Scotland lost 3-2 to Greece in their World Cup qualifier in Piraeus - yet can still reach the finals automatically after Denmark drew 2-2 at home to Belarus.
In a crazy, rollercoaster night of international football, Scotland now know that a win against the Danes at Hampden on Tuesday night will be enough to see them over the line.
Steve Clarke’s men so nearly battled back from three goals down against the Greeks, who roared ahead via goals from Anastasios Bakasetas, Konstantinos Karetsas and Christos Tzolis.
Scotland staged a fightback, with Ben Gannon-Doak and Ryan Christie finding the net - and a great save denying Scott McTominay what would have been an equaliser.
Nevertheless, thanks to Belarus’ fine result in Copenhagen, Scotland are just a point behind Denmark and should they beat them on Tuesday evening at Hampden, they will avoid the play-offs and reach the World Cup next year for the first time since 1998.
9. Ben Gannon-Doak
Will be delighted to have netted his first goal for Scotland with an excellent run at the back post to net McGinn's cross. Spent a lot of the first half doing defensive work but had a huge chance in first-half stoppage time when through one-on-one with Vlachodimos, only to shoot tamely at the Greek keeper. Tried to whip up the Tartan Army. Still lacks tangible end product after good build-up work. 6 | Getty Images
10. Scott McTominay
In a stadium where he coolly netted a penalty back in March, this was not the Napoli man's night. Struck the top of the crossbar with a sweeping left-footed effort from edge of the box on 45 minutes. He was also denied by a stunning Vlachodimos save towards the end which would have surely brought Scotland a point. 6 | PA
11. Che Adams
Scotland's No 9 ended the night with no goals but could easily have netted a hat-trick of close-range efforts. His first one was slightly tougher, a header from the angle that went into the side-netting. But his other two were gilt-edged, failing to finish with the goal at his mercy in the second half. A striker short on confidence and composure. Scotland needed better. Came off for Shankland. 3 | Getty Images
12. Scott McKenna
Came on for Hanley but did not have to do a lot of defensive work. 4 | Getty Images