CHECK MATES

Spain get another VAR break for Gavi clincher but this time we're not complaining.. we're celebrating

- CRAIG SWAN

GAVI passed another high scrutiny Spanish screen test to give his side success and seal Scotland's place at Euro 2024.

Luis de la Fuente's side may have taken Scotland's place at the top of Group A with their victory in Oslo but the rest of the news was ideal.

Gavi's goal at the beginning of the second period put an end to Norway's qualification hopes and sparked Tartan Army travel plans for Germany.

Spain's success over Steve Clarke's side four days ago had been shrouded in controversy after the decision to rule out Scott McTominay's free-kick.

Once again, de la Fuente's boys were in the middle of video drama and got a taste of their own medicine at first when skipper Alvaro Morata had an effort chopped off. VAR had a look again when Gavi struck.

But this time Scotland fans were thrilled when Spain got the ruling in their favour.

The talented Barcelona kid's finish was allowed to stand, Stale Solbakken's flat and uninspiring Norwegians were down and out, and Clarke's boys were through.

As the manager points out, Scotland did the work themselves. Securing 15 points from six games and clinching their stunning late win over the Norwegians on their own patch has done the job.

But this outcome meant Clarke and his boys have done it with two games to go.