Scott McTominay scored the only goal of the game as Scotland survived a second-half barrage from Greece in their Nations League play-off in Athens.
The Napoli midfielder netted a penalty he had won in the 33rd minute of the first leg and the Scots spurned a couple of other chances before the break.
An impressive performance began to flounder in the second half when 17-year-old Genk-born attacker Konstantinos Karetsas came on to make his debut for the home side, after making the switch from Belgium, for whom he had played at various youth levels.
🥶 🥶 🥶#GRESCOpic.twitter.com/kk1rCXbk1k
— Scotland National Team (@ScotlandNT) March 20, 2025
Steve Clarke’s side withstood relentless pressure from the Greeks who hit the woodwork, although keeper Craig Gordon was not called upon to make too many saves.
Scotland can be confident going into the return leg at Hampden Park on Sunday where they look to remain in League A, whereas Greece are looking to get out of League B.
The return to the squad of fit-again Kieran Tierney had Clarke considering a return to a back three but the Arsenal star started on the bench as the head coach stuck with a back four which had been employed during the Nations League campaign.
From the side that started the win over Poland last November, there were two enforced changes with midfielder Lewis Ferguson and striker Che Adams in for the injured Ben Doak and Lyndon Dykes.
The game turned when German referee Tobias Stieler pointed to the spot when McTominay crumpled under a challenge from defender Lazaros Rota after taking a Kenny McLean pass inside the Greece penalty.
Long complaints from the home side failed to affect the official’s decision, nor the VAR team, and the Scottish playmaker sent goalkeeper Kostas Tzolakis the wrong way.
With the home fans incensed by the setback – it was far from a stonewall penalty – Greece striker Fotis Ioannidis headed a cross from Giannis Konstantelias over the crossbar before Scotland could have stretched their lead.
Billy Gilmour missed the target from 14 yards after being set up by fellow midfielder John McGinn.
Then, when Tzolakis cleared straight to Gilmour, he cushioned a pass to Adams but his weak shot was easily saved by the backtracking keeper, before Adams struck a much better shot wide of the far post.
Just before the break, Ferguson fouled Rota 25 yards from goal and Kostas Tsimikas floated the free-kick just over the bar.
Greece brought on teenager Karetsas for his debut at the start of the second half and he immediately took the home side up a level.
As the visitors wobbled, striker Christos Tzolis had the ball in the net following a corner but it had gone well behind for a goal kick beforehand.
Earlier this week, @GeorgeHirst45 spoke about his hopes of pulling on a Scotland shirt – tonight he gets to do it for the first time.
Congratulations George – show them what you can do 👏#GRESCO pic.twitter.com/jiHPl5O240
— Scotland National Team (@ScotlandNT) March 20, 2025
Greece were peppering the Scotland box.
In the 68th minute, from an inviting Karetsas cross, Tzolis hit a post from six yards under pressure from Scotland defender Anthony Ralston before his deflected drive skipped past the far post for a corner, which was defended again on the stretch.
In the 75th minute, Tierney and debutant striker George Hirst replaced McLean and Adams but still Greece kept coming in waves.
Defender Grant Hanley tripped substitute Taxiarchis Fountas on the edge of the box and referee Stieler pointed to the spot then changed his mind to a free-kick just outside, with the set-piece coming to nothing.
There was time for substitute Vangelis Pavidis to head over from close range and visiting defender Max Johnston to come on and make his debut as the tie moves to Glasgow still poised but in Scotland’s favour.
Chris Wilder labelled his side’s 2-0 win over Stoke a “proper away performance” as they got back to winning ways.The Blades had seen their automatic promotion hopes ended after losing four of their previous five, including their last three matches away from Bramall Lane.An improved showing saw Sam McCallum, making just his eighth start of the campaign, score late in the first hal...
Goals from Sam McCallum and Andre Brooks ensured Sheffield United returned to winning ways with by beating Stoke 2-0.The Blades had seen their automatic promotion hopes ended after losing four of their previous five, including their last three matches away from Bramall Lane.McCallum had scored just one goal since his summer move from Norwich but popped up at the back post when Rhian Brewster&rsquo...
Partick Thistle stunned title-chasing Falkirk as Terry Ablade secured a dramatic 2-1 William Hill Championship victory in the eighth minute of stoppage time.Thistle were reduced to 10 men after 35 minutes as Stuart Bannigan’s late challenge on Dylan Tait earned the midfielder a second yellow card.The hosts had taken a sixth-minute lead through interim manager Brian Graham’s 19th goal o...
Let's start our Daily Laugh today. Then & Now This Klopp seeing Slot can win the league with 80 points whilst he finished 2nd with 97 No, I won't. Real Madrid released a statement protesting the referee selection for Saturday's Copa del Rey final. Run Forest, run! In comparison Please stay tuned on Daily Laugh. There will be more fun tomorrow!(Credit: Justtoonit, originaltrollfootball, Bleache...
WHAT HAPPENED?The Sun has reported Arsenal are ready to make a significant move to bolster their defence with a bid for the Barcelona defender, who has played a crucial role in the Blaugrana's push to win the treble this season.THE BIGGER PICTUREKounde is under contract until 2027 and has established himself as a key part of the Barcelona defence. He has played 51 times in all competitions this se...
Paris Saint-Germain gave serious thought to signing Christopher Nkunku during the winter transfer window but ultimately chose not to move forward. Although he remained at Chelsea, signs now point to a possible departure this summer.Nkunku joined Chelsea from RB Leipzig in 2023 for £52 million, but injuries and competition have kept him from locking down a regular spot in the starting lineup, ...
Ruben Amorim has said he is convinced that Manchester United can land their summer targets even after a disastrous season which could end in failure to qualify for European competition.United's hopes of reaching the Champions League rest on winning the Europa League. Even if they lift the trophy, Amorim's team remain on course for their lowest Premier League finish.The Portuguese coach is plotting...
Rashford urged to move to Newcastle by WrightIan Wright believes Newcastle United would be an ideal club for Marcus Rashford with his future at Manchester United in doubt.Wright told the Ringer FC podcast of a possible deal for Rashford: "It's the kind of signing Newcastle should be making. That would be amazing. That would be dangerous. Rashford at Newcastle? Yeah. That would be really good. I re...
Birmingham boss Chris Davies says the Blues should be very proud of breaking the 100-point barrier.Alex Cochrane’s winner after 75 minutes was hit from 30 yards and was perfectly-placed to find the corner and hand City a 1-0 win at Stevenage.And it takes them onto 102 points with three games remaining.“I’m very proud,” said the Birmingham boss. “Not many teams will ge...
Alex Cochrane’s superb long-range strike was enough to take League One champions Birmingham over the 100-point mark with a 1-0 win at Stevenage.The game was the perfect example of a clash of styles, Birmingham wanting to play it around, but Stevenage aiming to outwork them.Boro arguably would have been happier with their first-half showing, Jordan Roberts pulling a low shot wide of the targe...
- 1 Transfer news & rumours LIVE
- 2 Cole Palmer’s girlfriend Connie Grace dazzles in low-cut top and mini skirt
- 3 Man Utd & Man City join PSG in race for Akliouche
- 4 We always have a chance – Miron Muslic bullish as Plymouth boost survival hopes
- 5 Tottenham to compete with Man City for defender
- 6 Ten-man Falkirk beaten by Raith as late goals keep title race alive
- 7 Big Brother legend Chanelle Hayes flaunts weight loss in red bikini
- 8 Transfer news & rumours LIVE
- 9 Daily Laugh - Totttenham 1-2 N Forest
- 10 Liverpool join race to sign attacker Jeremy Monga