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
6 mins: Robertson sweeps up well after a long ball through to Konstantelias. Gordon clears and then Greece are caught offside.
Gilmour’s pass looking for Adams is overhit.
Greece 0-0 Scotland
4 mins: A few whistles from the home fans as Scotland enjoy a spell of possession, with Gilmour seeing plenty of the ball. McLean is caught and now it’s Greece’s turn.
Greece 0-0 Scotland
2 mins: Another free-kick for Scotland after McTominay is fouled. It breaks to McGinn on the edge but there’s a foul from Souttar.
KICK-OFF! Greece 0-0 Scotland
Underway! Greece are playing in white and Scotland are in blue. Robertson sends an early free-kick long.
Greece vs Scotland
Here we go! Cracking atmosphere in Athens and Scotland face a tough test against Greece tonight.
Kick-off follows the national anthems.
How can I watch Greece vs Scotland?
Scotland’s play-off against Greece will be shown on free-to-air, as will all matches until the 2026 World Cup, after the previous agreement with ViaPlay came to a premature end and left fans watching games on YouTube.
It will be shown live on BBC One Scotland and BBC iPlayer.
Steve Clarke on Scotland's line-up
Steve Clarke, speaking to the BBC, on his line-up and why he stayed with the back four despite Kieran Tierney’s return from injury.
“I was tempted to go to a back five but decided to stick with the four. There was a couple of things behind it. The four, over the group phase, was good, we created a bit more and had more midfielders on the pitch.
“The other thing was, it was quite a quick start [playing on Thursday]. The only time I had with the players was Wednesday before we flew. We stuck with what we worked with over the previous six games.”
Greece team news
Greece XI: Tzolakis, Rota, Mavropanos, Koulierakis, Tsimikas,Siopis, Mantalos, Masouras, Konstantelias, Tzolis, Ioannidis.
Some familiar names in the Greece line-up, including Liverpool left back Kostas Tsimikas and West Ham centre-back Konstantinos Mavropanos.
Scotland hand first call up to 18-year-old with ‘big, big future’
Lennon Miller could also win his first Scotland cap tonight, following a breakthrough season from the 18-year-old Motherwell midfielder who has captained his club this season.
“He plays with maturity beyond his years,” said Steve Clarke “He captains his club, which is a big thing at such a young age. Good qualities, can play deep in midfield, can play higher in midfield. Good delivery, box to box, good energy.
"I'm sure he's got a big, big future in front of him. It's our job to look after him and try and bring him along. Hopefully this will be the start of it.”
Steve Clarke on what George Hirst can bring to Scotland: 'A target'
George Hirst is a new face in the Scotland squad and could make his debut tonight. The 26-year-old Ipswich striker has been likened to Lyndon Dykes, who misses out through injury.
"He's a target player,” said Clarke. “We've always tried to have that type of forward player because we feel we've got goals in the midfield.
"I pray that George can help us to maybe score a few more goals."
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