Football: Greece 0 - 1 Scotland

Scotland will take a first leg lead back to Hampden

Scott McTominay's penalty moved Scotland closer to retaining their Nations League A status as they edged past Greece in the first leg of their play-off. 

Author - Sean M

Steve Clarke's side dominated the first half and made the breakthrough when McTominay side-footed home from the spot. The Napoli midfielder collided with Lazaros Rota in the box.

However, the visitors had to survive a second-half onslaught.

They were given a late scare when Greece were awarded a penalty of their own after Grant Hanley felled Taxiarchis Fountas, only for it to be overturned by the video assistant referee because it was deemed that the contact was outside the area.

Scotland display grit and determination

Scotland’s performance was a tale of two halves, controlled and classy in the first, then resilient and dogged in the second.

Steve Clarke handed Bologna’s Lewis Ferguson a rare start alongside John McGinn and Scott McTominay, with Kenny McLean and Billy Gilmour sitting deeper. The decision paid off, as the midfield dictated the tempo early on, moving the ball with confidence and gradually breaking down Greece’s resistance.

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The penalty decision may have been contentious, but it was the result of sustained Scottish pressure. McTominay, so often the man for the big moments, stepped up and converted with typical composure.

The second half, however, was a very different contest. Scotland were forced to dig in as Greece piled forward, registering 18 attempts on goal. Grant Hanley and John Souttar were immense at the back, with the latter producing a crucial block to deny Christos Tzolis. Clarke will no doubt be concerned by how dramatically the momentum shifted, with Scotland managing just a single shot after the break—a long-range effort from McGinn.

Greece’s late onslaught serves as a warning ahead of the return leg at Hampden, but with a lead and home advantage, Scotland remain in a strong position.

Post match reaction

This was the reaction of Scotland’s Lewis Ferguson. 

Source | Scotland National Team

Frankie, a Scotland fan who was at the match, said: "Greece were dominate in the second half but I thought we defended well. We rode our luck but we take an important win back to Hampden Park."