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Glasgow Live
Glasgow Live
Sport
Will Lancaster

Scotland vs Norway player ratings as Lyndon Dykes and Kenny McLean give Tartan Army outstanding win

Erling Haaland's penalty wasn't enough for Norway to beat Scotland as a ridiculous comeback saw the Tartan Army win three from three in their European qualifying group.

The Tartan Army came into this one on the back of two straight wins back in March, downing Cyprus in a routine tie before producing one of their performances of the century by beating Spain in a superb tie at Hampden Park. With confidence high, things were only downcast somewhat by the appearance of Martin Odegaard and Erling Haaland, who scored 51 goals between them in the Premier League alone last season.

And, whilst the tie was evenly poised, Scotland did have their chances. John McGinn saw an effort blocked at the edge of the box in the first half, whilst Andy Robertson toiled to be the creator down the left-hand flank. It was always going to take something out of the ordinary to win this one.

OSLO, NORWAY - JUNE 17: Scotland's Kenny McLean celebrates after making it 2-1 during a UEFA Euro 2024 Qualifier match between Norway and Scotland at the Ullevaall Stadion, on June 17, 2023, in Oslo, Norway. (Photo by Craig Williamson / SNS Group) (SNS Group)

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For Norway, that could have been the penalty they were awarded on the hour mark. Ryan Porteous hauled down Haaland, and the Manchester City star dusted himself down to tuck home. Just when it looked like Scotland wouldn't get anything, then came two moments of magic.

First, a defensive mix-up at the back saw the ball fall perfectly for Lyndon Dykes. He nipped in before Leo Ostigard to swipe home, and that sent the away end into raptures. But they weren't prepared for what was to happen next. In the following attack, a ball was switched to John McGinn, who found Dykes - and his lay off saw Kenny McLean wrap an absolute beauty into the far corner to send the away end into ecstasy. It's looking like a trip to Berlin could be on the cards for Scotland. Here's how Glasgow Live rated the players.

Angus Gunn - 7

Strong keeping and awareness at the start, and only got better. He is a top replacement for the old guard of Craig Gordon, David Marshall and Allan McGregor that Scotland badly needed.

Aaron Hickey - 6

Not exactly a stellar performance by the Brentford man. He wasn't overly noticeable, and didn't get up the pitch as much as Robertson did. Again, that may be down to tactics, but he didn't have an impact that Steve Clarke would have wanted.

Jack Hendry - 6

Solid block from Ryerson's effort. Has often been forgotten after his moves in and around the continent but always shows up on the national team scene. Perhaps lucky to only receive a booking for hauling Haaland down.

Ryan Porteous - 6

Tasked with marking Haaland, which will surely be one of his toughest ever tests throughout his career. Did well against the Manchester City star - but he grabbed the attacker for the penalty, and whilst it was soft, you simply cannot do that.

Kieran Tierney - 8

Ideal in a role that suits him to a tee. The new three-back, wide centre-half role is a new baptism of modern football, and his pace, recovery, composure alongside all the credentials needed to actually defend blended so well together. Immense performance. Subbed with injury.

Andrew Robertson - 7

You can tell the class that Robertson has in comparison to the rest of the team. Solid up and down the flanks, and was a creative spark but just couldn't quite get that final click.

Callum McGregor - 6

Not as ball dominant as he is for Celtic, and you could tell. Didn't exude the brilliance we see on a weekly basis, but there was an element of greatness in his performance.

John McGinn - 6

As industrious a performance as ever from the Aston Villa man. He's ridiculously energetic, and never gave a moments rest to the Norway midfield. He could've profited from so much more in terms of ball retention. Lively and suited the game.

Scott McTominay - 5

Didn't really do much - of course, you can't do much better than his four goals so far in the qualifying campaign. The Manchester United man was up and down but there was too much franticness in the midfield which he could've taken a hold of.

Ryan Christie - 7

Scotland's creative spark; the Bournemouth man was floating in and around the midfield and final third, and his clipped ball into the back post almost resulted in the opener via McGinn.

Lyndon Dykes - 8

Had absolutely nothing to work with, in all fairness. Didn't have any impact in the first half with Norway enjoying the bulk of possession, and struggled with a Scotland midfield that didn't produce the goods. But when he was needed, he came up trumps. Cracking anticipation and a superb assist.

Substitutes

Liam Cooper - 6. Came on for Tierney but didn't have any problems, especially with Scotland going for the win.

Stuart Armstrong - 5. Came on in a last roll of the dice but couldn't do anything with such little time.

Billy Gilmour - 5. Attempted a shot from the edge of the box and played some decent passes, but again had no time.

Kenny McLean - 6. Legend. What a finish to win it - one of the player who you thought would not be able to do that.

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