A spirited second half comeback from Scotland wasn’t enough to lift the mood at Hampden Park as a last gasp penalty saw them crash to 3-2 defeat against Poland in their Nations League opener.
Goals from Sebastian Szymański (8) and Robert Lewandowski (45 pen) had given the visitors a commanding half-time lead but strikes from Billy Gilmour (46) and Scott McTominay (76) looked like it had secured a point until Nicola Zewalski’s penalty (97) broke Tartan Army hearts.
Despite talk of freshening up the squad, Steve Clarke opted to change little in terms of personnel, though he dumped his usual back three in favour of a back four, while the returning Lyndon Dykes replaced the injured Che Adams up-front after he sat out Euro 2024 with an injury of his own.
The switch in formation helped little though, as a combination of errors from Kenny McLean to Billy Gilmour saw the latter lose the ball too easily, before a neat spin from Lewandowsi released Szymański to fire a 20-yard drive beyond Angus Gunn after just eight minutes. McTominay looked to have put Scotland level on 24 minutes but Hampden joy was short-lived when the goal was disallowed for a clear handball.
Poland would double their lead stroke of half-time when a needless foul from Anthony Ralston allowed Lewandowski to add to his Hampden Park haul (now three in his last three) from the penalty spot, though Gilmour would reduce the deficit seconds into the second period and McTominay would complete the comeback with just under 15 minutes left on the clock.
There was one final sting in the tail as Grant Hanley needlessly gave away a last gasp penalty that resulted in Scotland slumping to 97th minute loss.
9. Scott McTominay - 8
Scored the crucial second goal that handed Scotland a point and was the team's biggest goal threat throughout. Was excellent even when Scotland weren't. Is he now Steve Clarke's most valuable player? It feels like he is. | SNS Group
10. Lyndon Dykes - 4
Somehow missed the target with a glorious first half chance and was largely ineffective on his return to the starting XI. Couldn't hold the ball for Scotland, when they desperately needed him too. | SNS Group
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11. Ryan Christie - 6
Found himself in some good position, but his final ball let him down at times. Not a terrible performance by any means, but he will expect more from himself. | SNS Group
12. Substitutes
Lawrence Shankland 6/10 - Offered more of a focal point than Dykes. Ryan Gauld 6/10 - Gave Scotland another option in the middle. Ben Doak 6/10 - A memorable moment as the teen made his international debut. Lewis Morgan N/A - late substitute. | SNS Group