Scotland – Poland LIVE: Nations League result and reactions after late penalty shootout for the hosts
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Scotland started their Nations League campaign with a thrilling game against Poland at Hampden Park, which ended in a 2-3 defeat for the home side.
The hosts were the better team in the first half but suffered an early surprise when Sebastian Szymanski converted a shot from 20 yards, beating Angus Gunn on the left and rebounding off the inside of the post into the net.
Scott McTominay thought he could have equalised but his goal was disallowed for a handball in the build-up as Scotland had the upper hand. But there was another shock to the system when Anthony Ralston brought down Nicola Zalewski in the box and Robert Lewandowski converted the penalty to give the visitors a two-goal lead at the break.
But the hosts were not beaten yet. Billy Gilmour reduced the deficit to 1-0 23 seconds into the second half and Steve Clarke introduced Ben Doak with 20 minutes left. He sent Ralston into the box who played the ball back to McTominay who equalised.
There was another twist in the story when Grant Hanley committed a foul on Zalewski in the penalty area in injury time. The Polish striker converted the penalty and Scotland suffered an undeserved defeat.
Relive the updates and reactions from the Nations League below:
Scotland loses Nations League second leg on penalties
Scotland’s first encounter with top-level Nations League football ended in despair when Nicola Zalewski’s injury-time penalty gave Poland an undeserved 3-2 win at Hampden Park.
A long-range shot from Sebastian Szymanski gave Michal Probierz’s guests the lead after just eight minutes in the opening match of Group I of League A.
Scott McTominay thought he had equalised in the 23rd minute, but referee Glenn Nyberg awarded the goal for handball. Things got even worse for the Tartan Army when Poland’s superstar striker Robert Lewandowski scored his 84th international goal from the penalty spot before half-time.
Michael Jones5 September 2024 22:47
FT Scotland – Poland 2:3
At 18 years and 299 days, Ben Doak is the youngest player to make his debut for Scotland since Kieran Tierney in March 2016.
Michael Jones5 September 2024 22:16
FT Scotland – Poland 2:3
Scotland are winless in their last five home internationals (two draws, three defeats), their longest such run since November 2008.
Michael Jones5 September 2024 22:10
FT Scotland – Poland 2:3
Former Scottish striker Steven Thompson on BBC Sportsound: “All three goals were avoidable. Two clear penalties, really very poor.”
“When it looked like we had the best foundation to win the game, we threw it all away.”
Michael Jones5 September 2024 22:05
FT Scotland – Poland 2:3
This is Poland’s first victory over Scotland in almost 45 years, since a 1-0 friendly win in May 1980.
Michael Jones5 September 2024 22:05
Final whistle! Scotland – Poland 2:3
90+8 mins: Scotland’s great comeback was all for naught after a bad mistake from Grant Hanley earned Poland a late penalty which was converted.
The visitors had all three shots on target and beat the hosts by a goal. A thrilling and entertaining game comes to an end, with Scotland leaving the match heartbroken.
Michael Jones5 September 2024 21:50
GOAL! Scotland – Poland 2:3 (Nicola Zalewski. 90+7′)
90+7 mins: Zalewski steps up to take the penalty. He slides it under Angus Gunn and Poland takes all three points!
Michael Jones5 September 2024 21:44
Scotland – Poland 2:2
Grant Hanley pounces on Nicola Zalewski’s dribble into the penalty area at the wrong moment. He takes the man down and the referee points to the penalty spot.
Michael Jones5 September 2024 21:43
Scotland – Poland 2:2
90+4 mins: Halfway through injury time, the intensity of the last few minutes has dropped dramatically. Poland is trying to control the game, Scotland is trying to win, but neither team can gain the upper hand.
Michael Jones5 September 2024 21:41
Scotland – Poland 2:2
90th minute: Eight minutes of stoppage time! Plenty of time for a winning goal.
Michael Jones5 September 2024 21:38
