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Robertson's last-gasp header saves Scotland from relegation
The Guardian
|November 19, 2024
Scotland had contributed far too much to the Nations League to finish bottom of Group A1. That was the harsh reality until Andy Robertson's glorious stoppage-time header, which secured a famous win over Poland. Steve Clarke's team live on, courtesy of a playoff berth.
When John Mc Ginn sent Scotland ahead, thoughts were of another outcome. Had the result gone their way between Croatia and Portugal, it was conceivable Clarke's men could finish second. Ultimately that other tie was immaterial but this one was not. Scotland and their support celebrated in epic style courtesy of Robertson's intervention, which instead sends Poland into League B. This felt poetic, at the venue for the Liverpool fullback's Scotland debut and, on this occasion, the earning of his 80th cap. It was the latest triumph for Clarke's management.
Clarke had indulged in pre-match kidology by suggesting Ben Doak might not start in Warsaw. Leaving the 19-year-old among Scotland's substitutes would have ranked among the most bizarre managerial decisions of all, such was Doak's impact during last Friday's win over Croatia. Doak was always going to play, primarily because of the panic his pace triggers among opposition defenders.
This story is from the November 19, 2024 edition of The Guardian.
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