Shane Duffy hoping Evan Ferguson can be Ireland talisman for years to come
Shane Duffy is hoping Evan Ferguson can be the Republic of Ireland’s talisman for years to come as the teenager finds his feet on the international stage. The 18-year-old Brighton striker’s absence through injury for last month’s Euro 2024 qualifiers against France and the Netherlands left manager Stephen Kenny without perhaps his most potent weapon and in his absence, Ireland’s hopes of dragging themselves back into the race for qualification from Group B were effectively ended. Ferguson is back in harness for Friday night’s clash with Greece at the Aviva Stadium and having witnessed his emergence both in the Premier League and for his country, former Seagulls team-mate Duffy is confident he has what it takes to succeed. He said: “For me, he’s got everything, he’s the full package. He’s a strong boy, he’s a top finisher, he’s willing to work for the team and he’s willing to learn. For an 18-year-old, there is so much pressure on him already, you think that’s a good habit to have. “We’re all really excited for the future for him. Hopefully with a bit of luck, he’s our talisman for years to come and gets the goals we all want. He’s a really good boy, he has a really bright future.” Ferguson’s blossoming talent has inevitably invited comparisons to Ireland’s record goalscorer Robbie Keane, who made his senior international debut against the Czech Republic as a 17-year-old in March 1998. Keane went on to score 68 goals in 146 appearances – also a record – for his country over more than 18 years, for many of them the focal point of a team which he helped reach the World Cup finals in 2002 and Euro 2012 and 2016. For me, he’s got everything to be a top striker in the Premier League and in Europe. Shane Duffy However, Duffy has warned Ferguson he needs to keep his feet firmly on the ground if he is to fulfil his potential, and has seen signs that he will be able to do that. He said: “First of all, he’s a great boy. He’s a really good head on his shoulders. He’s humble first and foremost, he never gets ahead of himself. “He came to Brighton at 16 and he was like a man already. He stood out unbelievably well. He’s got a lot of potential. He’s only 18 and there’s a lot of pressure on him already. “He will produce. For me, he’s got everything to be a top striker in the Premier League and in Europe. He just needs to keep going the way he is going, not to get too ahead of himself.” Now 31, Duffy is approaching the opposite end of his career to Ferguson and will be 36 by the time Euro 2028, for which Ireland and the United Kingdom were this week named hosts, comes around. Asked if that was in his sights, the Norwich defender replied with a smile: “I’m just trying to survive until Friday, never mind 2028. I can’t look that far ahead, honestly. “Listen, I’ll never give up. I don’t know where I’m going to be in 2028. I’ll be the kit man or something.” Read More Lee Carsley full of praise for ‘cutthroat’ England youngsters Northern Ireland rising star Isaac Price grateful to former boss Frank Lampard Nathan Broadhead keen to maintain scoring form after ‘Perfect’ Ed Sheeran boost Marcus Smith set for full-back role in England’s World Cup quarter-final Young Lions go goal crazy as they put nine past Serbia in qualifier FA would face criticism one way or another for conflict response – Southgate
2023-10-13 06:21
Lee Carsley full of praise for ‘cutthroat’ England youngsters
England Under-21 boss Lee Carsley hailed his goal-hungry Young Lions after they crushed Serbia 9-1. The hosts ran riot at the City Ground to continue a flawless start to their European title defence. Noni Madueke, Jaden Philogene and Harvey Elliott scored twice as Liam Delap, Jonathan Rowe and Luka Subotic’s own goal completed the Euro 2025 qualifying win. A dominant England had to come from behind after Vladimir Lucic’s shock opener but the Young Lions remain top of Group F. “You can’t afford to waste too many chances and they were cutthroat in the second half. It was good to see because it helps with their confidence,” said Carsley, who takes his team to Slovakia to face Ukraine on Monday. “Sometimes when you see the scoreline, if you hadn’t been at the game, you’d think it was a walk in the park but it didn’t feel like that, especially going a goal down. “We spoke about it a few days ago, how will this squad react to a setback? To go a goal down when you are so in control, it’s testament to the players they responded the right way.” England were dominant from the off and Charlie Cresswell, Elliott and Philogene had already gone close before the visitors struck when Lucic guided the ball into