Watch best of action as Scotland win in Greece

Thomas Duncan
BBC Sport Scotland

Scott McTominay's penalty moved Scotland closer to retaining their Nations League A status as they edged past Greece in the first leg of their play-off in Piraeus.

Steve Clarke's side dominated the first half and made the breakthrough when McTominay side-footed home from the spot after the Napoli midfielder collided with Lazaros Rota in the box.

However, the visitors had to survive a second-half onslaught.

And were given a late scare when Greece were awarded a penalty of their own after Grant Hanley felled Taxiarchis Fountas, only for it to be overturned by the video assistant referee because the contact was outside the area.

Scotland managed to hold on from there to ensure McTominay's 11th international goal in 22 matches was the winner, and they take a narrow lead into the return leg at Hampden on Sunday (17:00 GMT) - live on the BBC.

At half-time it was a lead the Scots richly deserved after a fluid 45 minutes, even though the penalty award for a foul on McTominay appeared soft.

Both Billy Gilmour and Che Adams had good chances to add to the narrow advantage, but profligacy meant a nervy second-half ensued as Greece came out swinging.

The introduction of 17-year-old Genk midfielder Konstantinos Karetsas was the catalyst for their improved display, and his wonderful cross teed up Christos Tzolis for their best chance.

But the Club Brugge forward's effort at full stretch came back off a post and, despite the late penalty panic, Scotland held on for a hard-fought win.

McTominay puts Scotland ahead from the spot

Scotland combine guts with gusto

This was a Scotland performance with a mix of class in the first half, and sheer guts and concentration in the second period.

Clarke opted to give Bologna's Lewis Ferguson a rare start alongside John McGinn and McTominay, with Kenny McLean and Billy Gilmour tucked in behind them.

It worked brilliantly as the midfield made a confident start, knocking the ball about and slowly opening Greece up as the half wore on as they combined quickly to move up the pitch.

The penalty was perhaps dubious, but it was earned amid growing Scotland pressure and McTominay, so often Scotland's hero, confidently tucked it away.

After the break, though, it was about clinging on.

Grant Hanley and John Souttar were outstanding at the back, the latter making a crucial block to deny Tzolis, but Clarke will be slightly concerned with just how drastically the momentum changed.

Greece had 18 shots in the second half alone, with Scotland registering just a single effort - McGinn's strike from 25 yards.

It is a warning ahead of the Hampden return that Greece will not go away easily, but with a lead and home advantage Scotland are in a strong position.

Scotland graphic

Karetsas changes game for Greece

One man who will surely be starting the return is teenager Karetsas, who changed the game when he came on at half time.

The rising star had more shots and touches in Scotland's box than any of his team-mates, and his deliveries with both feet created havoc.

Only Kostas Tsimikas put in more crosses for Greece.

Karetsas' perfect ball to the back post for Tzolis looked certain to create the equaliser, but Anthony Ralston just did enough to put the forward off as his effort struck a post.

The confidence and determination to take control of a game like that from a player so young and making his debut was striking, and suggests he has the quality and mentality to grow into a special player.

Scotland will have to deal with him far better at Hampden to limit his influence.

What they said

Clarke on McTominay netting again

Scotland head coach Steve Clarke: "We knew it would be tough. First half we were really good, we could've been two in front. If I'm being greedy I could say three.

"We knew Greece would come at us second half. We didn't quite manage to regain our rhythm so we had to show a different side to our game.

"The game changed with the start Greece made to the second half. We didn't progress up the pitch enough. That's something we have to do a little bit better."

Scotland midfielder Scott McTominay: "That was really difficult. They are a really good team.

"We defended our box well in the second half - the resilience and dedication to defend our goal, that's what you need."

Scotland midfielder Lewis Ferguson: "We knew we were going to have to weather the storm. They had to come out and have a go.

"We could have been calmer on the ball, but you need to show that side of the game if you're going to get results away from home - the running, tackling, blocking, heading and we did that."

'Scotland rode luck, but many ways to win'

20/03/25

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