Scotland ‘never lost belief’ to get Nations League lifeline, says Clarke

Steve Clarke says Scotland “never lost faith” as they secured a last-gasp 2-1 win over Poland to give themselves a lifeline in the Nations League.

Scotland needed a win to avoid automatic relegation and finished third in Group A1. They now face a relegation play-off to defend their place in the league's top flight.

Scotland made a lightning start in Warsaw as John McGinn, who was rewarded with a place in the starting line-up after scoring the winner against Croatia, scored his 20th goal for the national team after just three minutes.

Billy Gilmour and Scott McTominay both hit the woodwork as they tried to double their lead before half-time, while Craig Gordon produced some fine saves to protect their lead.

Kamil Piatowski's stunning strike drew Poland level just before the hour mark, but Andy Robertson proved the difference on his 80th appearance by rising high to send a towering header past Lukasz Skorupski in the 93rd minute.

Robertson is the first player to score a 90th-minute winner for Scotland since McTominay against Israel in a World Cup qualifier in October 2021.

It is the first time since March-September 2023 (a run of five) that Scotland have won consecutive internationals, and Clarke was pleased to end the Nations League group stage on a high.

“A good way to end this Nations League campaign. You always believe in it. It was a very open game, with a lot of chances,” said Clarke.

FULL TIME: Poland 1-2 Scotland.

Andy Robertson wins it at the very end in Warsaw #POLSCO pic.twitter.com/Ml06jJ3qFQ

— Scotland National Team (@ScotlandNT) November 18, 2024

“We always felt there would be another chance, maybe not from the source it actually came from, but it was a fantastic cross from John Souttar, who was excellent defensively, and a great header from the captain.

“We started with three defeats, three close defeats, with good performances. The players didn't lose faith. I didn't lose faith in the players and in the end they took seven points from the last three games, which puts us in trouble. ” the play-off.

“The more you play at this level, the better you become. The players never lost faith.

“There have been a lot of good moments in the five and a half years I've spent, and this is just another step along the way.”

The draw for the Nations League play-offs will take place on Friday and the matches will be played in March.