cross up, McGinn flicked on inside the six-yard box – it looked like he had miscued it – for McTominay to head in at the back post. Cyprus’s positive reaction saw striker Pieros Sotiriou hit the bar a minute later but the offside flag was up before attacking midfielder Grigoris Kastanos tested Scotland keeper Angus Gunn with a long-range drive. In the 13th minute Kastanos came close with another powerful drive from 25 yards before the Scots doubled their lead. Robertson’s deep free-kick in to the home penalty area was headed onwards by Jack Hendry and fellow centre-back Porteous took a touch before firing past Cyprus keeper Joel Mall. Just before the half-hour mark a fine Scotland move down the right ended with McTominay setting up the unmarked McGinn to curl in his 17th Scotland goal from the edge of the box. Scotland were playing with a swagger and McTominay drove just wide from 20 yards before McGinn shot from inside his own half. The tension had gone from the game but Kastanos again made Gunn react quickly to save another effort from distance. McTominay almost got a significant touch on a Robertson cross early in the second half as the game began to feel more like a friendly. Clarke made changes in the 66th minute with Kenny McLean and Dykes on for Billy Gilmour and Adams. Scotland bossed the final stages and in the 74th minute McTominay’s right-footed shot from the edge of the box beat Mall but rebounded off the post, before Stuart Armstrong, Nathan Patterson and Ryan Christie made cameo appearances. England are up next up and that is always a massive game for Scotland but the Tartan Army will have one eye on the result in Oslo on the same night to see if their appearance in the Euro finals in Germany are confirmed, although that may just be a matter of time. Read More Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live Jos Buttler says England not taking any risks over fitness after heavy defeat Gareth Southgate won’t be swayed by ‘external reaction’ over Jordan Henderson Devon Conway and Daryl Mitchell tons help New Zealand beat England in first ODI
2023-09-09 04:54
Cautious England need 'A-game' to beat Samoa, says Sinckler
Cautious England need 'A-game' to beat Samoa, says Sinckler
Despite being just one of three sides at the Rugby World Cup to win their opening three games of the tournament, England's players and coaches are refusing to look further ahead than next...
2023-09-24 18:07
FIFA 22, Battlefield 2042 Likely Coming to Xbox Game Pass
FIFA 22, Battlefield 2042 Likely Coming to Xbox Game Pass
An update to the Microsoft store appears to indicate both FIFA 22 and Battlefield 2042 are coming to Xbox Game
1970-01-01 08:00
Thai prime minister hopeful says he's open to let partner party contend for the job if his bid fails
Thai prime minister hopeful says he's open to let partner party contend for the job if his bid fails
The candidate who led his party to first place in Thailand's general election in May says he's open to bowing out of contention for new prime minister if he can't win in a second round of voting in Parliament
2023-07-15 21:11
The best headphones for running
The best headphones for running
This content originally appeared on Mashable for a US audience and has been adapted for
2023-10-25 18:15
Why college is getting more expensive
Why college is getting more expensive
The average American saved $5,011 last year. That means it would take them about 75 years to save up enough cash to send one child to a top-rated US university.
2023-07-16 22:41
Internet slams Andrew Tate for tribute to dad Emory Tate on 8th death anniversary: ‘Why are you standing on grave?'
Internet slams Andrew Tate for tribute to dad Emory Tate on 8th death anniversary: ‘Why are you standing on grave?'
Andrew Tate took to X to share a series of photos and tweets expressing admiration for his father
2023-10-18 15:26
‘GMA’ fans in awe as Ginger Zee faces Hurricane Lee with ‘outstanding’ crew
‘GMA’ fans in awe as Ginger Zee faces Hurricane Lee with ‘outstanding’ crew
'GMA' meteorologist Ginger Zee also got a chance to fly the plane as an NOAA crew flew into Hurricane Lee to collect data on the storm
2023-09-15 13:50
GM’s Cruise Issues Recall After Robotaxi Dragged Pedestrian
GM’s Cruise Issues Recall After Robotaxi Dragged Pedestrian
Cruise LLC, the robotaxi company owned by General Motors Co., recalled its automated-driving system and deployed a software
2023-11-08 20:35
Who is Mike Perry? MMA star revealed as backup fighter for Logan Paul vs Dillon Danis, fans ask 'did Hasim back out?'
Who is Mike Perry? MMA star revealed as backup fighter for Logan Paul vs Dillon Danis, fans ask 'did Hasim back out?'
The boxing match between Dillon Danis and Logan Paul will take place on October 14 at the AO Arena in Manchester, England
2023-08-23 13:35
Statue believed to depict Marcus Aurelius seized from Cleveland museum in looting investigation
Statue believed to depict Marcus Aurelius seized from Cleveland museum in looting investigation
A headless bronze statue believed to depict the Roman emperor and philosopher Marcus Aurelius has been ordered seized from the Cleveland Museum of Art
2023-09-01 03:26
No. 7 Longhorns' goals are in sight with visit to Iowa State up next. They just have to keep winning
No. 7 Longhorns' goals are in sight with visit to Iowa State up next. They just have to keep winning
No. 7 Texas visits Iowa State on Saturday night for a key Big 12 game
2023-11-17 02:04