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Steve Clarke savoured the chance to celebrate Scotland\u2019s Euro 2024 qualification with the Hampden crowd after his side rounded off their campaign with a \u201cstrange\u201d 3-3 draw against Norway.<\/p>\n
Scotland had qualified with two games to spare and finished second behind Spain in Group A after a second consecutive draw ensured they have only lost once in the section.<\/p>\n
The players, including injured captain Andy Robertson, did a lap of honour afterwards to mark their achievement.<\/p>\n
Clarke said: \u201cIt was nice \u2013 and nice for the supporters \u2013 to say thank you to the team, a nice night for the team and staff to thank the supporters.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s always nice to qualify for a major tournament. Obviously the last one was Covid-restricted so we missed that connection and that feel with the fans.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s great for everyone in the country that we have something to look forward to next summer.\u201d<\/p>\n
Clarke\u2019s side twice came from behind in the first half through John McGinn\u2019s penalty and an own goal before Stuart Armstrong netted a well-worked goal to out them in front just before the hour mark.<\/p>\n
However, former Celtic winger Mohamed Elyounoussi came off the bench to head home in the 86th minute as Norway scored their third goal from a cross originating from right-back Julian Ryerson.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt was a strange game,\u201d Clarke said. \u201cI need to go away and analyse it.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhat we have worked really hard at is being competitive, being a competitive team every time we go on to the pitch.<\/p>\n
\u201cThat\u2019s why I was a little bit disappointed with the first half, I didn\u2019t think we were competitive enough. Much more competitive second half.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe are Scotland, we have a certain way of playing, we like to play on the front foot.\u201d<\/p>\n
A two-goal win would have put Scotland in pot two for the December 2 draw, although they are arguably better off in pot three given they will now avoid the likes of the Netherlands, Italy and Croatia.<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019m not bothered,\u201d Clarke said. \u201cI don\u2019t know even know who else is in pot three and pot two. I\u2019m sure I will find out when I get to Hamburg.\u201d<\/p>\n
Norway head coach Stale Solbakken felt his side should have been ahead at half-time but feels Scotland will pose problems in Germany.<\/p>\n
\u201cOverall we were the better team and should have won but it\u2019s not easy, Scotland are always very well organised,\u201d he added.<\/p>\n
\u201cThey have a great coach and have very disciplined players who know their strengths and limitations. That\u2019s very important \u2013 they play to their strengths and don\u2019t pretend to be something else.<\/p>\n
\u201cThey also have tournament experience so I think they can be a handful for everyone next summer. They also play two systems which is valuable.<\/p>\n
\u201cThere will be no easy games for those teams who meet Scotland.\u201d<\/p>\n