Scotland 3-2 Israel: Scott McTominay scores in injury time to win it - how it happened
Last month’s wins over Moldova and Austria not only ensured Scotland occupy second spot in the World Cup qualifying section and ruled Grant Hanley out through suspension, it also sparked a national ticket rush for this evening's match.
There’s now no briefs left so the only way to keep up with the game for those not at the National Stadium in Mount Florida, is on TV, radio or here at The Scotsman’s live blog.
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Hide AdWe’ll have all the info and pre-match build-up, team news, match action, reaction and analysis this afternoon, this evening and across the weekend.
Refresh for the latest updates as we follow the TENTH meeting with Israel and SEVENTH in three years – with a place at the World Cup in Qatar the eventual prize on the line.
Scotland 3-2 Israel: How it Happened
Key Events
- Scotland move four points clear of Israel in second with three games - and nine points - still to play for
- SCOTLAND 3 (McGinn 28, Dykes 62, McTominay 90+3) ISRAEL 2 (Zahavi 5, Dabbur 31)
- Stunning free-kick from playmaker silences Hampden after five minutes. McGinn curls in a leveller but Dabbur responds almost immediately
- Lyndon Dykes penalty saved before half-time but striker nets VAR-assisted goal in second half but McTominay wins it late
- SCOTLAND: Gordon, Patterson, Hendry, Tierney, McTominay, Robertson, McGinn, Gilmour, McGregor, Adams, Dykes.
📋 Israel line-up
Israel: Marciano, Dasa, Bitton, Abu Abaid, Natcho, Peretz, Zahavi, Dabbur, Arad, Solomon, Menachem.
Referee
Today’s match referee is Szymon Marciniak from Poland.
There might be an omen in that - and not a good one.
He’s officiated two games involving Scottish teams in Europe over the past 18 months - and both ended in defeat.
Both were also Rangers games - so he’ll know Nathan Patterson. He was in charge for the 3-1 defeat to Bayer Leverkusen in the Europa League knock-out bstages in March 2020 (just before the pandemic shutdown the game across the continent), and earlier this season when Steven Gerrard’s team was beaten by Malmo in Sweden.
Behind the scenes
The team has been preparing for this evening’s game at the Oriam - the Scottish National Team youtube channel went behind the scenes earlier this week.... it’s a lot wetter on the west side of the country today.
Win over Austria
As mentioned earlier, Scotland saw off Austria in Vienna to move second in the group last month. Steve Clarke has warned his players not to waste the win they earned so well.
Steve Clarke on his Scotland secret weapons as he warns players not to waste win over Austria
Steve Clarke has urged Scotland not to risk rendering redundant last month’s victory over Austria as his side seek to cement their second-place position in Group F.
IN QUOTES
Neil McCann, BBC SportsoundThat left side is so solid, and my only concern is the right - Patterson is so quick, he’s well equipped to go forward and McTominay will have to use that controlling part of his game and get over to guard against counter attacks.