Scotland’s successful Euro 2024 qualifying campaign ended with a thrilling draw as Mohamed Elyounoussi’s late equaliser earned Norway a point at Hampden.
Steve Clarke’s side had already secured their place in Germany next summer but had to settle for second place in Group A, with Spain, as expected, overcoming Georgia to win the section.
The Scots twice came from behind in the first half, with sloppily-conceded goals scored by Aron Donnum and Jorgen Larsen cancelled out by John McGinn’s penalty and Leo Ostigard’s own goal.
Stuart Armstrong’s strike looked to have earned another win in front of a jubilant Tartan Army, before former Celtic winger Elyounoussi capitalised on a wonderful, floated ball to level late on.
Scotland now await the Euro 2024 draw next month, for which they will be among the third pot of seeds.
With key players missing, this was an opportunity for squad players to impress. Scotland started with a back four but, with the likes of Kieran Tierney and Andy Robertson unavailable, they looked exposed, particularly in the first half.
Norway capitalised when the impressive Oscar Bobb caused havoc, Larsen outmuscled the defence and Donnum stroked home the loose ball via a deflection off Nathan Patterson and a post.
The response was swift in front of a party-mode Tartan Army, determined to celebrate their passage to Germany.
After McGinn was caught on the edge of the box, the free-kick was half-cleared but a follow-up shot struck Donnum’s arm and McGinn netted his 18th international goal from the penalty spot.
His contribution has been overshadowed in this campaign by the exploits of Scott McTominay, but the ovation the Aston Villa midfielder received when substituted said it all as he moved to sixth on Scotland’s all-time goalscoring list alongside Kenny Miller.
Scotland were caught again, though, when they failed to defend a ball from the right and Larsen nipped in front of the despairing Clark to bundle home. Again, the defending looked suspect.
To their credit, Clarke’s side responded once again when Kenny MacLean flicked on McTominay’s corner and the ball rebounded off Ostigard and over the line.
Scotland side exerted more control after half-time and Armstrong looked to have secured victory with a fine finish after an excellent exchange with McGinn.
Norway would not be denied though as Julian Ryerson’s dink caught Clark out and Elyounoussi made sure with a neat back-post header to offer small consolation for their failure to qualify directly.
Player of the match – Oscar Bobb (Norway)
