Celtic star sent off in 1-0 defeat as Scotland's Nations League campaign goes down to the wire

Scotland’s bid to earn promotion to League A of the Nations League will go down to the wire this Wednesday after the Czech Republic defeated Israel on Sunday evening.

The home side’s hopes were kept alive after Scotland were defeated 1-0 in Slovakia earlier in the day. Steve Clarke’s men were much the better side in Trnava but went down to a first-half strike from Jan Gregus.

The Czechs quickly went about taking advantage of their second reprieve, scoring in the seventh minute from Vladimir Darida. The visitors, however, did not go quietly, enjoying a larger portion of possession and denying Jaroslav Šilhavý’s side the chance to increase their advantage.

They could not find the breakthrough, though, and would be reduced to ten men for the final ten minutes when Celtic defender Hatem Elhamed was sent off. Hibs goalkeeper Ofir Marciano also featured.

The Czech players celebrate scoring the only goal in their win over Israel. Picture: Getty

The result leaves Scotland needing to defeat Israel in their final game on Wednesday to clinch the group.

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