Scotland National Team

Scotland gave themselves a fighting chance of remaining in the Nations League’s top tier as Andy Robertson’s header in added time condemned the Poles to relegation. It was a rope-a-dope contest from the off but the Scots landed to first blow as John McGinn’s finish, teed up by Ben Doak, gave his side the lead after only three minutes. There were enough permutations to keep even the sharpest producers in the commentators’ ears scrambling but Steve Clarke’s men needed take care of what was in front of them first. As the game wore on Poland showed no signs of letting do so as Jakub Kaminski and Adam Buksa continued to probe for an equaliser. Despite the continued pressure from the home side, it became clear that they were in desperate need of Robert Lewandowski, repeatedly spurning chances without testing the ageless Craig Gordon nearly as much as they should have. Scotland for their part, never settled for a one goal lead, knowing they would need at least another to give themselves the best possible chance of finishing second in the group. A result that would place them amongst the top seeds for the World Cup qualifiers. Not once, but twice did the Scots rattle the bar, Billy Gilmour and Scott McTominay both coming tantalisingly close to edging their side towards the coveted spot. As the second-half bore on both sides began to tire, the end to end action and quick beginning to take its toll on the likes of Doak. With results going their way in Zagreb, Scotland needed to weather the storm but could little as Kamil Piatkowski landed a sucker punch near the hour mark, his thunderous shot from outside the box an impossible proposition for even the most talented keepers. Giving away a lead with the clock running down fast, Steve Clark had been here before. He watched from the sidelines as play maintained its frantic energy, very much at the expense of composure and accuracy. As the final bell approached, the Scots looked weary and out of ideas to prevent their descent into the second tier. That was until John Souttar launched a cross into the box met by a leaping Andy Robertson whose fourth ever goal for his country sent Poland onto the canvas and the Tartan Army into rapture. No top seed but Scots will take heart Whilst Croatia’s equaliser might have put paid to any chance of finishing second in the group and giving Clarke’s men an easier chance of qualification, there was plenty to shout about from the action in Warsaw. Craig Gordon’s inspired performances have made him a clear favourite for the jersey, even when Angus Gunn does make a return from injury. The only person challenging his place between the sticks will be Father Time as Gordon will be forty-three by the time 2026 rolls around. Meanwhile, fans will have been disappointed to see teen sensation Doak leave the field after just over an hour but the late goal shows the side have the tools to win games without relying on one player. Lightening the weight of expectations on his shoulders can only be beneficial to his career in the long run. Finally, Scotland have finally shown they can close out games. The horrors of Portugal, Poland and Croatia in the opening games of their Nations League campaign seemed to have condemned this generation to lack the mental fortitude to cut it at the level that befitted the players’ ability. The previous two victories have instead shown quite the opposite, their resilience giving them the opportunity to continue to test themselves against Europe’s best. They have momentum in the tank, they will now need every drop of it as play-offs potentially await.

Nations League – League A – Group 1 – Poland vs Scotland: 19:45 (Stadion Narodowy in Warsaw) With their 1-0 victory over Croatia on Friday night, Scotland’s winless hoodoo finally came to an end. It was a run that had seen the side fail to win their last eight games and was only their second victory in eighteen fixtures. That was all forgotten as they held out against a side, albeit reduced to ten men, featuring the likes of Luka Modric and Josko Gvardiol. Now, a second consecutive win could provide Scotland with the opportunity to right the wrongs of their previous major tournament outings and remain amongst the international a-listers. Doak in the spotlight John McGinn’s goal brought jubilation to the Hampden crowd but it was Ben Doak’s electric performance that has since dominated headlines. Much was made of the way the Middlesborough loanee turned an £80 million defender inside out, and quite rightly as Doak’s gradual introduction into the side has provided the spark Scotland have been missing in the past few years. Clarke however, was quick to remind people that there is room for improvement in his game and has even suggested that Poland might be a game too soon for such a young player. Despite attempts to keep the swirling expectations at bay, it seems unlikely that the manager would not turn to Doak for what could be an era defining ninety minutes in Warsaw. Significant ramifications What seemed an impossible dream only few nights ago now feels like a very distinct possibility as Scotland look to give themselves a platform to qualify for their first World Cup since 1998. Finishing second in Group 1 would give the side the coveted top seeding for the upcoming qualifiers. To do so, they will have to not only beat Poland tonight but hope Portugal can win whilst putting a dent in Croatia’s goal difference, which is two better than Scotland’s. Should results go their way, Steve Clarke’s men would also see themselves make their first ever Nations League quarter-finals. Anything but a win however, would see them relegated and heap the pressure back onto the man in dugout this evening. Poland not to be underestimated A quick scan of Poland’s recent performances will give the Tartan Army some much needed optimism. One win in their last eight including a 5-1 trouncing at the hands of Portugal have left the side looking bereft of confidence. Sitting three points and six goals behind Croatia, their hopes for the second spot are far more difficult, a problem exacerbated by the absence of talisman Robert Lewandowski. However, the Scots will not be quick to forget that their opponent’s sole victory since the Euros came courtesy of a 97th minute penalty at Hampden. Manager Michal Probierz and his side may be down, but they are certainly not out. Conway to be given second start? Fans of the national team are never short of an opinion when it comes to picking a line-up and a boisterous few were finally granted their wish when Tommy Conway was given his first start on Friday. Full of energy and always looking to press, Doak’s Middlesborough teammate made sure Croatia could never pass the ball around comfortably at the back. The striker was not given many opportunities to bring his goalscoring form to Hampden and was brought off for Lyndon Dykes in the second-half, but has given himself every opportunity to start again tonight. Lawrence Shankland’s rut makes him an unlikely candidate and Dykes has yet to score in League One. However, Clarke and supporters will be well aware of the physicality he offers and his hard work to bring other into the game. Scotland desperately need a win with as big a margin as possible, will he trust twenty-two year old Conway to deliver it?