Greece vs Scotland LIVE: Result and reaction from Nations League relegation play-off first leg
Greece 0-1 Scotland: The visitors survived long spells of pressure to take a lead back to Hampden
Scotland survived an onslaught from Greece in Athens as Scott McTominay’s first-half penalty proved enough to take a one-goal lead back to Hampden in their Nations League relegation play-off.
A contentious penalty call went Scotland’s way and McTomimay picked himself up after colliding into Lazaros Rota in the box to calmly dispatch the spot-kick. Scotland deserved their lead at the break and could have doubled their lead, with Che Adams twice going close.
Greece dominated after the restart and the introduction of 17-year-old winger Konstantinos Karetsas led to waves of pressure. The teenager set up Christos Tzolis with an excellent cross but the forward hit the post from two yards as Scotland looked to hang on to their lead.
And Scotland survived another scare as Greece were awarded a late penalty, only for VAR to come to the rescue and overturn the decision as Grant Hanley was outside the box when he fouled.
Only England, Spain and Netherlands had won in Greece in the last two years, but Scotland join the list and take the advantage back to Glasgow as they look to maintain their top-tier status in the Nations League in the second leg on Sunday.
Follow reaction from the Nations League play-off between Scotland and Greece, below
Greece 0-0 Scotland
27 mins: Close! Better ball in from Robertson and it almost breaks to McTominay. There’s a right scramble in the six yard box and McTominay flicks a leg at the loose ball, poking just wide! I don’t think it could have counted though as the referee blew for a foul in the scramble.
Greece 0-0 Scotland
26 mins: Almost an excellent counter from Scotland! They work they ball wonderfully through midfield as Gilmour finds Adams down the right. McTominay gallops into the box but Adams’ cross is cut out by Mavropanos.
Greece 0-0 Scotland
24 mins: Decent build-up play from Greece to work the ball into the box but Ralston throws himself at the block. The right back has started well.
Greece 0-0 Scotland
22 mins: A second Scotland corner but this one has the same result from Robertson: Tzolakis collects again and that too is a waste.
Greece 0-0 Scotland
20 mins: We’ve yet to have a shot on goal from either team but Scotland can be happy enough with their start in Athens. With the number of midfielders in the team, they’ve enjoyed some control: a lack of cutting edge and width in attack is an obvious issue, though.
Greece 0-0 Scotland
17 mins: Half an opening for Scotland: Ferguson makes an excellent diagonal run and Gilmour picks out the pass. Ferguson reaches it before goalkeeper Tzolakis, who comes off his line, but Ferguson’s touch takes him wide.
He settles for the corner but Robertson's delivery is a disappointing one. Tzolakis collects.
Greece 0-0 Scotland
15 mins: Scotland face some pressure for the first time. Masouras crosses to the back post and Ralston has to make an excellent defensive header facing his own goal. McGinn races back and slides in on Tsimikas. It was a risky challenge in the box but he wins the ball and Scotland escape.
Greece 0-0 Scotland
12 mins: It’s been a good start from Scotland. Robertson lines up a trademark cross, which is cut out by Mavropanos at the front post. Adams had to be making the run across the front.
Greece 0-0 Scotland
11 mins: Ooof! A crunching challenged from Ferguson in midfield, but he won the ball from Konstantelias. A ball towards Adams then runs towards the goalkeeper Tzolakis.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments