Scotland took a large step in direction of qualifying for the 2026 World Cup as a dramatic – to not point out surprising – comeback sealed a 3-1 victory over Greece at Hampden.
Whereas the end result strikes Steve Clarke’s aspect onto seven factors out of a attainable 9 to start the marketing campaign, it was removed from simple.
The Scots had been second greatest for almost all of this conflict, delivering an uninspiring show which finally noticed them fall behind to Kostas Tsimikas’ strike simply after the hour mark.
There was a right away response although, as Ryan Christie introduced them degree from shut vary after the guests did not clear a nook.
If that was a shock, there was a fair greater one to return as Lewis Ferguson fired residence on the again publish to present the Scots a barely plausible lead 10 minutes from time.
Angus Gunn pulled off a surprising late save to maintain his aspect in entrance, earlier than a goalkeeping howler on the different finish gifted Lyndon Dykes a 3rd aim.
Lewis Ferguson (entrance) is hailed by Grant Hanley after firing the house aspect in entrance
Ryan Christie celebrates his leveller, which got here simply moments after Greece took the lead
Steve Clarke’s aspect dug out a significant win of their quest for a World Cup place
The win places Clarke’s males in an ideal place heading into Sunday’s match towards Belarus, whereas the Greeks are on the verge of elimination, left to marvel how this one received away from them.
Right here, Ryan Gallacher offers his verdict on the person shows on a wild night time at Hampden…
SCOTLAND (4-2-3-1)
Angus Gunn 7
Had a quiet night time regardless of his aspect being on the back-foot for the overwhelming majority. When referred to as upon, nonetheless, the significance — to not point out high quality — of his late cease from Karetsas can’t be overstated.
Aaron Hickey 6.5
Stored tabs on Tzolis pretty effectively, forcing the Greek dangerman inside as a rule. A composed efficiency sadly minimize brief by what seems like one more hamstring damage
John Souttar 6
Good bodily battle with Pavlidis, and put his physique on the road to assist his aspect keep within the sport. Distribution might’ve been higher as Scots struggled to construct from the again.
Grant Hanley 5.5
Hibs centre-half received fortunate after sitting off his man on a few events as Greeks pressed however gained some key headers, together with one in assault that led to Christie’s equaliser.
Andy Robertson (c) 6.5
Skipper had his palms full up towards Masouras and was responsible of giving him a bit an excessive amount of area early on. Caught to his job nonetheless and his supply for the second aim was terrific.
Andy Robertson performed a key function within the rearguard motion as Scotland stayed within the sport
Lewis Ferguson 6
Partnership with Christie merely didn’t work and he misplaced run of Bakasetas, which ought to’ve led to early opener. Settled as sport went on and was in proper place at proper time to present his aspect the lead.
Ryan Christie 6
Struggled to make any inroads in central midfield, however confirmed moments of aggression to try to inject Hampden with some power. Nicely-controlled end to convey his aspect degree.
John McGinn 7.5
Scotland had been caught in their very own half for therefore lengthy but it will have been a lot worse if not for this man. Received his group up the park beautifully and precipitated issues together with his deliveries. Important.
Scott McTominay 5.5
Off-colour at membership degree and carried that into this sport. So typically the talisman for the nationwide aspect however he was on the periphery right here. Nonetheless labored onerous and made some key defensive contributions.
Ben Gannon-Doak 5.5
Teenager had a few vibrant moments within the first half however his team-mates simply couldn’t get him on the ball. Struggled to trace again however nonetheless a shock to see him hooked so early.
Che Adams 6
Torino ahead minimize a lonely determine all through. Did his greatest to press and convey others into the sport nevertheless it was a thankless job. Unfortunate to see his solely effort of notice deflected extensive.
SUBSTITUTES
Ralston (Hickey 59), Gilmour (Gannon-Doak 59), Tierney (Christie 83), Dykes (Adams 83), McKenna (Robertson 83). Not used: Kelly, Hendry, Miller, Hirst, Bowie, Gordon, McLean.
Steve Clarke 6.5
A theft on par with Oslo a few years in the past. Group had been flat and insipid for therefore lengthy, but deserve credit score for staying within the sport.
Lyndon Dykes wheels away after capitalising on a goalkeeping error to seal victory
GREECE (4-2-3-1)
Konstantinos Tzolakis 5
Keeper will probably be questioning fairly how he conceded three targets right here. No likelihood with both of the primary two however the third was calamitous from him, gifting it to Dykes as he tried to maintain the ball in.
Georgios Vagiannidis 6.5
Had arguably the most important job on paper as he lined up reverse Gannon-Doak. Stored him quiet although and was an even bigger attacking risk himself together with his underlapping runs down the correct.
Konstantinos Mavropanos 5.5
Centre-half threw himself in entrance of McGinn’s early shot and had a couple of necessary headers however discovered wanting when attempting to defend his field at Scotland’s first two targets.
Konstantinos Koulierakis 6
Younger Wolfsburg defender will not often have a extra comfy hour of worldwide soccer earlier than all hell broke free for the guests. Some errant passing out from the again.
Kostas Tsimikas 7
An all-action show from the left-back, whose overlapping runs down the flank had been a relentless risk. Took aim effectively and had a effective cross to select Pavlidis. Fortunate to not obtain a second reserving,
Kostas Tsimikas fires residence a deserved opening aim for the guests at Hampden
Dimitros Kourbelis 7
Veteran midfielder was stable in defending his again 4 as Scotland struggled to get any momentum by the center of the park. Booked for cleansing out McGinn.
Christos Zafeiris 6.5
Helped his aspect management the sport within the centre of the pitch but solely emerged as an attacking risk on a few events with some enterprising runs. Maybe harshly booked for diving.
Georgios Masouras 6.5
Flashed in some harmful deliveries from the correct however missed his massive likelihood after the restart when firing effectively off track with a really presentable opening. Performed half in opening aim.
Anastasios Bakasetas (c) 7
Tidy hyperlink play with Tzolis ought to’ve ended with an help for him just for Pavlidis to by some means fluff his strains. Skipper had some neat moments and his pull-back led to Tsimikas’ aim.
Christos Tzolis 7.5
Has been a menace to Scotland and Rangers in current months and was the identical once more right here. Always picked up harmful positions and no shock he performed essential function in opening aim.
Vangelis Pavlidis 5.5
Fairly extraordinary that he didn’t give his aspect the lead from Bakasetas’ first-half cross. Missed the goal with header shortly after the break. Will likely be annoyed he didn’t make extra of aspect’s dominance.
SUBSTITUTES
Ioannidis (Masouras 72), Karetsas (Pavlidis 72), Konstantelias (Bakasetas 72), Mouzakitis (Zafeiris 83), Mantalos (Kourbelis 83). Not used: Vlachodimos, Michailidis, Douvikas, Mandas, Rota, Giannoulis, Siopsis.
Ivan Jovanovic 6
His group pressed successfully and managed the sport for therefore lengthy. Will likely be completely dumbfounded they couldn’t put this one away.
Referee: Espen Eskas 5 (Norway)
Attendance: N/A.
