A vital win for Scotland in qualifying campaign
Scotland 3 - 1 Greece
Scotland moved closer to a World Cup play-off place as Lewis Ferguson scored his first international goal to inspire a dramatic comeback against a dominant Greece at Hampden.
Author | Sean M
Stadium | Hampden Park
In his record-equalling 71st game in charge, head coach Steve Clarke’s side sought revenge for their Nations League relegation at the hands of Greece at the same stadium in March.
For more than an hour, Scotland struggled against the visitors, who looked certain to be ahead by at least three goals before Roma left-back Kostas Tsimikas converted a rebound just after the hour.
The Tartan Army voiced their frustration loudly, but Ryan Christie quickly restored parity from a corner, with his effort surviving a lengthy VAR review, setting the stage for a remarkable turnaround.
Ferguson then struck from close range following a scrappy free-kick with 10 minutes remaining, turning tension into euphoria as Clarke’s side seized a priceless lead.
The victory was sealed when Lyndon Dykes capitalised on a blunder from goalkeeper Konstantinos Tzolakis to score a third, moments after Angus Gunn had produced a stunning stoppage-time save to deny Konstantinos Karetsas.
If Scotland beat bottom-placed Belarus on Sunday and Greece lose in Denmark, Clarke’s team will secure one of the top two group positions, guaranteeing at least a play-off spot for next summer’s finals. They'll be after first place though and the automatic qualification that brings.
Clarke does it again?
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| Pre-match national anthems |
No one has now managed Scotland’s men in more matches than Steve Clarke, and his 71st game in charge summed up why opinions on his tenure remain divided after six years at the helm.
For much of this qualifier, Scotland looked inhibited, unable to find any rhythm or attacking spark. They failed to register a shot on target in the first half.
Greece had ample chances to kill the game early. Vangelis Pavlidis somehow missed an open goal from close range, before heading over after the interval. Giorgos Masouras then fired narrowly wide as frustration mounted in the stands.
The atmosphere at Hampden turned increasingly sour, but Scotland refused to fold. Against the run of play, Clarke’s side showed the same grit and defiance that have defined his reign, turning a match they should have lost into a stirring 3-1 win built on sheer resilience.
Three qualifiers down, three to go on the road to the United States, Canada and Mexico. Dismissing this group or their manager would be a mistake.