the top corner. But Hull’s Philogene levelled after 38 minutes, with Delap and Elliott giving England a 3-1 lead at the break. Two goals in seven second-half minutes from Madueke put England in complete control and Philogene added a sixth after 63 minutes. A comical Subotic own goal made it seven before Rowe and Elliott wrapped it up. Carsley added: “The fundamentals of tonight were based on outworking your opponent. It’s important if you are going to get a long career and play for England you can be technically and physically better than your opponent. “We did that all over the pitch. When the scoreline started getting away from Serbia we didn’t stop.” Read More Shane Duffy hoping Evan Ferguson can be Ireland talisman for years to come Northern Ireland rising star Isaac Price grateful to former boss Frank Lampard Nathan Broadhead keen to maintain scoring form after ‘Perfect’ Ed Sheeran boost Marcus Smith set for full-back role in England’s World Cup quarter-final Young Lions go goal crazy as they put nine past Serbia in qualifier FA would face criticism one way or another for conflict response – Southgate
2023-10-13 06:21
Northern Ireland rising star Isaac Price grateful to former boss Frank Lampard
Northern Ireland’s emerging talent Isaac Price has credited ex-Everton boss Frank Lampard with being a “massive” influence on his development and indicated the manager’s Goodison Park exit prompted his own summer move to Standard Liege. Few Evertonians recall Lampard’s 12-month reign with great affection – they narrowly avoided relegation in May 2022 and then, amid protests against the board, failed to progress before he was sacked in January – but the 20-year-old Price believes he took big strides under the former England midfielder. “(Lampard) was massive for me,” Price said. “I learnt so much while he was there. I had my debut… at Arsenal (in May 2022) and ever since then I felt like he really taught me a lot of stuff. “He gave me my debut, he put a bit of trust in me. I was training with the (senior squad) regularly so I was learning a lot of things. Had it gone differently at Everton and he’d had the players he needed to get results maybe I’d still be there.” Although he did not play any Premier League football in the first half of last season, Price felt ready to step up after the World Cup break. But a few weeks later Lampard was sacked and his replacement Sean Dyche turned to experience in another fight against the drop. “When the World Cup was on we went to Australia and played two games and I played 90 minutes in both games and I felt like I was one of the best players there,” Price added. “We came back and I was around it, I got half an hour against Brighton, and after that I felt like I was pushed to one side. “Even though I had the belief in myself that I should be playing or at least coming off the bench I wasn’t really seeing that. As soon as Lampard left and the new manager came in I felt I was just pushed aside and that built up a bit of frustration in me that I wanted to leave.” That move came when Price joined Belgian club Standard Liege, ending 13 years at Everton. It was a leap on and off the pitch, but Price has the self-assurance to take on the challenge. He is learning the language, admittedly slowly, and said he has quickly settled. “I feel like it was a bit of belief in myself,” he said of his decision to move. “It’s different living away from home on your own but it’s great. The football is great, the fans are unbelievable, it gives you a bit of confidence every time you go on the pitch so I’m really enjoying it.” His first goal for the club was the winner in a 2-1 victory over Club Brugge last week, coming on the back of his first Northern Ireland goal in the 4-2 loss to Slovenia last month, his fifth cap. Slovenia will visit Windsor Park on Tuesday but first come San Marino on Saturday, a match Michael O’Neill’s side need to win to end a five-game losing run and change the mood around a Euro 2024 qualifying campaign which has unravelled since March. When the qualifying draw was made there was optimism that, having avoided some of the bigger nations and with O’Neill returning, Northern Ireland could challenge in Group H, but a horror run of injuries effectively ended their hopes. “We just have to put that behind us,” Paddy McNair said. “We have two home games, hopefully six points, and we start to build some momentum.” Qualification hopes may be over, but Saturday is still a must-win game for Northern Ireland in front of their own fans. “I agree,” McNair said. “If we don’t beat San Marino it wouldn’t be good at all. It’s a game, especially at home, we expect to win, so I’m looking forward to it.”
