Scott McTominay stuns Spain to keep Scotland’s perfect Euro start going

In November 1984, Steve Clarke stood alongside his father on the north terrace of Hampden Park as a Scotland team inspired by Kenny Dalglish swatted aside Spain. Almost 40 years on, Clarke found himself at the helm of a result which is arguably even more impressive given the football paths subsequently taken by the nations in question.

Scotland, who sit proudly atop their Euro 2024 qualifying section, were fully worth their first win over the Spanish since Clarke was that paying punter. Two-goal Scott McTominay was the hero.

There will be an inquest, naturally, in Spain regarding the paucity of performance in Luis de la Fuente’s second game in charge. Yet the Scots, completely rejuvenated by Clarke, are worthy of huge praise. They already have next summer’s finals in Germany in their sights.

The draw between Georgia and Norway, confirmed before kick-off here, raised Scottish spirits. This is likely to be a tight qualifying section, in which the Norwegians have taken just a point from two matches. Scotland were once accustomed to such sluggish starts.

The Tartan Army’s optimism levels rose even further within seven minutes. The national stadium’s playing surface, a talking point given persistent troubles, assisted the hosts as Pedro Porro slipped when trying to cut out a Ryan Christie pass. Andy Robertson stole in, the Scotland captain squaring for McTominay. Kepa Arrizabalaga will cite the deflection McTominay’s low shot took off Iñigo Martínez on its way into the net but he should still have done better.

McTominay’s goal, his third in just 13 minutes of international football, was reward for a high-octane Scotland start. John McGinn snapped at Spanish heels. Grant Hanley, Kieran Tierney and Ryan Porteous won their