Scotland qualify for first major tournament since 1998 after beating Serbia | UK News

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Scotland have qualified for their first major tournament in 22 years after beating Serbia to secure a spot at Euro 2020.

Steve Clarke’s team needed to win their play-off final to secure a spot in the European Championship next summer.

Ryan Christie’s second-half goal seemed to have sealed the victory, but in the last minute of regulation time, Real Madrid forward Luka Jovic headed home to send the game into extra time.

Scotland's Ryan Christie has a save shot during the UEFA EURO 2020 play-off final between Serbia and Scotland at Rajko Mitic Stadium on November 12, 2020 in Belgrade, Serbia
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Ryan Christie gave the advantage next to Steve Clarke

With no more goals in 30 torturous minutes of extra time, the Scots faced another penalty shoot-out.

Leigh Griffiths came in in the 117th minute for her first international match in more than two years.

And his first involvement was shooting home the opening penalty from the penalty shootout, followed by successes from Callum McGregor, Scott McTominay, Oli McBurnie and Kenny McLean.

Luka Jovic of Serbia celebrates after scoring his team's first goal during the UEFA EURO 2020 play-off final between Serbia and Scotland at Rajko Mitic Stadium on November 12, 2020 in Belgrade, Serbia
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Luka Jovic tied in the final moments of regulation time

And David Marshall became Scotland’s savior again when he parried Aleksandar Mitrovic’s final kick on penalties to end 22 years of pain and send his team to the Euro after a 5-4 win in the penalties.

Captain Andy Robertson told Sky Sports: “It just shows you the strengths we have.

“A lot of people would have collapsed and lost in extra time, but we have stayed together throughout the process and now we have the night we deserve.

“I can’t wait for the summer to come. This is the most emotional moment I’ve had after the game. I’m very proud of all of them.”

“We felt the love of home all the way here tonight, we knew how I could help everyone at home.

“I hope everyone celebrates at home tonight because we’ve been through tough times as footballers and football fans in Scotland. It will be 23 years when we get there, but we’ve done it now.

Meanwhile, Northern Ireland’s qualifying campaign for Euro 2020 ended in a headache when Michal Duris’s goal in extra time doomed them to a final 2-1 play-off loss to Slovakia.

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