2023-10-13 05:57
Nathan Broadhead keen to maintain scoring form after ‘Perfect’ Ed Sheeran boost
Wales striker Nathan Broadhead plans to keep on scoring for club and country after being lifted by the presence of Ed Sheeran in the Ipswich dressing room. Ipswich fan Sheeran served pints to supporters at the recent Sky Bet Championship game with Hull at Portman Road before going into the home dressing room to celebrate the high-flying Tractor Boys’ 3-0 victory. The Ipswich players marked the occasion by singing Sheeran’s ‘Perfect’ hit, with the video of them and the acclaimed musician going viral on social media. “I was surprised when he walked in, but it showed the togetherness of the club and the community spirit at Ipswich,” Broadhead said. “It’s the first time he has come into the changing room, but the lads were happy to see him. He can come whenever he wants. “I didn’t know the words (to ‘Perfect’) and I told one of the lads to put his song on. “But hopefully we can keep on winning and scoring goals. I’m enjoying my football at the moment, and hopefully I can score many more goals.” Asked if he would repay Sheeran’s visit by trying to see him on his forthcoming tour, Broadhead said: “I hope so. Hopefully we can get some discounts on the tickets. “We’ll have to send him a message to sort it out.” Broadhead has been a key player for newly-promoted Ipswich as Kieran McKenna’s team have surged up to second place in the Championship. The 25-year-old former Everton forward is joint top scorer with five goals and believes that former goalkeeper Lee Grant coaching the club’s strikers has proved a masterstroke from McKenna. Broadhead said: “When I first went there, Kieran told me that Lee was the striker coach and I was like, ‘Oh right!’ “Then I saw the way he works and it was amazing. Goalkeepers know where they don’t want the ball to go. Top corners, hitting my shots early. “We work every day on practising snapshots in the box and he encourages that because the keeper isn’t set. “That’s where we get most of our goals. Last season, many teams against us played five at the back so you need those sharp shots or to shoot through people’s legs to get shots on target. “I saw the plan here, the manager and the way he plays. We are blossoming because everyone has played together for so long. “Hopefully we can continue that, because the aim for everyone in the Championship is promotion.” Broadhead has scored in his last two Ipswich games, and on Wednesday night claimed a superb second goal for Wales in their 4-0 friendly victory over Gibraltar at Wrexham. The first in March however was far more important, a 93rd-minute equaliser securing a 1-1 draw away to World Cup semi-finalists Croatia in Euro 2024 qualifying. Seven months on, Wales must get something from Sunday’s return game in Cardiff to keep hopes of automatic qualification alive for next summer’s finals in Germany. “The feeling after the game was amazing,” said Broadhead. “That’s the moment of my career that stands out. “We need a result and that’s the aim. We need to put our heads down, work hard and graft. It will be a tough game but we hope for the best.”
