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.
IN QUOTES
James McFadden, Sky SportsPeople speak about three or five at the back being defensive but it can be offensive. If you play with two strikers and let John McGinn release and he has an important job tonight, playing in behind and breaking through the line to help the front two out.
Manager’s thoughts
Steve Clarke looked ahead to the game when he met the media yesterday - here’s what he had to say...
Sir Alex Ferguson will be at Hampden this evening for a special presentation. He’s also the only manager to lead the nation to a World Cup via the play-offs and was part of the Scotland delegation to face Israel in the 1980s.
Steve Clarke hopes Scotland give Israel bloody nose - like Sir Alex did in the summer of love
It seems appropriate on an occasion when Scotland are seeking to strengthen their position as runners-up in their group that the only manager to take the country to a World Cup finals via a play-off will be honoured at Hampden.
Team line-up
Here’s a reminder of the XI Steve Clarke has chosen for this evening’s MASSIVE game - CLICK HERE
IN QUOTES
Steve Clarke, speaking to Sky SportsWhen you take Zahavi, Dabbur and Solomon in isolation they are three very good players so obvioulsy we have to defend well and create them a problem going the other way.
Stats life
Interesting one from Sky Sports pre-match.
If Scotland’s last 18 matches they’ve managed clean sheets in just 25% of those that included Grant Hanley, and 50% when the suspended defender has played.
Will he be a miss?
Kick-off imminent
Anthems are over - Israel’s drowned out at times by chants from the crowd - and kick-off is seconds away.
“Come on!” as Ronnie Browne might say.
