SCOTLAND always seem to find the hardest way to do it.
Last night’s 3-2 loss in Greece would have been the nail in the coffin for Steve Clarke directly qualifying for next year’s World Cup.
But a draw between Belarus and Denmark at the same time means it’s a straight shootout on Tuesday between us and the Danes to top the group.
Over in Piraeus, goals from Anastasios Bakasetas, Konstantinos Karestas and Christos Tzolis had the Scots 3-0 down with a little over 25 minutes to play.
Quickfire goals from Ben Gannon-Doak and Ryan Christie put a spark right back in the game, and a Bakasetas red card towards the end had fans hoping and dreaming.
But a flurry of attacks and some big chances weren’t enough as the scoreline remained the same and fans eagerly awaited the full-time whistle in Denmark.
READ MORE FOOTBALL STORIES
JOB NOT DANE
Clarke said DON’T PANIC, Scots will have no chance v Danes with Greece display
TOTE’S WORTH IT
Get £40 in free bets and bonuses when you stake £10 on football with Tote
Here’s how our man Ben Ramage rated the Scotland team man-by-man.
CRAIG GORDON – 5
Veteran produced strong early save from Pavlidis but couldn’t keep out Bakasetas follow up. Denied Karetas, Tzolis and Retsos with fine stops to keep Scots in it. Powerless to stop second but shouldn’t have been beaten by third.
AARON HICKEY – 5
This was just his third game since the end of September. Found out of position at times but grew into game. Excellent cross for Adams chance before half-time.
JOHN SOUTTAR – 4
Wants to emulate little bro Harry and play at a World Cup. Terrible error from Rangers stopper in build-up to Greek opener, allowing ball to bounce into danger zone.
GRANT HANLEY – 4
Stepped unnecessarily high, allowing Greece to pour forward into gaps. Terrible early backpass put his side under needless pressure, with another misplaced pass before break going unpunished .Yet another mistake for Greece’s second, allowing Tetteh to get in behind.
ANDY ROBERTSON – 6
Tricky task up against Greek whizz-kid Konstantinos Karetsas. Got away with misjudged clearance as teen waltzed in behind him. Skipper wasn’t involved as much as he’d like but did step up with sensational cross for Christie’s goal.
LEWIS FERGUSON – 5
Bologna star preferred to Kenny McLean in engine room. First half yellow had midfielder walking a tightrope. Failed to make much of an impact on the ball but drew Bakasetas into late red card.
RYAN CHRISTIE – 6
Tasked with controlling game in Billy Gilmour‘s absence. Failed to capitalise on multiple decent positions. Teed up Adams selflessly but should have netted himself. Sublime header to grab Scotland’s second.
JOHN McGINN – 7
Aston Villa star struggled to make an impact from out wide but involved in build up to key McTominay chance. Excellent assist for Gannon-Doak after quick free-kick that sparked fightback. Almost set up last gasp leveller in injury-time.
SCOTT McTOMINAY – 6
Netted on his last visit to this stadium in March. Napoli ace hardly touched the ball in the first half but almost netted sweet curling effort that cracked off the bar. Denied by excellent save late on.
BEN GANNON-DOAK – 6
End product often failed to match up to electric pace. Should have netted equaliser when sent clean through but hit straight at keeper. Grabbed first international goal in second half but was only a consolation.
CHE ADAMS – 4
Hold up play was lacking throughout. Sweet flick teed up McTominay. Headed into side netting from promising position. Showed persistent lack of predatory instinct by spurning two glorious second half opportunities.
SUBS: Scott McKenna (5) and Tony Ralston (5) had little to do defensively in the closing stages. Lawrence Shankland (4) and Lyndon Dykes (4) were given eight paltry minutes to make an impact as Scots chased a late leveller. George Hirst (3) given just two minutes and almost netted equaliser.
Keep up to date with ALL the latest news and transfers at the Scottish Sun football page
