Albania can plan for the European Championship
Poland struggles without Lewandowski, Turks succeed in coup
October 12, 2023, 11:08 p.m
Only host Germany has so far qualified for the 2024 European Football Championship. It stays that way for the time being. Turks and Albanians are taking a big step, Poland at least keeps its chances intact even without Robert Lewandowski.
Former world champion Spain spoiled the brave Scots’ first match point and is back on track towards the 2024 European Football Championship in Germany. Veteran Alvaro Morata (73rd) and debutant Oihan Sancet (86th) gave their team a 2-0 (0-0) score – one point would have been enough for Scotland in Seville to book the first of a total of 23 tickets. The German national team automatically qualifies as hosts.
The Scots celebrated five wins in five games, including a 2-0 win in the first leg thanks to two goals from their strong midfield engine Scott McTominay (Manchester United). Luck helped when former Dortmund player Mikel Merino hit the post (34′).
McTominay then once again scored from a free kick (61′), but a teammate was just offside. Despite the later goals conceded, Scotland (15 points) will most likely go to the European Championships. Spain (12), second in Group A, held off Norway (10/4-0 in Cyprus), for whom Erling Haaland scored twice.
Turks celebrate coup without Kuntz
Turkey is also close to a ticket to the European Championship – without the fired national coach Stefan Kuntz. His successor Vincenzo Montella managed a 1-0 (1-0) in the extremely important game with the Croatians, who had previously been tied on points – Turkey is now at the top of Group D with 13 points from six games.
After the coaching change from Fernando Santos to Michal Probierz, Poland was under considerable pressure in Group E, especially since top star Robert Lewandowski was missing. With a 2-0 (1-0) win in the Faroe Islands, the European Championship chances are intact. The surprise of the group is the table leader: Albania defeated the Czech Republic 3-0 (1-0) and is alone at the top with the best prospects.
The weakening Italy have to win against Malta on Saturday, but their preparation is severely disrupted. The national football association FIGC sent Sandro Tonali (Newcastle United) and Nicolo Zaniolo (Aston Villa) home on Thursday after Turin prosecutors opened an investigation into illegal gambling against the duo.