
John McGinn claims Scotland beating Spain made ‘impossible’ after VAR controversy
John McGinn said the “big moments went against Scotland” and made victory in Spain “near enough impossible” as Steve Clarke’s side missed out on the chance to secure early qualification for Euro 2024 following a controversial 2-0 defeat in Seville. Scotland needed a point against Spain to book their place at the Euros next summer and, although they had to survive spells of pressure against the hosts, thought they had made the breakthrough when Scott McTominay scored a sublime free-kick on 59 minutes. But McTominay’s goal was disallowed by referee Serdar Gozubuyuk after a VAR check, with the initial explanation being that Scotland defender Jack Hendry had infringed on Spain goalkeeper Unai Simon. However, McGinn said the Dutch official then clarified that Hendry was offside and was interfering with play. Spain took the lead moments later through Alvaro Morata and although Scotland will still qualify if Norway fail to beat La Roja in Oslo on Sunday, the visitors were left to rue some significant blows. Scotland also lost captain Andy Robertson to a dislocated shoulder before half time. Scotland were aiming to become the first team to take a point off Spain in home Euro qualifiers since 2003, a run that is now 25 matches ago, and McGinn said: “The big moments went against us. We can still improve, but we put in some shift. “We knew at least a point tonight would get us there, so that’s a really tough one to take. It’s a sore blow losing Robbo early, then thinking we’re ahead, we regroup and then they score. “We competed for long spells. It’s very difficult to win here and, under the circumstances, it was near enough impossible. “You need to be very careful what you say. I think everyone watching that game tonight from a Scotland point of view, wherever you were, it just felt like we weren’t getting any 50/50 decision - it made it very difficult against a world class team. “You need a perfect performance here to win, and everything to align and it was just never going to happen. “He (the referee) changed it (his reasoning on the VAR check) in the game, which is the annoying thing. It means it’s not clear and obvious. “Is he going to save it? No chance. No goalkeeper in the world is going to save that. However, at one point he’s said it’s a foul, realises it isn’t a foul, so changes it to offside.” Scotland manager Clarke meanwhile said his players have to move on after the defeat. Clarke’s men face France in a friendly in Lille next Tuesday but Spain face Norway in Oslo two days earlier and if the Norwegians drop points, Scotland’s place in Germany will be secured. The Scots also have Georgia away and Norway at home in November. “The team played well and the players are disappointed,” said Clarke. “We came here determined to qualify. It hasn’t happened tonight but I think there was a lot to be pleased about in the performance. “The big moment in the game is probably the close decision on the Scott McTominay goal. At the time we think it is a goal. You know when the referee gets told to look at it he is probably going to chalk it off. They have made the call, there is no point me going on about it.” Includes reporting from PA Read More Scotland forced to wait for Euro 2024 — but they will not understand how Steve Clarke insists Scotland must move on from disappointing VAR decision Andy Robertson injury: Scotland provide update on dislocated shoulder against Spain Scotland provide update after Andy Robertson appears to dislocate shoulder Steve Clarke insists Scotland must move on from disappointing VAR decision Scotland forced to wait for Euro 2024 – but they will not understand how
2023-10-13 14:25

Bad Math Creates Bizarre Celebrity Jeopardy Ending With Katie Nolan and Christopher Merloni
Here's Katie Nolan's Celebrity Jeopardy! win.
2023-10-12 21:28

NHL best bets today (Bet this Tyler Seguin prop for Game 6)
Not only have the Dallas Stars found their mojo in their last two games, but I've also won a couple of bets as a result.Thankfully, I didn't fall to a clean sweep in the Conference Final and trusting the teams I believe in is finally start to pay off. Of course, I'll be betting on...
2023-05-29 23:16

Houston Rockets guard Kevin Porter Jr. charged with assaulting girlfriend at Manhattan hotel
Houston Rockets guard Kevin Porter Jr. was arrested Monday and charged with assault and strangulation after allegedly attacking his girlfriend at a New York City hotel
2023-09-12 05:58

Joel Embiid, Tyrese Maxey drop double-doubles as Harden watches the 76ers beat winless Portland
Joel Embiid had 35 points and 15 rebounds, and Tyrese Maxey added 26 points and 10 rebounds to lead the Philadelphia 76ers to a 126-98 win over the Portland Trail Blazers on Sunday night
2023-10-30 10:17

Saudi Arabia misses out as WTA Finals handed to Mexico
Cancun will host the WTA Finals October 29-November 5, the WTA announcing Thursday the Mexican resort would stage the season ending tournament after reports that Saudi Arabia...
2023-09-07 23:51

