Scott McTominay scored his fifth goal in Euro 2024 Qualifying as Scotland retained their 100 per cent record in Group A by beating Georgia 2-0 at Hampden Park, which saw a long delay due to a waterlogged pitch.
The game began in torrential conditions after a hour-long downpour drenched the stadium. However, Scotland managed to take the lead in the seven minutes that were played thanks to Callum McGregor’s well-taken strike.
Play did not restart after the goal as referee Istvan Vad signalled for the players to return to the dressing rooms as the ground staff, SFA staff and ball boys and girls began clearing the water from the surface.
It began an hour and 40 minutes of pitch inspections, delays and Georgian mutiny as the away team refused to return to the the pitch as they looked to have the game postponed until Wednesday.
However, they eventually emerged after a third check on conditions by the referee – who correctly concluded the conditions were OK to play in – and the game eventually restarted just before 9.35pm.
The European Qualifier was suspended after six minutes due to playing conditions
Scotland always looked the more likely to add another goal, picking up from where they left off. McTominay made sure of the three points immediately after half-time – at around 10.30pm – with his fifth goal of the campaign, following doubles against Cyprus and Spain.
Georgia had a few late opportunities, and missed the chance for a late consolation as Napoli forward Kvicha Kvaratskhelia fired a penalty into the stands.
It would not have mattered too much any way as Scotland took another huge step towards qualifying for Euro 2024, winning all of their opening four qualifying games for the first time. They remain top of Group A with 12 points.
More to follow…
What’s next?
Scotland’s next Euro 2024 qualifier is away to Cyprus on September 8. Kick-off 7.45pm.
