Euro 2020 Qualifiers: Scotland to play in a major competition for the first time in 23 years

Scotland have qualified for a first major tournament in 23 years after a spirited shootout win over Serbia in Belgrade.

Aleksandar Mitrovic’s decisive spot-kick for Serbia was saved by David Marshall to secure a 5-4 win.

Scotland had given the Serbs a tough game of  90 minutes dominant display, before hanging on for penalties.

Ryan Christie’sleft footed finish from 20 yards out had put the Scots ahead, before a late charge from Serbia yielded a goal from Real Madrid outcast Luka Jovic, to force the game into extra time.

But Steve Clarke’s team were clinical from the spot as they ended a long unwanted streak of missing 10 straight tournaments, on the back of maintaining their best unbeaten run (9 games) in 44 years.

“It’s been a very difficult time for everyone. We spoke about trying to make the nation smile, hopefully, we’ve done our bit” said Steve Clarke after the game.

“Every player turned up and not just the ones that started, I’m also talking about the players from the bench and the whole squad.”

https://youtu.be/RUL3pMqzs-o

Scotland will have to peel themselves off the ceiling for a double-header to end their Nations League campaign away to Slovakia on Sunday and Israel on Wednesday.

Up next for the Scots is a back-to-back fixture to end their Nations League campaign.

First, a trip to Slovakia on Sunday before playing Israel on Wednesday.

Scotland will now face neighbors England, Croatia and the Czech Republic when the Euros tournament kicks off next summer.

Stats and facts from the match (Backed by Opta)

• Ryan Christie’s opener was Scotland’s first ever goal against Serbia, in their third meeting in all competitions.
• Scotland are unbeaten in nine consecutive international matches in all competitions (W6 D3), last enjoying a longer run without defeat in February 1930 (11 games).
• Serbia have now failed to qualify for the European championships in each of their four attempts since first competing as an independent country in 2006.
• Christie has scored four goals in his last five games for Scotland, having failed to net in his previous nine for his country.