Captain Andy Robertson was the hero for Scotland as they secured a 2-1 win over Poland in stoppage time to secure relegation from the Nations League.
Scotland knew it was either a win or failure in Warsaw as they were looking for back-to-back wins to ensure they at least finished third in Group A1 and qualified for the relegation play-offs.
John McGinn got the start after scoring a vital goal against Croatia and sent the Tartan Army into a frenzy by swatting the ball away with Ben Doak providing the assist once again after just three minutes.
Billy Gilmour and Scott McTominay hit the post and Craig Gordon made a fine save to give Steve Clarke’s side hope at the break.
Kamil Piatkowski’s stunning strike brought Poland level but Robertson’s late header spared Scotland heartache and they now face the March play-offs as they look to retain their top spot in the Nations League after Michal Probierz’s Poland side were relegated. .
Scotland boss Clark welcomed the faith in his side who kept their hopes of Nations League survival alive after another late win.
Scotland’s John McGinn celebrates with his teammates after scoring 1-0.
“The more you play at this level the better you will get,” Clarke said. “We started off on a good note with three close losses.
“The players didn’t lose faith and I didn’t lose faith in them. They ended up taking seven points from the last three games to get us into the play-offs.
“The more you play at this level, the more you learn how to win games, that’s what we’ve proven.
Scotland was saved after the Warsaw drama.
Back-to-back wins keep Scotland’s Nations League Group A hopes alive.
Scotland missed out on second place after Croatia earned a much-needed point with a 1-1 draw at home to Portugal, but the win also increased the chances of Clarke’s men qualifying for Pot 2 of next month’s World Cup qualifying draw.
Scotland will be looking to Georgia or Estonia for a result in their games against the Czech Republic and Slovakia respectively on Tuesday.
McGinn joined Lyndon Dykes in the Scotland squad after scoring the only goal in Friday’s win over Croatia, while Gordon shook off a virus to start.
The opening moments were a sign of things to come. Scotland were in panic within 60 seconds before Robertson made a crucial cover block.
Gilmour’s incisive pass soon gave Doak the opportunity to set up McGinn, who swept home with his right foot.
Ben Doak shines for Scotland in Warsaw
Doak intervened deep in his own half anywhere in the opening stages and beat his man before slotting in another dangerous ball.
The home side soon began creating a series of chances. Gordon saved from Jakub Kaminski, Piatkowski and Karol Swiderski, who also missed a sitter and Sebastian Szymanski had a weak effort blocked.
Doak had a shot saved on the break under home pressure before Scotland settled down and started pounding the ball in with confidence and purpose.
Opportunity followed. Dykes’ shot rippled into the side netting, Gilmour hit the crossbar from almost 30 yards and Doak cleared McTominay but the Napoli man was denied by a save after some fine technique.
McTominay hit the post before Robertson’s shot was deflected, while Gordon and John Souttar came to Scotland’s rescue at the other end.
During the first half, Scotland were 1-0 ahead of Portugal in Split, behind Croatia on points.
Poland’s Kamil Piatkowski celebrates after scoring against Scotland in a 1-1 win.
The second half started the same way. Souttar cleared the line before McGinn’s pass went just past the post and the Scots lined up on the six-yard line. McTominay soon capitalized on another decent opportunity.
Poland were again on the front foot and with Scotland outnumbered in the box they eventually had a chance to shoot, with Piatkowski sending an unstoppable strike into the top corner.
Scotland dropped back to bottom but needed just one goal to move up to second. Dykes looked as if he got it when he headed Gilmour’s cross into the top corner, but Lukasz Skorupski leaped to snatch the ball away.
News of Croatia’s equalizer was another blow to Scotland manager Clarke, but Scotland had a half chance. Robertson scored, Ryan Christie’s header was blocked and Kenny McLean headed home a goal before the captain delighted his team-mates and traveling fans.
Clarke: Another step on the journey.
Andy Robertson scored Scotland’s fourth goal in his 80th appearance.
The Granite City manager Steve Clark:
“At the end of the game we made five changes. I think the depth of the squad is good. We’re still missing three or four more players who we can add to there. Next year, when they get back fit, that could make things more difficult. there is.
“There have been many great moments over five and a half years and this is just another step in the journey.
“We knew we had to give our best to get a result. This is another place where we can say we know how to get a positive result in difficult circumstances away from home.
Scotland manager Steve Clarke and John McGinn in Warsaw.
“I think another assist for Ben (Doak) is good. I think we got tired pretty quickly in the second half. We should have got him off a little bit earlier, but he’s a threat, very direct and gets at defenders.”
“I’m really happy for the supporters. It’s a great way to end this Nations League campaign. You always believe. It was a very open game and we had a lot of chances.”
Robertson: McGinn is key to the team
John McGinn celebrates Scotland’s first match against Poland
match winner Andy Robertson:
“It was probably one of my better headers! I think our performance deserved it and it feels really good to get the win because we deserved more points than we got in six games.
“This team has shown time and time again that we won’t stop until the final whistle blows, and I think we showed that again. We gave the away fans another great day.
“John (McGinn) has a lot of qualities. A fantastic footballer who has always represented Scotland, his goals and performances speak for themselves. And I’m glad all the other players have come with him, because at one point he was representing Scotland. That in itself makes us all meet his standards.
Scotland are delighted after Andy Robertson scored in a dramatic Nations League win over Poland.
“Off the pitch he is essential. He is the heartbeat, he keeps us going, he cheers us up and sometimes he annoys us! He always makes us laugh, but on the pitch he is an unbelievable professional player and player.
“I’m happy for him. He’s his harshest critic, always talking down about himself and not happy with his performances recently.
“I thought his performance today was amazing. He was a different class.”
What Scotland’s victory means
Scotland have secured third place in Group A1 and will play a two-leg play-off against the League B runners-up in March to decide who will be placed in Nations League Group A for the next tournament.
The two potential opponents confirmed are Greece and Austria, while the other two will be decided after Tuesday’s match.
The playoff bracket is on Friday and games are scheduled for March 20 and 23. Scotland will host the second leg at Hampden Park.
Clarke’s side will also be in Pot 3 for World Cup qualifiers starting next summer.
If the Czech Republic loses to Georgia or Slovakia loses to Estonia, they move up to Pot 2. Both play on Tuesday.
