Scotland still ‘in an unbelievable position’ despite setback in Spain
Angus Gunn insists Scotland still have eyes on topping their group after the 2-0 defeat by Spain on Thursday night delayed Euro 2024 qualification.
After winning their first five qualifiers, including a 2-0 win over the Spanish at Hampden Park in March, the Scots came up short in Seville after a controversial VAR call ruled out Scott McTominay’s terrific free-kick just before the hour mark.
Dutch referee Serdar Gozubuyuk was sent to check his pitchside monitor and he ruled an infringement by Scotland defender Jack Hendry, with some confusion as to whether it was for a foul on goalkeeper Unai Simon or offside.
Alvaro Morata headed in after 73 minutes and substitute Oihan Sancet, making his debut, added a second with four minutes or normal time remaining to leave Steve Clarke’s men three points ahead of La Roja at the top of Group A having played a game more.
Scotland face France in a friendly in Lille next Tuesday while Spain take on third-placed Norway in Oslo two days earlier and if the Norwegians drop points, Scotland’s place in Germany next summer will be secured before games away at Georgia and home to Norway in November.
Norwich keeper Gunn, 27, remains confident and he said: “We have put ourselves in an unbelievable position.
“We want to top the group as well so we have two more games and it might happen on Sunday but even if it does, we go away to Georgia and still try to win this group.
“I will probably watch it on Sunday. If it happens, it happens but we still have two more games.
“We have put ourselves in a good position and if it does happen on Sunday we deserve it.”
Gunn believes the decision to rule it out lifted the Spanish fans and gave the home side the boost to go on and clinch the three points.
He said: “We thought we went ahead and that was an unbelievable feeling at the time and it was gutting when it got chalked off.
“I thought we dealt with it quite well but I think it gave them more of a boost.
“I think we kept our emotions quite well even though there wasn’t much clarity around the decision, that was the most disappointing thing.
“But they are a top team and they went up the other end and scored and after that the momentum was with them.
“We are disappointed with the result.
“But I said, we put ourselves in the position where we are still top of the group, still looking strong and hopefully still able to qualify soon.”