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
Scotland survive Greece onslaught to earn slender lead in Nations League play-off
Scott McTominay scored the only goal of the game as Scotland survived a second-half barrage from Greece in their Nations League play-off in Athens.
The Napoli midfielder netted a penalty he had won in the 33rd minute of the first leg and the Scots spurned a couple of other chances before the break.
An impressive performance began to flounder in the second half when 17-year-old Genk-born attacker Konstantinos Karetsas came on to make his debut for the home side, after making the switch from Belgium, for whom he had played at various youth levels.
Steve Clarke’s side withstood relentless pressure from the Greeks who hit the woodwork, although keeper Craig Gordon was not called upon to make too many saves.
Scotland survive Greece onslaught to earn slender lead in Nations League play-off
Scotland weather Greece pressure to win in Athens
Greece peppered the Scotland box.
In the 68th minute, from an inviting Karetsas cross, Tzolis hit a post from six yards under pressure from Scotland defender Ralston before his deflected drive skipped past the far post for a corner, which was defended again on the stretch.
Hanley tripped substitute Fountas on the edge of the box and referee Stieler pointed to the spot then changed his mind to a free-kick just outside, with the set-piece coming to nothing.
There was time for substitute Pavidis to head over from close range as the tie moves to Glasgow still poised but in Scotland's favour.
FULL TIME! Greece 0-1 Scotland
Greece had 24 shots tonight but just one on target. Craig Gordon did not have much to do but Greece did hit the post. There were a few scares.
FULL TIME! Greece 0-1 Scotland
Steve Clarke has built a resilient team - you cannot argue with that. Scotland join England, Spain and the Netherlands as the only teams to win in Greece in the past two years.
Scotland have now also won three matches in a row, beating Croatia, Poland and now Greece. Those are three decent teams.
FULL TIME! Greece 0-1 Scotland
WOW! How on earth have Scotland held on to win that?! It was all Greece in the second half (one-sided does not come close to it).
But Souttar and Hanley and the rest of the Scotland defence was excellent. Greece do not lose at home very often but Scotland will take a lead back to Hampden for Sunday’s second leg!
FULL TIME! Greece 0-1 Scotland
90+7 mins: IT’S OVER! Robertson clears the cross and the final Greece shot of the night sails over the bar!
Greece 0-1 Scotland
90+6 mins: Substitute Porteous fouls Tsimikas and Greece will have a late, late free-kick out wide.
Greece 0-1 Scotland
90+5 mins: The five minutes are up...
Greece 0-1 Scotland
90+4 mins: Tierney hoofs clear. Max Johnstone replaces Gilmour for the final minute.
Greece 0-1 Scotland
90+3 mins: A Greece attack breaks down and Gordon lies on top of the ball.
To be honest, Greece’s best pressure came in the first 10 to 15 minutes of the half. They’ve not been as sharp since then.
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