2023-10-13 05:52
Young Lions go goal crazy as they put nine past Serbia in qualifier
England Under-21s went goal crazy as they produced a stunning display to crush Serbia 9-1. Chelsea forward Noni Madueke, debutant Jaden Philogene and Harvey Elliott all scored twice at the City Ground. Liam Delap, Jonathan Rowe and Luka Subotic’s own goal heaped further misery on Serbia as the Young Lions came from behind in their first home game since winning Euro 2023. They had to hit back, despite dominating, after Vladimir Lucic’s classy strike gave Serbia the lead in the Euro 2025 qualifier. Victory made it two from two in Group F ahead of Monday’s game with Ukraine in Slovakia. Boss Lee Carsley had moved to distance this squad as European champions with just six of his winners featuring on Thursday after the majority of the class of 2023 aged out. His new-look Young Lions should have been cruising inside 10 minutes but Charlie Cresswell planted a free header wide after Philogene’s effort was turned over by Veljko Ilic. The goalkeeper then gathered a tame effort from Elliott and continued to deny the hosts, a reaction stop keeping out Philogene at the far post. Madueke pulled the strings, the forward teasing the overworked Serbia defence, but he should have done better than to drag wide following a neat exchange with Hayden Hackney. Carsley’s side dominated, Elliott shooting over, but they were shocked by Serbia after 27 minutes. Lucic started the move on the left and when Nikola Stankovic was played in behind Hackney he found Lucic to brilliantly guide a first-time finish into the top corner from 16 yards. It was a stunning finish and checked England’s momentum which, until then, had only been growing. The Young Lions were briefly cautious as they sized their opponents up again but Delap should have levelled nine minutes before the break rather than let Ilic save with his legs. Yet just two minutes later they levelled as Philogene marked his debut by smashing in high from the edge of the box after being gifted the ball by Ilic. Elliott went close before England got the second they deserved after 41 minutes when captain Cole Palmer was thwarted by Ilic but Philogene recycled the ball to find Delap who crashed in from five yards. It opened the floodgates and Elliott added a third when he collected the ball, advanced and arrowed a strike into the top corner. Eight minutes after the break Madueke got the goal he deserved when he danced across the Serbia defence and drilled in low. It was now a procession, with Serbia resorting to needless fouls to halt England’s rhythm, but they could do nothing to stop Madueke’s second. Hackney was allowed to run and slip the ball into Rico Lewis whose backheel found Madueke to roll into the corner. England continued to pile on the pain and Philogene got his second after 63 minutes, Delap unselfishly squaring to his Hull team-mate after Lewis put him clear. The scoreline reflected the gulf in quality and Cresswell and James McAtee went close to adding a seventh before Elliott hit the crossbar. It was left to Serbia to embarrass themselves as, under pressure from Jamie Bynoe-Gittens, Mitar Ergelas’ clearance clattered off Subotic and looped over Ilic with three minutes left. There was still time for substitute Rowe to get a debut goal, the Norwich forward heading in Elliott’s cross from close range. Then, in stoppage time, Elliott added the flourish with a ninth goal, seizing on Igor Miladinovic’s wretched pass to complete the scoring. Read More Marcus Smith set for full-back role in England’s World Cup quarter-final Scotland slip to defeat in Spain but qualification hopes remain alive FA would face criticism one way or another for conflict response – Southgate Southgate says experimental England must have right mindset against Australia Graham Arnold urging Australia to claim England scalp for ‘kids and nation’ England ready for challenge of knocking India ‘off their perch’ – Chris Woakes
2023-10-13 05:26
Restaurants are charging ‘vomit fee’ at bottomless brunch
Some restaurants in California are charging an additional fee to customers who throw up in the public space after drinking too many mimosas during bottomless brunch. A restaurant based in San Francisco, Kitchen Story, first made customers aware of the cleaning fee with a sign in the bathroom, as reported by SFGate. In its message, the popular brunch spot – which offers bottomless mimosa for 60 minutes – encouraged customers to drink responsibly, before describing the rules they should follow if they don’t want to be charged extra. “Dear all mimosa lovers,” the sign reads. “Please drink responsibly and know your limits. A $50 cleaning fee will automatically be included in your tap when you throw up in our public areas. Thank you so much for understanding.” Speaking to SFGate, Kitchen Story owner Steven Choi specified that the sign has been up ​​for nearly two years, after staff members had to spend a lot of time cleaning customers’ vomit. “This was still during the pandemic and it became a very sensitive issue for customers and staff having to clean up,” he said. “But this is not unique. It’s there to make the customers stop and think about other people.” Chaiporn Kitsadaviseksak, the co-owner of Kitchen Story, said that the sign has successfully prevented customers from