Sport
Poland 1-2 Scotland: Andy Robertson’s late winner hands Scots a NL lifeline
Captain Andy Robertson was Scotland's hero as he scored a 2-1 stoppage winner over Poland to give them a lifeline from relegation from the Nations League.
Scotland knew it was win or bust in Warsaw as they looked for back-to-back wins to get them at least third spot in Group A1 and a relegation play-off.
John McGinn was given a start after his crucial goal against Croatia and he sent the Tartan Army into a frenzy after just three minutes when he smashed the ball home with Ben Doak again providing the assist.
Billy Gilmour and Scott McTominay then hit the woodwork, while Craig Gordon produced a number of fine saves to give Steve Clarke's side hope at the break.
Kamil Piatkowski's stunning goal drew Poland level but Robertson's late header spared Scotland any heartache and they now face a play-off in March to retain their place in the top tier of the Nations League, with the Michal Probierz's Polish team is relegated.
Scotland manager Clarke praised the belief in the side who kept their hopes of survival in the Nations League alive after another late winner.
Clarke said: “The more you play at this level, the better you become. We started with three close defeats with good performances.
“The players didn't lose faith, I didn't lose faith in the players. They ended up taking seven points from the last three games, which puts us in the play-off.”
“The more you play at this level, the more you learn how to win the games. That's what we've proven.
Scotland saved after Warsaw tragedy
Scotland missed out on second place after Croatia got the point they needed in a 1-1 draw at home to Portugal, but the win also boosted the chances of Clarke's men pushing their way into pot two of next's World Cup qualifying draw month.
Scotland will be looking for Georgia or Estonia to get a result against the Czech Republic and Slovakia respectively on Tuesday.
McGinn joined Lyndon Dykes in the Scotland team after scoring the only goal against Croatia on Friday and Gordon shook off a virus to start.
The opening moments were a sign of things to come. Within 60 seconds there was fear for Scotland until Robertson made a crucial covering block.
A sharp pass from Gilmour soon gave Doak the opportunity to set up McGinn, who swept home with his right foot.
Doak was everywhere in the opening stages, intervening deep in his own half and beating his man before sending in another dangerous ball.
The home side soon started to create a series of chances. Gordon saved from Jakub Kaminski, Piatkowski and Karol Swiderski, who also missed a sitter, while Sebastian Szymanski had a weak attempt blocked.
Doak had a shot saved on half-time amid the home pressure before Scotland settled down and began to knock the ball around with confidence and purpose.
The opportunities followed. Dykes' shot sent waves into the side netting, Gilmour hit the crossbar from almost 30 yards and Doak sent McTominay clear, but the Napoli man was denied by a save after great skill.
McTominay then hit the post before Robertson's shot was deflected, with Gordon and John Souttar coming to Scotland's rescue at the other end.
As things stood at half-time, Scotland trailed Croatia on goals, while Portugal led 1-0 in Split.
The second half started in exactly the same way. Souttar cleared the line before McGinn's pass was turned just past the post, as the Scottish players lined up on the six-yard line. McTominay soon shot well over after another decent chance.
Poland came back into the fore and eventually had a shooting opportunity as Scotland defended their penalty area in numbers, with Piatkowski sending an unstoppable strike into the top corner.
Scotland were back at the bottom of the table, but still needed just one goal to move up to second place. Dykes appeared to get it as he headed Gilmour's cross towards the top corner, but Lukasz Skorupski leapt up to claw the ball away.
News of Croatia's equalizer was another blow for Scotland manager Clarke, but Scotland had half-chances. Robertson fired over, Ryan Christie's header was saved and Kenny McLean headed over before the captain had the final say, much to the delight of his teammates and the traveling fans.
Clarke: Another step in the journey
Scotland manager Steve Clarke:
“If you look at the end of the game, we made five changes. I think the depth of the squad is good. We are still missing three or four players who can probably add something to that. Hopefully next year they will season in.” can get fit again and make my job more difficult.
“There have been many good moments in the five and a half years I have spent and this is just another step on my journey.
“We knew we had to be at our best to get a result. This is another place where we can say that we know how to leave home and achieve a positive result in a difficult environment.
“Another assist for Ben [Doak]which is good. I think he tired quite quickly in the second half. Maybe I should have taken him off a little earlier, but he is a threat, he is very direct, he tackles defenders.
“I am very happy for the supporters. A good way to end this Nations League campaign. You always believe in it. It was a very open match, with many opportunities.”
Robertson: McGinn is the heartbeat of the team
Competition winner Andy Robertson:
“It was probably one of my better headers! Just a great feeling to get the win because I think our performance deserved it, and over the six games we deserved more points than we have.
“This team has shown time and time again that we don't stop until the final whistle, and I think we've shown that again. We gave the away fans another good day out.
“John [McGinn] has so many qualities. A fantastic footballer who always turns up for Scotland, his goals and performances tell you that and I'm glad all the other boys came along with him because at one point he carried this country single-handedly, and after that we all reached his level.
“Off the field he is an integral part. He is the heartbeat and keeps us going, cheers us up and sometimes irritates us! He always makes us laugh, but on the field he is an incredible professional and player.
“I'm very happy for him. He's his toughest critic, he always talks down to himself and he hasn't been happy with his performances lately.
“I thought his performance today was great, he was in a different class.”
What victory means for Scotland
Scotland have confirmed third place in Group A1 and will now play a two-legged play-off against League B runners-up in March to determine who will play in the next Nations League Group A tournament.
Two confirmed potential opponents are Greece and Austria, with the other two to be decided after Tuesday's matches.
The draw for the play-offs is Friday and the matches are scheduled for March 20 and 23. Scotland will be at Hampden Park for the second leg.
Clarke's side will also be in Pot 3 for the World Cup qualifiers from next summer.
They rise to Pot 2 if the Czech Republic fails to beat Georgia or Slovakia fails to beat Estonia – both play on Tuesday.
