Scotland pulled off a stunning late comeback to defeat Norway 2-1 in Oslo and maintain their 100% record in qualifying for Euro 2024.
Norway looked set to blow Group A wide open when Erling Haaland netted from the spot to give the hosts a lead which remained in tact until the 87th minute.
However, late strikes from Lyndon Dykes and then substitute Kenny McLean completed the incredible turnaround to secure three vital points in the battle to reach the finals in Germany next year.
The hosts started brighter as Alexander Sorloth passed up a massive opportunity after 13 minutes. Ola Solbakken showed quick feet to beat Aaron Hickey before delivering a teasing cross, only for the forward to head straight into the arms of the grateful Angus Gunn.
The imperious Haaland, fresh from winning a domestic clean sweep with Manchester City, was relatively subdued in the opening 45 minutes as the sides went into the break all square.
OSLO, NORWAY – JUNE 17: Norway’s Erling Haaland during a UEFA Euro 2024 Qualifier match between Norway and Scotland at the Ullevaall Stadion, on June 17, 2023, in Oslo, Norway. (Photo by Craig Williamson / SNS Group)
Scotland captain Andy Robertson was leading by example in the second period, as the Liverpool man continually drove his side up the park.
Steve Clarke’s outfit were growing into the game but, as has been the case so many time this season, whilst Erling Haaland is on the park their is always a looming goal threat.
This came to fruition just after the hour mark when the striker was felled in the box by Ryan Porteous. Referee Matej Jug pointed to the spot and, despite guessing the right way, Scotland stopper Gunn could only watch the ball fly past him into the corner from the boot Norway’s number 9.
OSLO, NORWAY – JUNE 17: Norway’s Erling Haaland scores to make it 1-0 during a UEFA Euro 2024 Qualifier match between Norway and Scotland at the Ullevaall Stadion, on June 17, 2023, in Oslo, Norway. (Photo by Craig Williamson / SNS Group)
Norway boss Stale Solbakken then substituted his talisman Haaland with seven minutes left as the game looked to be heading towards a narrow home victory.
It was a move that to prove costly though, as Scotland once again showed their incredible resilience.
First Lyndon Dykes struck an equaliser with four minutes left of the 90. The target man had found the ball hard to stick in the searing heat of Oslo, but he was still alert enough to capitalise on a Leo Ostigard mistake before rolling the ball beyond Orjan Nyland.
OSLO, NORWAY – JUNE 17: Scotland’s Lyndon Dykes celebrates after making it 1-1 during a UEFA Euro 2024 Qualifier match between Norway and Scotland at the Ullevaall Stadion, on June 17, 2023, in Oslo, Norway. (Photo by Craig Williamson / SNS Group)
The Scotland fans were still in dreamland when Kenny McLean did what seemed impossible just minutes earlier and gave the visitors the lead. A beautifully composed finish from the Norwich City midfielder stunned the home support and left Steve Clarke’s men undefeated at the summit of Group A with 3 wins out of 3.