getting sick in public spaces of the restaurant. Although he couldn’t recall the last time that someone was charged with a clean-up fee, there were multiple instances of customers throwing up before the sign went up. “People were scared with Covid. And this was happening a lot. My workers don’t want to do that,” he said. “It got better. Now [customers] know they have to pay. They understand.” Another restaurant in San Francisco, Home Plate, had a similar sign as Kitchen Story, warning customers about the cleaning fee if they vomit. The sign on the wall of the eatery read: “Please Drink Responsibly. $50 Cleaning Fee for any incident incurred as a result of intoxication.” Speaking to SFGate, owner Teerut Boon said that customers vomiting after drinking was an issue in 2021, which is why he instituted “pretty much the same policy” as Kitchen Story. While customers complained about the sign, prompting it to be taken down in July, the fee still applies. In fact, the same warning from the sign is on the bottom of Home Plate’s menu, right under the price of bottomless mimosas per person. The menu also specified that customers can only do bottomless mimosas for 75 minutes. Although it’s not the same rule as Home Plate and Kitchen, a gastropub in San Francisco, The Sycamore, has its own way of making sure that customers drink responsibly. Speaking to SFGate, restaurant co-owner Liz Ryan said that although the eatery doesn’t charge a fee to customers who throw up in the restaurant, there is one staff member who keeps an eye on how much people drink. “We have a staff member who is a mimosa fairy. They bring a pitcher around that they use to refill glasses,” she said. “There’s a [mimosa] station and it says this is for staff use only so please do not help yourself,” She also noted that during the two-hour brunch, the “mimosa fairy” goes to the dining area every 15 minutes or so to pour more of the drink for customers. Throughout the time, workers also examine how customers are behaving. “Our staff is trained to make sure our customers don’t overdo it. Nobody wants to see people throwing up. That sort of spoils the party vibe that we’re trying to create,” she said, referring to a Responsible Beverage Service training from the California Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control. As noted by the California Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control, the service “teaches servers to responsibly serve alcoholic beverages for on-premises consumption and mitigate alcohol-related harm in California communities”. During the interview, Ryan also claimed there have been “ways to cut people off” from drinking without them realising it. “This is the kind of thing they teach you. We practice eye contact and engagement, we come by with a pitcher of water,” she said, before acknowledging that there have been people who step outside to throw up and then come back into the restaurant after drinking too much. “People can get carried away.” Read More How to spend a day in Capitol Hill, Seattle’s trend-setting neighbourhood Film, food and festivals: experience these Maltese must-dos Amsterdam travel guide: Best things to do and where to stay for a 2023 city break Brits pay more for wine when trying to impress guests, survey finds Spice up your life: Three recipes from Nadiya Hussain’s new book that bring the heat Obsessed with Boursin? It’s the perfect way to elevate your leftovers
2023-10-13 03:54
Spain vs Scotland LIVE: Latest score and goal updates as Scots look to reach Euro 2024
Scotland are hoping to continue their winning start in Euro 2024 qualifying as they travel to Seville to take on Spain this evening. Steve Clarke’s men have won five from five in their campaign so far, including that impressive victory over the Spaniards at Hampden Park back in March. Should they triumph again tonight the Scots will secure qualification for the tournament in Germany next summer. They will also qualify if Norway fail to beat Cyprus in the other Group A fixture. However, Spain are in great form. Manager Luis de la Fuente has led the hosts to victory in the Nations League and will be confident of earning a victory over the Scots this time around. Spain have played one game fewer than Scotland and would move to within three points of the leaders with a win, keeping them on track to secure a place at Euro 2024 themselves. The top two teams will progress from Group A and La Roja will confirm their place at the tournament with wins over Scotland and Norway on Sunday. Follow all the action as Spain host Scotland in the Euro 2024 qualifiers plus get all the latest odds and tips right here: Read More Is Spain v Scotland on TV? Channel, start time and how to watch Euro 2024 qualifier online tonight How Scotland became the one team Rodri could not defeat What do Scotland need to qualify for Euro 2024?
2023-10-13 02:46
5 under-the-radar quarterbacks who have put the 2024 NFL Draft on notice through six weeks
We know about Caleb Williams and Drake Maye, but these under-the-radar QBs in college football have put the 2024 NFL Draft evaluators on notice.
2023-10-13 02:19
College football rankings: Ranking the 14 remaining undefeated teams in 2023
There are only 14 teams who remain undefeated. How do those teams rank heading into Week 7 of the college football season?
2023-10-13 00:51
Ciaran McGuckin header hands 10-man Northern Ireland under-21s victory
Northern Ireland under-21s secured their first win under manager Tommy Wright the hard way as they played more than half of Thursday’s 1-0 victory over Azerbaijan with 10 men in Baku. Ciaran McGuckin headed Northern Ireland in front with 19 minutes gone from Sean Stewart’s corner but the Euro 2025 qualifier changed eight minutes before the break. Aaron Donnelly, part of Northern Ireland’s senior squad back in June, brought down Murad Velijev inside the penalty area to be shown a straight red card, but Northern Ireland were spared further punishment when Dzhamal Dzhafarov sent the resulting penalty wide of the target. Unsurprisingly Azerbaijan kept Northern Ireland pegged back for long spells after the break but could not find a way past goalkeeper Stephen McMullan. The Fleetwood stopper did well to keep out a long-range strike from Samir Maharramli with 19 minutes left before Velijev headed over from a corner. But there was no way through as former St Johnstone boss Wright, appointed in August, could celebrate a first win after his opening two qualifiers in charge ended in 1-0 defeats to Luxembourg and Ukraine last month. Northern Ireland will continue their qualifying campaign with a home match against Serbia at Mourneview Park on Monday evening. Read More Ashes revenge or a famous Socceroos win? – England v Australia talking points FA criticised for ‘weak response’ to Israel and Palestine conflict Sebastian Korda defeats Ben Shelton to book first ATP 1000 semi-final in Shanghai
2023-10-13 00:46
Ashes revenge or a famous Socceroos win? – England v Australia talking points
England host Australia in a sold-out friendly at Wembley on Friday evening. Here, the PA news agency takes a look at five of the main talking points ahead of the international encounter. Some Ashes revenge for England? There is a long sporting rivalry between these countries and revenge would be sweet after an epic Ashes summer ended with the urn returning Down Under. Jonny Bairstow’s controversial stumping by Alex Carey particularly stuck in the craw during a dramatic 2-2 series draw that saw emotions run high. England have the chance to exact a slither of revenge under the arch on Friday, when Gareth Southgate expects the sporting rivalry to “add an extra edge” to the occasion. …or will there be a famous second Socceroos win? This will be the first time these nations have met at Wembley, with the only previous two encounters on English soil played at the Stadium of Light and Upton Park. Wayne Rooney made his debut in the latter friendly in February 2003, but it was Australia that won 3-1 on the night. It is the only time England have lost in seven meetings with the Socceroos and Graham Arnold’s side, ranked 27th in the world, would love nothing more than to repeat the feat on Friday. A chance to experiment for Southgate Last month’s friendly against Scotland ended a run of 16 successive competitive matches for England, covering last year’s Nations League campaign, the 2022 World Cup and Euro 2024 qualification. Southgate said before the game that over-experimenting at Hampden Park would be “ridiculous” but still managed to try a few things as his side ran out 3-1 victors. Lewis Dunk made his second international start – five years after his first – in central defence alongside Marc Guehi, while Aaron Ramsdale got the nod in goal. Southgate will be tempted to look at several areas of the squad again this time, including uncapped Levi Colwill at left-back, returning Jarrod Bowen in attack and Trent Alexander-Arnold in midfield. Can Watkins or Nketiah stake claim to be Kane deputy? Harry Kane’s goalscoring feats are as impressive as they are well documented. Already the highest scoring man in England’s history, he will match Sir Bobby Charlton’s 23-goal international haul at Wembley if he scores against Australia. But Southgate may well be tempted to try a different striker given their inability to find a reliable back-up to the Bayern Munich player. Callum Wilson fulfilled the role in Qatar but is injured this time around, with in-form Aston Villa striker Ollie Watkins receiving his first call-up since March 2022. Uncapped Arsenal striker Eddie Nketiah, England Under-21s’ all-time top scorer, is another man looking to push his claim to be Kane’s deputy ahead of the Euros. Israel-Palestine victims to be remembered Black armbands will be worn and a period of silence observed before Friday’s friendly to remember the innocent victims of the conflict in Israel and Palestine. The Football Association has confirmed its plans to pay tribute, having come under pressure to illuminate the Wembley arch in the colours of the Israeli flag following attacks by Hamas militants over the weekend which were followed by Israeli bombardment of the Gaza Strip. Flags, replica kits and other representations of nationality not linked to England or Australia will not be permitted inside Wembley. Read More FA criticised for ‘weak response’ to Israel and Palestine conflict Sebastian Korda defeats Ben Shelton to book first ATP 1000 semi-final in Shanghai 5 talking points as Republic of Ireland seek strong end to Euro 2024 qualifying Abbas Miski: Huge honour to be first Lebanese player to feature in Grand Final Sam Tomkins to haunt his former side? – Super League Grand Final talking points Stephen Kenny: Republic of Ireland must still believe in Euro 2024 qualification
2023-10-13 00:22
What do Scotland need to qualify for Euro 2024?
