Moldova vs Scotland LIVE: World Cup qualifier result, final score and reaction tonight
Follow live coverage as Scotland look to take the next step towards qualifying for the Qatar 2022 World Cup
Follow live reaction after Scotland secured a World Cup play-off spot thanks to a comfortable 2-0 win over Moldova in Chisinau.
Steve Clarke’s men made the breakthrough when Nathan Patterson drilled in a stunning opener shortly before half-time, following a neat one-two with John McGinn.
Scotland remained on top following the interval and striker Che Adams doubled their lead midway through the second half after another brilliant combination between Patterson and McGinn.
Craig Gordon was called into a late penalty save while Kieran Tierney made a last-ditch challenge to deny Vadim Rata, but the victory was never in doubt as Scotland sealed second place in Group F with a game to spare.
Follow all the latest updates and analysis:
Moldova 0-1 Scotland
59 mins: Marandici is then booked after a comical foul of McGinn, and another more cynical one on Patterson as the wing-back skipped clear. Captain Ionita is then also booked for complaining to the referee, before Moldova are able to clear McGinn’s free kick.
Moldova 0-1 Scotland
57 mins: Brilliant from Gilmour. He picks up the ball deep in his own half before skipping past three Moldovan players and breaking clear. His run is eventually brought to an end after by checked by defender Bolohan, who is booked.
Moldova 0-1 Scotland
55 mins: Scotland come forward as Patterson flicks the ball towards Armstrong, but he can’t bring it down as he made the diagonal run across the box and Moldova clear.
Moldova 0-1 Scotland
54 mins: Patterson goes into the book for a late challenge on Marandici. He will now miss Monday’s final group match against Denmark.
Moldova 0-1 Scotland
52 mins: The least said about that corner the better, though. Armstrong tried to drill the ball to the penalty spot, in what seemed to be a training ground move, but Moldova were able to intercept. They briefly threatened to break but Scotland were able to recover.
Moldova 0-1 Scotland
50 mins: Good pressure from Scotland - McGinn works it out to the left before Armstrong and Patterson have opportunities to cross. Tierney’s ball is eventually put behind by Moldova for a corner.
Moldova 0-1 Scotland
46 mins: Chance! Wonderful play from McGinn, who uses his body to regain possession, before looking up and curling a pass towards Adams at the back post. He judges the ball perfectly, but Adams can’t bring it under control and it runs out for a goal kick.
KICK OFF! Moldova 0-1 Scotland
Back underway - no changes at the break for either side.
HALF TIME: Moldova 0-1 Scotland
The other matches in Group G (Austria vs Israel and Denmark vs Faroe Islands) don’t kick off until later tonight, but as it stands it won’t matter to Scotland what happens in those games.
Scotland will be seven points clear of third-place Israel if they can hold onto three points here, with just the home match against Denmark to come. The Danes are four points clear as it stands, with a 100 percent record.
Still, Scotland aren’t there yet. A big 45 minutes to come, next!
HALF TIME: Moldova 0-1 Scotland
Scotland are halfway there to sealing a playoff spot in World Cup qualifying thanks to Nathan Patterson’s brilliant goal shortly before the break.
Steve Clarke’s side started well but were unable to convert during a flurry of early chances, and were bailed out thanks to a crucial stop from Craig Gordon at the other end.
Patterson’s strike after a neat interchange with McGinn has made it a slightly more comfortable half-time team talk for Clarke at the break - but he will be desperate for his side to be a bit more clinical in the second half.
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