Belgium beat Germany in thriller, Scotland stun Spain

The European international window is in the books, folks. You don’t have to worry about your players getting injured for their countries again until June.

Scott McTominay was the protagonist of Tuesday’s action as Scotland ousted Spain, while Romelu Lukaku continued his resurgence as Belgium beat Germany in a friendly.

Here’s the best of Tuesday’s games…

Scotland 2-0 Spain

Scotland’s first win against Spain in 39 years saw them move top of Group A.

The Tartan Army didn’t stop singing at Hampden Park as the hosts willed their way to a deserved victory.

Scott McTominay opened the scoring early on after Andy Robertson robbed Pedro Porro of possession, cutting the ball back for the Manchester United midfielder to fire home.

Just after half-time, McTominay found himself on the scoresheet again. Kieran Tierney galloped past Dani Carvajal and his cross was only half cleared by Rodri, allowing his rival from across Manchester to thunder into the box and slam the ball past Kepa Arrizabalaga.

Georgia 1-1 Norway

Norway continued to struggle in the absence of the injured Erling Haaland after drawing 1-1 in Georgia.

Real Sociedad’s Alexander Sorloth broke the deadlock after a quarter of an hour with a strike from distance, but they were pegged back by a goal from Georges Mikautadze midway through the second half.

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Turkey 0-2 Croatia

A double from Mateo Kovacic saw Croatia pick up their first win in qualifying.

It was an emotional night in Bursa as Turkey played their first home game since the country was struck by earthquakes earlier this year.

The visitors took the lead when Kovacic arrived late in the Turkey box to sweep in at the end of a fine team move, before securing the points with a second strike on the stroke of half-time.

Wales 1-0 Latvia

What a header that is! 💥@afcbournemouth‘s Kieffer Moore puts Wales in front against Latvia 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿

Gareth Bale enjoyed that one in the stands 🙌#EURO2024 pic.twitter.com/009ytKVlU8

— Viaplay Sports UK (@ViaplaySportsUK) March 28, 2023

Wales continued their excellent start to qualifying with a 1-0 win at home to Latvia.

The retired Gareth Bale was honoured in a pre-match ceremony after he called time on a glittering playing career.

On the pitch, Kieffer Moore soared high to score the game’s only goal, heading in the winner towards the end of the first half and maintaining the Dragons’ unbeaten start to 2023.

Kosovo 1-1 Andorra

Andorra earned a precious and shock point away at Kosovo.

Lille youngster Edon Zhegrova gave the hosts a shock lead, but one that only lasted two minutes as Albert Rosas rescued a stunning point for the visitors.

Romania 2-1 Belarus

Romania managed to stave off a late comeback to claim three points against Belarus.

A quick-fire double from Nicolae Stanciu and Andrei Burca saw Romania race into an early two-goal advantage.

Vladislav Morozov pulled one back for Belarus with minutes remaining but the visitors were unable to find another and left Bucharest with nothing.

Switzerland managed to beef up their goal difference a little bit more with a 3-0 thumping of Israel.

Murat Yakin’s side ran out 5-0 winners in Belarus last week and kept their terrific 2023 form going back on home soil.

Ruben Vargas notched Switzerland ahead just before the break, while two goals in the space of seven minutes following the restart from Zeki Amdouni and Silvan Widmer helped the hosts to a comfortable win.

Germany 2-3 Belgium

Belgium’s flying start to life under Domenico Tedesco saw them claim a dramatic win in his home country of Germany.

Yannick Carrasco broke the deadlock for the Red Devils with only six minutes on the clock, with Kevin De Bruyne teeing up the winger after a sweeping move from the back.

Just three minutes later, Romelu Lukaku added a second, racing in behind a sleeping German backline and slotting past Marc-Andre ter Stegen.

Lukaku gave away a penalty for handball just before the interval, with newfound hero Niclas Fullkrug converting from the spot.

With time running out, Belgium managed to add a third. De Bruyne released Leandro Trossard down the left, cutting it back for the Manchester City midfielder to convert.

Brentford’s Kevin Schade raced away down the wing and cut the ball back for Serge Gnabry to finish with three minutes remaining, but Belgium held on to claim the win.