Scotland sit top of Pool A going into tonight’s match against Spain and are on track to qualify for Euro 2024 having gained 15 points over five games. The United Kingdom and Ireland were officially awarded the tournament for 2028 on Tuesday, but Germany play host to the tournament next year, meaning a golden opportunity for the Tartan Army to feature at consecutive European Championships. Scotland are currently six points ahead of Spain, who have a game in hand, and still have Georgia and Norway to face in November to complete the Euro qualifiers. If Scotland draw or win against Spain, they will qualify for Euro 2024. However, they can also qualify with some help from the other Pool A match between Norway and Cyprus. If Norway lose or draw to beat Cyprus, then Scotland will also qualify regardless of their result against Spain. A brace from Scott McTominay saw Steve Clarke’s side storm to a 2-0 victory over Spain at Hampden Park in March. It was Spain manager Luis de la Fuente’s second game in charge. “I don’t see it as revenge,” he said as he previewed the second match against Scotland. “I see it as a game, we’ll fight to win and it’s a responsibility because we represent a country. “It’s not revenge, it’s another football game, a very important one, but a game. “The team gives me confidence, security, they are responsible, professional, add the talent the players have and I am very calm. “Of course we drew conclusions (after the defeat), the important one is that now we’re better than we were then, a better team than we were,” he added. If Scotland lose and fail to qualify this week, they will qualify with a win in their penultimate match next month against Georgia. If they draw that game, they will still qualify if Norway fail to beat Spain. If Scotland draw against Georgia and Norway defeat Spain, Scotland will still qualify even with a one-goal loss in their home match to Norway to finish off Group A, provided they have a superior goal difference in the group. Scotland currently have a +11 goal difference with Norway on -1. If Scotland lose to Spain and then also lose to Georgia, while Norway win back-to-back games against Cyprus and Spain, Scotland would be required to draw at home to Norway in the final match to qualify. Even if Scotland lose their final three matches, they could still qualify even after Norway win their final three matches, should Spain fail to win either of their final two matches against Cyprus and Georgia. If Spain only win one of those final two matches and also finish on 15 points with Scotland behind Norway, on 16 points in this scenario, then the head-to-head rule would apply against Spain, with Scotland currently holding a 2-0 advantage after their win at Hampden Park. "I think when we played them in March, so we’re probably just in a little bit of transition between the previous coach and the new coach," Scotland manager Clarke said. "They’d had a disappointing World Cup campaign so maybe we got them at a good time. We know we have to be very, very good to get a positive result,” he added ahead of the fixture in Seville. Read More Is Spain v Scotland on TV? Channel, start time and how to watch Euro 2024 qualifier online tonight How Scotland became the one team Rodri could not defeat Euro 2028: Will host nations get automatic qualification? How Scotland became the one team Rodri could not defeat Is Spain v Scotland on TV? Channel, start time and how to watch Euro 2024 qualifier Bukayo Saka ‘in contention’ for Arsenal vs Man City as Gareth Southgate reveals plan
2023-10-12 22:28