A stoppage-time header from Andy Robertson seals Scotland’s victory over Poland, keeping their Nations League dreams alive and sending them into the playoffs.

Scotland’s Nations League hopes were hanging by a thread until Andy Robertson’s last-gasp header in Warsaw injected fresh life into Steve Clarke’s team. With the clock ticking down in stoppage time, Robertson met John Souttar’s pinpoint cross with a bullet header that left Poland’s goalkeeper, Lukasz Skorupski, helpless. The dramatic moment not only secured a 1-0 win for Scotland but also guaranteed them a place in the playoff, keeping alive their hopes of remaining in the top tier of the Nations League.

The importance of the win was immediately apparent, with jubilant celebrations among the players and supporters. The victory meant Scotland avoided finishing bottom of Group A1, a position that seemed inevitable after their rocky start to the campaign. Clarke, visibly emotional after the match, reflected on the significance of the result. “We want to go to another tournament,” he said. “The playoff in March to stay at the highest level of the Nations League will set us up for a tough World Cup qualifying campaign. We are ready for it.”

Scotland’s journey to this dramatic conclusion had been far from smooth. After three games without a point, the team had only seven heading into their final fixture. Prior to the match, Clarke was under pressure following a disappointing Euro 2024 campaign, and Scotland’s chances of advancing seemed slim. However, the outcome in Warsaw proved to be a defining moment for both the manager and his players.

The match also had a personal significance for Robertson. Not only was it his 80th cap for Scotland, but it was also the site of his debut, making his stoppage-time header all the more poetic. Clarke, reflecting on his time in charge, called it “another step on the journey” and a testament to the team’s growth over his five-and-a-half years as manager.

Before the heroics of Robertson, Scotland had started the match with great attacking intent. Teenager Ben Doak, who had become a key player after his standout performance against Croatia, created the opening goal with a moment of brilliance. A precise pass from Billy Gilmour found Doak, who quickly laid the ball off for John McGinn. The Aston Villa midfielder slotted home confidently from 18 yards, notching his 20th international goal. For context, McGinn’s tally puts him ahead of Scottish football legends like Ally McCoist and within touching distance of icons Denis Law and Kenny Dalglish.

Scotland continued to play with confidence, pressing Poland and creating a number of chances. Poland, still reeling from their 5-1 loss to Portugal, struggled to contain the Scots in the opening stages. Karol Swiderski wasted a good opportunity when his shot flew wide following a Robertson error, and Scotland’s Craig Gordon was forced into action, denying Swiderski again with a crucial save. As the first half wore on, the Scots continued to press, with McTominay hitting the post and Robertson’s shot deflected wide. Despite the dominance, Scotland couldn’t add a second, leaving the scoreline tantalisingly close at 1-0 at the break.

The second half was no less frenetic, with both teams pushing for more goals. Poland’s Jakub Kaminski looked certain to score early in the second period, but Souttar was on hand to clear the ball off the line, preserving Scotland’s slender advantage. The match was a chaotic, end-to-end affair, with 20 attempts at goal by the 51st minute. McTominay, a constant threat in the Polish defence, saw a shot fly wide as Scotland’s early momentum began to wane.

However, with Poland pressing for an equaliser, it was clear that one goal might not be enough to secure the points for Scotland. The tension grew, but just when it seemed like Scotland might have to settle for a draw, Robertson’s last-minute heroics turned the tide. A brilliant cross from Souttar found the Liverpool defender, whose header sent the ball crashing past Skorupski and into the net.

The result was a massive boost for Clarke and his squad, who had been under significant pressure. The dramatic late goal not only ensured Scotland’s place in the playoffs but also prevented Poland from relegating them to the second tier. Poland, having lost out on qualification for the final, now face an uncertain future, with coach Michal Probierz’s job potentially on the line.

For Clarke, the win was vindication for his management, and for Robertson, it was a moment of personal triumph. With the Nations League playoffs looming in March, Scotland now have the chance to secure their place among Europe’s elite for the next round of competitions, setting them up for what promises to be a challenging World Cup qualifying campaign.