Norwegian sensation Erling Haaland is set for disappointment as Norway’s hopes for Euro 2024 qualification were dashed on Saturday. Norway’s fate for a possible playoff was cut by Israel’s 2-1 defeat to Romania, even when they are yet to face Scotland on Sunday. Despite Norway having a chance to secure a playoff spot if Israel had won, Romania’s victory in Group I cemented their direct qualification for Euro 2024. The outcome means Israel will join Bosnia in the Path B playoffs, leaving Haaland’s Norway on the sidelines. 
Erling Haaland’s Norway kicked out of Euro 2024 tournament – Getty image Meanwhile, the Manchester City striker, who had already announced his unavailability for the match against Scotland due to an ankle problem, faces another blow, still awaiting his first qualification for an international tournament. In an earlier interview, Haaland said, “Unfortunately, I am missing tomorrow’s (Sunday) game against Scotland. Wishing the boys all the best. Now treatment and trying to get back asap.” But Norway’s coach Stale Solbakken, has clarified that Haaland’s injury is not a severe one, but acknowledged it might take a while for him to return to the pitch.
England celebrates winning the Euro U21 title. Source: Getty The match at the Batumi Stadium in Georgia was a very tense affair that did not see many clear-cut chances for either side of the youngsters. The only goal of the game came in very scrappy circumstances at the very end of the first half. In the 49th minute, Liverpool midfielder Curtis Jones was credited with turning in a free-kick that had been floated into the box. Seven yellow cards were handed out, and England coaching staff member Ashley Cole was sent off after England scored following a brawl that broke out on the side of the pitch. There were opportunities for Spain to get back into the game, with Abel Ruiz looking like a real danger at many opportunities. The likes of Morgan Gibbs-White and Anthony Gordon were very important for England throughout the match. 
Ronaldo lifted up by a pitch invader. Source: Getty The talking point of the match came when a pitch invader breached security by charging towards Ronaldo who he bowed to. The Al-Nassr star smiled and embraced the man who carried Portugal’s flag. The pitch invader then crouched down on his haunches while wrapping his arms around Ronaldo’s waist and lifting him up. Despite the security breach, Ronaldo seemed to smile after his feet were back on the turf and even did his iconic “siu” goal celebration with the fan. A pitch invader with Ronaldo. 😍😂pic.twitter.com/PBwkxcV3tP — The CR7 Timeline. (@TimelineCR7) June 17, 2023 The pitch invader managed to evade security staff by sprinting away to a different side of the pitch with a beaming smile on his face. The dramatic incident is coming weeks after Ronaldo was nearly taken out by an overzealous pitch invader while warming up before playing for Al-Nassr against Al-Tawoun during the latter stages of the Saudi Pro League season. The former Manchester United ace was going through the motions alongside his teammates when he was approached by the fan, who took a tumble as he attempted to get close to his idol near the touchline and narrowly avoided swiping Ronaldo’s legs from underneath him. 
Pitch invader evades security during Portugal’s match against Bosnia. Source: Getty With the win this weekend, Portugal extended their lead at the top of Group J in qualifying for Euro 2024. They have won all three of their matches and currently sit two points ahead of second-placed Slovakia, while Bosnia find themselves in fourth after dropping below Luxembourg as a result of their latest defeat. 
His cross to the six-yard box was only half cleared by David Garcia and McTominay sprinted onto the loose ball and smashed it home. It was Scotland’s first win against the Spaniards since 1984 when Jock Stein’s side won 3-1 and probably their best result since beating France in 2007. To put the win into context, Spain has suffered only one defeat in their last 38 Euro qualifiers and only two defeats in World Cup qualifiers since 2006.