Scotland snatched a Nations League relegation lifeline after Andy Robertson’s thunderous stoppage-time header earned a terrific victory in Poland.

For long spells after John McGinn's third-minute goal - guided in wonderfully from a Ben Doak pass - it looked like Scotland might not only escape immediate demotion but perhaps even steal a top-two place.

With Croatia trailing Portugal in Split and the Scots ahead at the break, one more goal for either visiting side would have nudged Steve Clarke's side above the Croats.

However, Poland centre-back Kamil Piatkowski punctured the optimism with a stunning equaliser, before Josko Gvardiol levelled for Croatia to squeeze the last of the quarter-final hope out of the Scots.

Another goal, though, would earn Scotland a relegation play-off against a League B runner-up in March.

And, with time running out, captain Robertson - on the occasion of his 80th cap - burst on to the end of a John Souttar cross to thump in an unlikely winner.

That means Scotland face a two-legged tie in the spring to decide their Nations League status and are likely to be in the third pot of seeds for the World Cup qualifying draw which takes place on Friday 13 December.

Only Czech Republic failing to beat Georgia or Estonia earning a point in Slovakia on Tuesday would avert that scenario, and bump the Scots into pot 2.

Although it’s not the outcome the more ambitious Scotland fans would have hoped for before kick-off, it’s a better ending than looked likely as the 90 minutes elapsed.

Things started strongly when McGinn’s goal marked the first time the Scots have scored inside three minutes of a game since Kenny Miller did in Austria in 2005.

The Scots held firm against waves of a threatening Polish attack and were denied by the woodwork twice in the first half.

Billy Gilmour crashed a shot off the crossbar before Scott McTominay hit a post just before the break and, with Portugal winning, it would have been a happy changing room at the interval.

However, things took a turn. Piatkowski's bullet hit the back of the net and the Scots were staring down yet another disappointment. Step up captain Robertson.

Questions would have been asked of Clarke's decision-making had they not sealed the victory but his side proved they can mix it with the big boys.

The one worry is that ominous, potential, pot three position for the World Cup draw, but this side are proving they can pull off big results when needed.

Before then, the Nations League play-off in March will be the next test to see just what this side is all about.

You wouldn’t be foolish for thinking Poland would turn up in Warsaw with a point to prove after that disastrous result against Portugal on Friday.

McGinn’s early opener piled the pressure on Michal Probierz’s side but they grew into the half, looked dangerous on the attack and carved out a few opportunities.

In the second period, they put a spanner in Scotland’s hopes of finishing second and progressing to the Nations League quarter-final.

But Robertson returned the favour when he punctured Poland’s chance of staying in Group A and made it 10 goals conceded in their last three games for Probierz’s side.