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:
Scotland secure World Cup play-off spot with victory over Moldova
Nathan Patterson scored his first international goal to send Scotland on their way to the World Cup qualifying play-offs.
The Rangers full-back also set up the second for Che Adams in a 2-0 victory over Moldova as Scotland secured second spot in Group F with a game to spare.
Adams also had two goals disallowed as Scotland delivered a positive performance in front of a noisy travelling support in Chisinau to record a fifth consecutive win.
The three points saw them open up an unassailable lead over third-placed Israel ahead of their nearest challengers’ game in Austria, and took the pressure off ahead of the final group game against group winners Denmark.
Scotland secure World Cup play-off spot with victory over Moldova
Moldova 0-2 Scotland: Patterson and Adams seal a top-two finish for Steve Clarke’s side
Full time: Moldova 0-2 Scotland
Scotland goalscorer Nathan Patterson, speaking to Sky Sports.
“We’re buzzing, really. We came here to get three points and we’ve done that - it was a good team performance. We started off well and then we fell off. We needed a bit of composure and link-up play. Obviously me and John have linked up well and I’ve kept me head and kept it low and it’s gone in - so I’m buzzing.
“We said an early goal would help settle us, and a second would kill it off. So we did that as well. Again it was good link-up play with John and it’s good to get the assist. We’ve done well to get there [to the play-offs] so hopefully we can get the results we need to qualify for Qatar.”
Full time: Moldova 0-2 Scotland
Scotland’s win tonight doesn’t mean that they no longer have anything to play for against group winners Denmark at Hampden on Monday night.
Now Steve Clarke’s side have secured their place in the play-offs, they will now want to secure a spot as one of the six seeded teams ahead of the playoff draw.
Scotland currently hold one of those six spots, which are determined by points won during the group phase, but a win or a draw against the Euro 2020 semi-finalists would bolster their position.
Full time: Moldova 0-2 Scotland
Here’s the goal that sealed Scotland’s place in the playoffs - which came after another wonderful one-two from Patterson and McGinn on the right. Che Adams continued his good form for club and country with his fourth Scotland goal in eight appearances.
Full time: Moldova 0-2 Scotland
A deserved victory for Scotland, even if it wasn’t always a convincing performance. Two moments of magic from Nathan Patterson and John McGinn proved the difference, and Scotland certainly could have added two or three more to add some gloss to the scoreline. Craig Gordon and Kieran Tierney denied Moldova a late goal from the penalty spot - but the win was never really in doubt.
FULL TIME: Moldova 0-2 Scotland
Job done. Scotland are in the World Cup playoffs!
Moldova 0-2 Scotland
90+2 mins: Gordon is forced into some late action as he dives to save a bouncing shot from Marius Iosipoi from the edge of the box.
Scotland are nearly there.
Moldova 0-2 Scotland
90 mins: David Turnbull comes on for some late minutes as he replaces the superb John McGinn. There will be three minutes of additional time but Scotland are cruising towards their fifth win in a row.
Moldova 0-2 Scotland
88 mins: “Yes Sir I Can Boogie” booms out from the Tartan Army at the far end of the stadium - Scotland are minutes away from confirming their spot in the playoffs.
Moldova 0-2 Scotland
84 mins: Out of nowhere, that could have been another nervy finish for Scotland. As it is, thanks to Gordon’s save and Tierney’s last-ditch challenge, they can push for a third and make some late changes ahead of Monday’s final match against Denmark.
Gilmour and Adams make way for Kenny McLean and debutant Jacob Brown.
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