Euro 2024 qualifying: Scotland slip in Spain, Ireland's play-off hopes wane

Scotland suffered their first Euro 2024 qualifying defeat with a 2-0 loss in Spain but their qualification hopes remain alive.

However, wins for Albania and Turkey damaged the Republic of Ireland's already slim chances of making a play-off.

The Scots had won their first five Group A qualifiers including a 2-0 win over the Spanish at Hampden Park in March and needed to take something from the return game in Seville or Norway fail to beat Cyprus, to qualify on the night.

In a stifling warm evening, the Scots survived some heavy first-half pressure to go in at the break goalless before Scott McTominay, who scored both goals against Spain in Glasgow, fired in a wonderful free-kick in the 59th minute only to see it ruled out after a VAR check for a Jack Hendry infringement.

Alvaro Morata headed in after 73 minutes and substitute Oihan Sancet and Scotland defender Ryan Porteous clashed together for the second in the 86th minute and with Norway beating Cyprus, Steve Clarke's men move on to the second October fixture.

Scotland face France in a friendly in Lille next Tuesday but Spain face Norway two days earlier and if the Norwegians drop points, Scotland’s place in Germany will be secured while the Scots also have Georgia away and Norway at home in November.

Erling Haaland scored two goals for Norway as they kept alive their hopes with a 4-0 victory over Cyprus.

The Manchester City striker netted twice in quick succession in the second half after Alexander Sorloth had scored a first-half opener. Fredrik Aursnes scored a late fourth.

Albania took control of Group E thanks to a 3-0 win over 10-man Czech Republic.

Jasir Asani put the hosts ahead inside 10 minutes and the Czechs were a man down before half-time after Mojmir Chytil was sent