Scott McTominay penalty gives Scotland win over Greece in play-off first leg

Scotland have defeated Greece 1-0 in the first leg of their Nations League play-off tie in Athens.

Scott McTominay’s first-half penalty was the only goal of the game and gives Scotland the advantage going into Sunday’s decisive second leg at Hampden.

Steve Clarke’s side had to weather a second-half storm as Greece pushed for a leveller in front of a noisy home crowd but stood firm to take a confidence-boosting away victory.

Clarke had named an experienced side for what he believed would be a long night in the Greek capital and he saw Scotland make an excellent start to give the travelling fans something to shout about.

The visitors took a grip of midfield from the off, and Lewis Ferguson and John McGinn were willing runners to support Che Adams in attack.

Possession play yielded a few corners, while Greece were going direct when they had the ball. Scott McTominay went close with a shot after a set piece but the talismanic Napoli midfielder’s could get enough on the ball to open the scoring. He got a better chance in the 33rd minute.

Making another run into the box, McTominay collided with Lazaros Rota in the box and the referee pointed to the spot. Greek players surrounded the official in protest but VAR confirmed a foul and gave Scotland a chance from 12 yards.

McTominay took responsibility himself and put a calm, right-footed finish into the corner of the net with the Greek keeper diving in the opposite direction.

Scotland were on top but, despite being on the front foot, they couldn’t add to the advantage before half time.

After the break, Billy Gilmour and Che Adams had opportunities but Greece grew into the game and started to dominate possession and chances.

The hosts brought on 17-year-old Konstantinos Karetsas and the youngster, who is being watched by a host of top clubs, brought life to their side. His overhead kick led to a corner from which Greece had the ball in the net, but the ball had gone out of play before Christos Tzolis tapped in.

Konstantinos Mavropanos went close with a header from a corner and it began to look like an equaliser was inevitable. McGinn had a shot from distance in a rare Scotland chance but Greece then went even closer when Tzolis hit the post from yards out under close attention from Anthony Ralston.

With just minutes until the final whistle, Scotland were hanging on when Greece were awarded a penalty. Grant Hanley had committed a foul but a VAR review found it was outside the box. The penalty was rescinded, the free kick cleared and Scotland’s lead was intact.

Five minutes of injury time was added, and Scotland had to be resolute as Greece threw what they had at them in the hopes of drawing level.

The defence held firm and the Tartan Army breathed a sigh of relief at the final whistle.

Clarke and his players now know that a draw or better on Sunday at Hampden will be enough to retain their League A status in the Nations League.