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
44 mins: Gilmour flights a wonderful pass out to Patterson on the right but his touch lets him down as he looked to drive into the box. There’s no doubt that Scotland’s wing-backs have been their biggest threat so far.
There will be two minutes of additional time.
Moldova 0-1 Scotland
40 mins: Patterson’s goal came at a brilliant time for Scotland, too. They weren’t exactly knocking on the door prior to Patterson’s burst into the box and had dropped off following their good start. Things could have got rather nervous if Scotland had to head into the break at 0-0.
GOAL! Moldova 0-1 Scotland (PATTERSON 37’)
Relief for Scotland, and what a way to get the breakthrough! It comes after a good spell of possession from the visitors, before Patterson sparks the move to life with a driven ball into McGinn’s feet. The Aston Villa man holds it up, before laying the return pass into Patterson, who takes a touch before smashing a brilliant strike across goal and into the far corner with his left foot.
It’s the 20-year-old’s first international strike on what is his sixth Scotland appearance.
Moldova 0-0 Scotland
34 mins: After Scotland have two corners headed clear in quick succession, Moldova come down the other end and almost work an opening. Hendry is able to get back and sweep clear after Nicolaescu was played through on goal. McGregor then blazes an effort over the bar.
Moldova 0-0 Scotland
32 mins: Moldova have settled after that flurry of Scotland chances earlier in the half. Apart from when they work they ball between Robertson and Armstrong on the left, Scotland’s rhythm and tempo has dropped off a touch.
Moldova 0-0 Scotland
29 mins: More nice interplay between Armstrong and Robertson down the left leads to another chance for the wing-back to cross from the by-line, but Moldova are able to recover and clear.
Moldova 0-0 Scotland
26 mins: That almost proves costly, however, as Adams pounces upon a loose touch in midfield before driving towards the box. He had time to shoot but dragged his effort wide of the post.
Moldova 0-0 Scotland
25 mins: Moldova seem to have grown in belief following that chance and are now knocking the ball around confidently.
Moldova 0-0 Scotland
22 mins: Incredible save from Gordon to deny Moldova a shock opener! The hosts flash a ball into the box and Ionita rises highest to beat Tierney and Cooper to the ball. He powers a header down into the ground but Gordon stoops to flick it over the crossbar and out for a corner. It’s a stunning stop - but it’s a bit concerning for Scotland that he had to make it.
Moldova 0-0 Scotland
20 mins: It’s a matter of if, not when, for Scotland. McGregor fires an excellent pass into Adams, who creates a yard of space with his first touch. The striker had a chance to fire at goal but he instead tried to work it closer to the target and was crowded out in the box.
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