Scotland snatched a Nations League relegation lifeline after Andy Robertson’s thunderous stoppage-time header earned a terrific victory in Poland.
For long spells after John McGinn’s third-minute goal – guided in wonderfully from a Ben Doak pass – it looked like Scotland might not only escape immediate demotion but perhaps even steal a top-two place.
With Croatia trailing Portugal in Split and the Scots ahead at the break, one more goal for either visiting side would have nudged Steve Clarke’s side above the Croats.
However, Poland centre-back Kamil Piatkowski punctured the optimism with a stunning equaliser, before Josko Gvardiol levelled for Croatia to squeeze the last of the quarter-final hope out of the Scots.
Another goal, though, would earn Scotland a relegation play-off against a League B runner-up in March.
And, with time running out, captain Robertson – on the occasion of his 80th cap – burst on to the end of a John Souttar cross to thump in an unlikely winner.
That means Scotland face a two-legged tie in the spring to decide their Nations League status and are likely to be in the third pot of seeds for the World Cup qualifying draw which takes place on Friday 13 December.
Only Czech Republic failing to beat Georgia or Estonia earning a point in Slovakia on Tuesday would avert that scenario, and bump the Scots into pot 2.
Swiss
