Scotland seal stunning late victory as they come from behind to beat Norway 2-1 and continue their 100 per cent start to Euro 2024 qualifying… with Lyndon Dykes and Kenny McLean scoring at the death after Erling Haaland’s first-half penalty
- Scotland came from behind to clinch a dramatic victory over Norway in Oslo
- Man City star Erling Haaland initially put the hosts ahead from the penalty spot
- Strikes from Lyndon Dykes and Kenny McClean sealed a last-minute win
Beneath a sapping sun, Erling Haaland went to the well once more, and this time found relief for his drought.
But he could only watch in horror as Norway were left with their fingers and backsides burnt having naively withdrawn their talisman late in the game, inspiring Scotland to score twice in a sensational turnaround.
At least it means Haaland will get a breather next summer. While most of Europe competes in Germany at Euro 2024 – and that will surely include Steve Clarke’s courageous Scots – the continent’s best player will most likely be on holiday.
It was Haaland’s opposing No.9, Lyndon Dykes of QPR, who stole the headlines from him here. The Manchester City star had departed on 84 minutes after scoring for the first time in six matches, winning and converting a penalty on the hour.
Three minutes after his substitution, Scotland were level, Dykes pouncing on an error by defender Leo Ostigard to poke in from close range.
Scotland sealed an incredible comeback victory with two last-minute strikes in Oslo on Saturday
Scotland are top of Group A on maximum points after winning all three of their qualifying matches so far
Erling Haaland (left) initially opened the scoring for the hosts against Scotland in Oslo
Lyndon Dykes popped up with the equaliser in the 87th minute before Scotland’s late winner
It was Kenny McClean who bagged the dramatic goal to secure an incredible comeback win
Then, less than two minutes later, the scorer brilliantly cushioned a John McGinn cross into the path of Kenny McLean and he steered cosily into the bottom corner from 10 yards. It was smash and grab, a mugging in broad daylight, the ultimate 11th-hour steal.
This win means they are top of Group A on maximum points after three matches, while Norway are eight behind and second bottom of the group.
‘We never stopped believing,’ said Clarke. ‘They thought they could see the game out (after taking Haaland off). We made changes to be more aggressive. But we didn’t have a special plan (for Haaland) anyway. If we played as well as we can, we could win, and this was big.’
And what about Haaland? He needs a rest. In fairness, this weather – 33C at kick-off – is meant more for the Ibiza beach bars in which he partied last weekend. Because for all the heat, Haaland had ran cold, his driest run in front of goal for more than two years.
A humidity intensified by a sell-out crowd – the hottest ticket in the hottest town – did not aid his cause in his 56th match of the season.
But he was a picture of cool as he converted from the spot after being fouled by Ryan Porteous. That was in stark contrast to the previous hour. Come half-time, he had touched the ball once in the penalty area and just seven times in total.
He looked like he was bringing in an aeroplane as he waved his arms in frustration towards his defenders. The instruction was clear – go long and go high.
That they did. And, on 41 minutes, his minder Jack Hendry executed a foul so cynical that it deserved applause. Without it, a tug and comedy collapse on top of Haaland on halfway, the striker would have been in on goal. Hendry was booked. Job done.
Haaland finished the half with an XG of 0.00. You assumed he started all matches on at least 1.00. But when he finally got that goal on 61 minutes, it felt like enough for victory. Dykes, however, had other ideas.
Arsenal skipper Martin Odegaard (middle) endured a tough midfield battle against a resilient Scotland
Despite his goal, Haaland (middle) struggled and looked like he needed a rest after a long season
