Scotland survive Greece onslaught to earn slender lead in Nations League play-off
Scott McTominay scored the only goal of the game as Scotland survived a second-half barrage from Greece in their Nations League play-off in Athens.
The Napoli midfielder netted a penalty he had won in the 33rd minute of the first leg and the Scots spurned a couple of other chances before the break.
An impressive performance began to flounder in the second half when 17-year-old Genk-born attacker Konstantinos Karetsas came on to make his debut for the home side, after making the switch from Belgium, for whom he had played at various youth levels.
Steve Clarke’s side withstood relentless pressure from the Greeks who hit the woodwork, although keeper Craig Gordon was not called upon to make too many saves.
Jamie Braidwood20 March 2025 22:14
FULL TIME! Greece 0-1 Scotland
Greece had 24 shots tonight but just one on target. Craig Gordon did not have much to do but Greece did hit the post. There were a few scares.
Jamie Braidwood20 March 2025 21:47
FULL TIME! Greece 0-1 Scotland
Steve Clarke has built a resilient team – you cannot argue with that. Scotland join England, Spain and the Netherlands as the only teams to win in Greece in the past two years.
Scotland have now also won three matches in a row, beating Croatia, Poland and now Greece. Those are three decent teams.
Jamie Braidwood20 March 2025 21:45
FULL TIME! Greece 0-1 Scotland
WOW! How on earth have Scotland held on to win that?! It was all Greece in the second half (one-sided does not come close to it).
But Souttar and Hanley and the rest of the Scotland defence was excellent. Greece do not lose at home very often but Scotland will take a lead back to Hampden for Sunday’s second leg!
Jamie Braidwood20 March 2025 21:43
FULL TIME! Greece 0-1 Scotland
90+7 mins: IT’S OVER! Robertson clears the cross and the final Greece shot of the night sails over the bar!
Jamie Braidwood20 March 2025 21:40
Greece 0-1 Scotland
90+6 mins: Substitute Porteous fouls Tsimikas and Greece will have a late, late free-kick out wide.
Jamie Braidwood20 March 2025 21:39
Greece 0-1 Scotland
90+4 mins: Tierney hoofs clear. Max Johnstone replaces Gilmour for the final minute.
Jamie Braidwood20 March 2025 21:37