Spain edges Cyprus, closing in on Euro 2024 qualifying group victory over Scotland, Austria surpasses Belgium

Despite a draw for Scotland in Georgia, Spain has claimed the top position in Group A of UEFA Euro 2024 qualifying, following their victorious match against Cyprus. This victory has given Spain a two-point lead over their competitors, securing their place in next summer’s Euros in Germany. Despite having an equal head-to-head record, Spain holds a significant advantage with a goal difference of plus-nine. Spain’s final match will be played at home against Georgia, while Scotland will host Norway.

In the Euro 2024 draw, the top five group winners with the highest points will be placed in Pot 1 along with the host country, Germany. The remaining five group winners will be placed in Pot 2, along with the best group runner-up. Regrettably for Scotland, their draw against Georgia has diminished their chances of securing the best group runner-up position. Spain got off to a strong start against Cyprus, as 16-year-old Lamine Yamal found the back of the net for the second time in three games after only five minutes. Mikel Oyarzabal increased their advantage in the 22nd minute, followed shortly by Joselu from Real Madrid scoring a third goal. Despite Kostas Pileas managing to score for Cyprus in the 75th minute, it came too late to affect the outcome.

In the meantime, Scotland’s aspirations of keeping up with Spain were shattered as they could only manage a draw against Georgia. Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, hailing from Napoli, netted two goals for Georgia, while Scott McTominay, a midfielder from Manchester United, leveled the score in the middle. In the last moments of added time, Lawrence Shankland rescued a point for Scotland with a well-timed goal.

Austria took over the leading position in Group F by securing a 2-0 victory against Estonia in their concluding game. Konrad Laimer and Philipp Lienhart found the back of the net for Austria, who will emerge as the group champions if Belgium does not succeed in winning their upcoming match. At the moment, Belgium is trailing Austria by two points in the standings and will have a home match against Azerbaijan on Sunday. It’s worth noting that both Austria and Belgium have already guaranteed their spots at Euro 2024.

Unfortunately, Sweden’s qualifying journey has been disappointing as they suffered a 3-0 loss to Azerbaijan. Janne Andersson’s team is currently in third place in Group F, lagging behind Belgium by a margin of 10 points.

In Group G, Hungary missed out on securing the top position as they settled for a 2-2 draw against the team at the bottom, Bulgaria. Presently, Hungary is leading Serbia by two points, and both teams have one more match remaining. On Sunday, Montenegro will be visiting Hungary, while Bulgaria will be welcomed by Serbia in their own country.

In the upcoming game, England’s objective will be to clinch the leading position in Group C as they confront Malta at Wembley Stadium on Friday.