Steve Clarke relished the opportunity to celebrate Scotland’s Euro 2024 qualification with the Hampden crowd.
Steve Clarke’s side end their campaign with a “strange” 3-3 draw against Norway. Scotland secured Euro 2024 qualification with two games to spare. They finished second in Group A behind Spain. The team, including injured captain Andy Robertson, celebrated with a lap of honor after their second consecutive draw.
Clarke said: “It was nice. And nice for the supporters to say thank you to the team. A nice night for the team and staff to thank the supporters.
“It’s always nice to qualify for a major tournament. Obviously the last one was Covid-restricted so we missed that connection and that feel with the fans.
“It’s great for everyone in the country that we have something to look forward to next summer.”
Steve Clarke: It was a strange game, I need to analyse it
Scotland, led by Steve Clarke, secured Euro 2024 qualification with a comeback twice in the first half through a penalty by John McGinn and an own goal. Stuart Armstrong’s well-worked goal put them in front just before the hour mark. However, Norway, with a late effort from substitute Mohamed Elyounoussi, secured a 3-3 draw, with the goal originating from a cross by Julian Ryerson.
“It was a strange game,” Clarke said. “I need to go away and analyse it.
“What we have worked really hard at is being competitive, being a competitive team every time we go on to the pitch.
“That’s why I was a little bit disappointed with the first half, I didn’t think we were competitive enough. Much more competitive second half.
“We are Scotland, we have a certain way of playing, we like to play on the front foot.”
Securing a two-goal win would have placed Scotland in pot two for the December 2 draw. However, being in pot three might be considered advantageous, as they will now avoid potentially tougher opponents like the Netherlands, Italy, and also Croatia.
“I’m not bothered,” Steve Clarke said. “I don’t know even know who else is in pot three and pot two. I’m sure I will find out when I get to Hamburg.”
