Every single Scottish soul in the area was aware of what lay ahead

The text ‘VAR check in progress’ appeared on the two enormous displays inside the Estadio de La Cartuja in Seville, a pair of ominous red signs.

They looked up to see a navy blue sea of swaying legs and bobbing arms beneath one another that shook to a halt. To the screen first, the sky above.

With 30 minutes remaining in Spain, Scott McTominay’s incredible whipped free-kick appeared to have put the Scots ahead 1-0. From the European Championships, thirty minutes away. A half hour away from the past.

However, referee Serdar Gozubuyuk had other plans, as did his VAR staff. Finally, Scotland’s luck, which had been wielded with some wizardry all evening, left them as soon as the Dutch official trotted to the pitchside monitor.

There was a great deal of confusion during the on-the-ground altercation, and even in the aftermath, it didn’t seem clear why the goal—which was followed by two at the opposite end to postpone the visitors’ qualification—was disqualified.

The manager, Steve Clarke, told BBC Scotland, “That changes the whole night.”

However, McTominay’s shot into the top corner, which was ruled out, altered the course of the match. Jack Hendry: Was he offside? Did he obstruct the play? Did he foul the goalie for Spain?

“McTominay’s fine free-kick is so close to being a super goal,” Clarke observed.

“Jack is a centimeter offside at the beginning. The referee has been asked to examine it as he approaches the keeper. Jack is perceived by them as meddling with the keeper. The goalie might not have saved that shot in the first place.

Scotland must endure Spain’s “disappointment”; that’s what pains.John McGinn, a midfielder for Scotland, stated that the referee had altered his mind, saying, “Every Scot would be annoyed watching that.” You believe you have a goal in order to be eligible. Incredible blow from Scotty. Nothing in the world will keep that safe.

It’s a foul, according to the referee. He decides throughout the game that it is an offside. How clear is it, I’m not sure. That that is what hurts the most. We win the crucial moment and win. Although Jack’s right leg is asymmetrical, it’s quite painful.”

“You’re kidding me,” BBC Sport Scotland analyst Steven Thompson exclaimed as he observed from his opulent position in the press box. I’m not being serious. In an instant, going from such a high to a low.

James McFadden, a former Scotland talisman, said on Sportscene: “The referee signals a foul. First of all, it’s not a foul.

“After then, it appears to be forbidden for intervening from an improper angle. Technically, Jack Hendry is interfering because he is in an offside position and makes contact with the goalkeeper.

“But is there any chance the goalie will come get it? He doesn’t, in my opinion.”

Unfortunately for the Scots, it set off a chain reaction of growing dissatisfaction as the game progressed.

Ryan Porteous slipped a clearing into his own net as he raced to clear, Alvaro Morata headed the opening goal, and Che Adams missed a fantastic opportunity that would have tied the score.

All eyes will be on Norway’s match against Spain on Sunday; a loss would send Clarke’s team—who still have two games remaining—to Germany.

Former Scotland winger Pat Nevin stated, “Scotland will feel fed up tonight, that’s two losses in a row but it’s Spain and England.”

“What Scotland was attempting to accomplish was evident. It was a well-thought-out scheme that fell short.

“The players can be told by Steve Clarke, ‘If we beat Georgia, we’re through.'” That is something you would have taken early in the campaign.”