Trout, Moniak and Thaiss homer to help Angels beat Red Sox 4-0
Mike Trout had a two-run shot, Mickey Moniak homered for the second straight game, Griffin Canning pitched two-hit ball for seven innings and the Los Angeles Angels beat the Boston Red Sox 4-0 on Tuesday night
2023-05-24 12:17

Toni Kroos opens up on retirement plans
Toni Kroos explains his thoughts on retirement at Real Madrid.
2023-07-02 18:28

Rob Page needs a win – Latvia v Wales talking points
Wales aim to keep their Euro 2024 qualification hopes against Latvia on Monday. The Dragons have ground to make up in Group D after suffering June defeats to Armenia and Turkey. Here, the PA news agency looks at the main talking points surrounding the clash at Riga’s Skonto Stadium. Page under pressure How Rob Page could do with a win. Wales’ woeful run of one victory in 13 games – against Latvia in March – has piled the pressure on the manager. Page signed a four-year contract only 12 months ago but many fans have turned on the man who guided Wales to their first World Cup for 64 years. There were some positive signs in Thursday’s goalless friendly draw against South Korea, but Page knows that getting Wales’ Euro 2024 campaign back on track by beating Latvia is a must. Brennan time With record scorer Gareth Bale’s exploits firmly in the history books, it is time for Brennan Johnson to take the mantle of being Wales’ main man. Johnson may only be 22, but his £47.5million move from Nottingham Forest to Tottenham has elevated him to another level. His last international goal came over a year ago in June 2022 and Johnson has to start scoring regularly if Wales are to prosper post-Bale. State of play Turkey - Pld 5, Pts 10 Croatia - Pld 3, Pts 7 Armenia - Pld 4, Pts 7 Wales - Pld 4, Pts 4 Latvia - Pld 4, Pts 0 That disastrous June double-header has left Wales with a mountain to climb for a top-two spot and automatic qualification. But all is not lost after Friday’s results, which fell kindly for Wales. Group favourites Croatia thrashed Latvia 5-0 to damage Monday’s opponents, while Turkey and Armenia drew 1-1. Wales would draw level on points with Armenia if they win in Latvia and Croatia do likewise in Yerevan – and move within three points of Turkey with a game in hand. James breakthrough Jordan James made his first Wales start against South Korea and was one of the stand-out players on the night. The 19-year-old midfielder came through the same Birmingham academy as England international Jude Bellingham and also appears to have a bright future ahead of him. James’ passing and pressing offers balance to a Wales midfield that has often been overrun in the past year – but is it too early to throw him into a must-win qualifier? Perfect record Wales can take heart from their record against Latvia – played two, won two. The two nations first met in a Riga friendly in August 2004, which Wales won 2-0. Both goals came in the final 10 minutes through John Hartson and Craig Bellamy. Wales beat Latvia 1-0 in their Euro 2024 qualifier in Cardiff six months ago. Kieffer Moore’s towering 41st-minute header secured Wales’ win on a night when Bale was given a pre-match guard of honour as he said goodbye to the home supporters. Read More Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live Jack Crowley talks up ‘true leader’ Johnny Sexton after his Ireland return Kyle Walker relishing England’s friendly with old foes Scotland Germany boss Hansi Flick under pressure following home defeat to Japan
2023-09-10 18:28

NFL Week 3 Predictions and Picks Against the Spread: Six Best Bets
Week 3 NFL picks and predictions.
2023-09-20 21:47

Australia's Khawaja holds firm as Ashes opener heads towards climax
Usman Khawaja held firm after an England double strike to give Australia hope of victory on a tense final day of the...
2023-06-20 23:45

Every way the Colts have insulted Jonathan Taylor this offseason
A timeline of all the ways the Indianapolis Colts have disrespected star RB Jonathan Taylor, who has requested a trade from the franchise.
2023-09-01 04:48
You Might Like...

US Soccer appoints former defender Oguchi Onyewu as VP of sporting

Spain's Hermoso defends Rubiales kiss at Women's World Cup

Padres' Yu Darvish scratched from start against Pirates due to illness

New Zealand’s historic moment gives Women’s World Cup the spark it needed

Tom Brady dispels rumors of Alex Guerrero feud on instagram

Pat Riley lays out vision for Heat season, says it could dictate Miami's future

Mason Greenwood to leave Manchester United after two parties reach agreement

Chelsea proving their project is doomed to fail regardless of manager