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Poland v Scotland LIVE: Nations League result as Andy Robertson dramatically rescues Scots from relegation

Poland 1-2 Scotland: The captain’s last-minute header saved the Scots from automatic relegation, with a play-off to come to stay in League A

Chris Wilson
Monday 18 November 2024 17:37 EST
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Steve Clarke may change a winning side for Scotland’s big date against Poland

Andy Robertson’s last-minute goal saved Scotland from automatic Nations League relegation as the captain’s dramatic header earned Steve Clarke’s side a famous 2-1 win against Poland in Warsaw.

Scotland had to win to avoid finishing bottom of League A1, but turned their run of late misfortunate on its head when Robertson arrived at the back post to thump a powerful header into the net.

Having lost their first three matches of the campaign and drawing 0-0 with Portugal, Scotland ended their winless run with a late win over Croatia on Friday before earning back-to-back wins with victory against Poland.

Scotland made the perfect start when John McGinn converted a chance inside just three minutes but Poland’s Kamil Piątkowski arrowed a stunning strike into the top to equalise on 60 minutes.

At one stage, with Portugal beating Croatia in Zagreb, another goal would have lifted Scotland to second place - enough to progress to the quarter-finals and claim a seeded place in World Cup qualifying.

But it finished as a draw in Zagreb, which means Scotland will play a relegation play-off against one of the runners-up from League B in March in a bid to retain their top-tier status.

Poland 0-1 Scotland

45 mins

On replay, we can see that McTominay’s effort took a tiny deflection off the outstretched foot of Piatowski. A vital touch.

Poland work a great counter-attacking, moving from their own half to the Scotland area within three passes, but Ralston blocks Świderski’s cross.

There’ll be one minute of added time here.

Chris Wilson18 November 2024 20:32

Poland 0-1 Scotland

42 mins

HITS THE POST! So close once again!

Doak beats his man to make space for a cross yet again, but it’s headed away. Scotland retain possession, working it around the Poland half for a minute or so before Doak lays it off to Ralston, whose cross isn’t dealt with and eventually bounces out to McTominay. He lifts his head and rifles a shot against the far post from just inside the box!

Chris Wilson18 November 2024 20:30

Poland 0-1 Scotland

39 mins

Good work from Gordon, as he makes a good save down to his right after Poland had played Buksa into a great shooting position.

Chris Wilson18 November 2024 20:26

Poland 0-1 Scotland

36 mins

CLOSE! Another great chance for the away side, and this one comes from brilliant work from McTominay. The ball comes forward, and he drives towards goal, taking one touch to flick it past one defender before hitting a low effort straight at the ‘keeper, who’d rushed off his line.

(REUTERS)
Jamie Braidwood18 November 2024 20:25

Poland 0-1 Scotland

34 mins

OFF THE CROSSBAR! So close for Scotland!

It’s Billy Gilmour with the effort, and it’s out of nothing as he finds space in front of him and opts from the shot from distance, but it cannons off the underside of the crossbar and stays out!

That would’ve been a stunner.

Chris Wilson18 November 2024 20:22

Poland 0-1 Scotland

32 mins

CHANCE! Scotland’s chance to work an opportunity and once again it’s Doak at the centre of things, collecting the ball in the box before laying it off to Dykes. He has plenty to do but manages to beat a man to work the space to shoot, but he flashes it wide.

Chris Wilson18 November 2024 20:20

Poland 0-1 Scotland

31 mins

Scotland concede another free-kick in a fairly dangerous area, but this time it’s Dykes with a good defensive header.

Chris Wilson18 November 2024 20:19

Poland 0-1 Scotland

29 mins

Scotland really haven’t been comfortable when on the ball on the whole, with the exception of Doak and McTominay. They simply give it away within about seven passes once they do win it back. All okay for the moment though for the away side.

Chris Wilson18 November 2024 20:17

Poland 0-1 Scotland

27 mins

Scotland have dealt with the Poland pressure fairly well so far, but there have been two occasions in which the home side were clean through too easily.

There’s been some great defending too though, with Robertson doing plenty down the left.

It falls to Szymanski near the edge of the area, and he tries to curl and effort into the far corner, but it flies over and wide.

Chris Wilson18 November 2024 20:15

Poland 0-1 Scotland

24 mins

CLOSE! A great save from Gordon.

It’s too simple from Poland though, as a long ball forward finds its intended target in Świderski. He jumps to take it down well and he should do better with the finish, but Gordon has rushed off his line well and made himself big enough to make the stop.

Chris Wilson18 November 2024 20:11

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