Scott McTominay scores two late goals in Scotland win against Cyprus

Scott McTominay scores two late goals in Scotland win against Cyprus

EURO 2024 Scott McTominay scores two late goals in Scotland win against Cyprus

Stephen Oladehinde 19:25 - 25.03.2023

At Hampden Park on Saturday, Scotland's first encounter of the Euro 2024 qualifying campaign against Cyprus ended in a 3-0 victory thanks to two goals from substitute midfielder Scott McTominay.

Scotland took the lead in the 21st minute thanks to a goal from Aston Villa midfielder John McGinn, but after that, the game was mainly dull until Manchester United midfielder Tominay scored after coming off the bench in the 87th and added a second goal from close range in stoppage time.

Nicholas Ioannou was dismissed from the game for a second bookable offence after booting the ball away, and Cyprus finished the game with 10 men.

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Scotland wins their opening game for the first time

For the first time since 2006, Scotland won their opening European Championship qualifier with their victory in Glasgow. Tuesday's visit from Spain, however, will be a tougher test. 

The victory on Saturday, though, came just two days after it was revealed Scotland manager Steve Clarke had signed a new contract to lead the team until the 2026 World Cup, so this was a morale-boosting victory.

A long-range shot by Grigoris Kastanos was stopped by Scotland goalkeeper Angus Gunn in the 17th minute, who was given his first start in place of the injured Craig Gordon.

McTominay seals the victory

After 90 minutes, McTominay's contribution was crucial to their victory. He entered the game late in the second half. After Lyndon Dykes headed down a cross from Ryan Christie, the Manchester United midfielder calmed the crowd by scoring from three yards.

In the third minute of five minutes added time, the United midfielder again found the back of the net from 12 yards, giving Scotland the victory. They have now won an opening match in a competition for the first time ever.

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