Scotland boss Steve Clarke breathed a huge sigh of relief last night after his team escaped from Athens with their World Cup dreams still intact.
On a night of stunning drama, Clarke’s side almost fought back from 3-0 down to claim the point they craved in Piraeus.
Yet, despite falling to defeat, they emerged unscathed after Denmark could only labour to a 2-2 draw against Belarus in Copenhagen.
It now tees up the prospect of a blockbuster winner-takes-all clash between Scotland and Denmark at Hampden on Tuesday night.
‘It was a crazy game and a crazy night,’ said Clarke. ‘It was probably very entertaining for people to watch.
‘I am disappointed with the result and with the way we started the game. We started too slowly and that’s something we need to look at.
Clarke was disappointed by the slow start his side made against Greece
Craig Gordon is left disappointed after letting Tzolis’ strike find the net for 3-0
‘We got a lucky break, Belarus got a result in Denmark and that gives us everything to play for on Tuesday.
‘I think it proves that the last game against Belarus at Hampden when we got booed off the pitch, maybe the three points were better than people thought. It’s nice that they’ve done us a favour.
‘But this group of players are a credit to themselves and their country because they didn’t give up. They got the goal back, got it back to 3-2 and had chances to get the equaliser.
‘At that point, the only team that looked like scoring was us. The Greece goalkeeper had to make a couple of top saves, especially the one to keep out Scott McTominay.
‘I’m pleased that the players have still got the opportunity to go directly to the World Cup on Tuesday night. They deserve to have that chance at Hampden.
‘Although we lost the game, we’re probably finishing in a good moment with good momentum in the game. It’s important we can carry that into Tuesday night.’
Scotland started the match poorly and lost the opening goal after only seven minutes. They eventually roused themselves and had a burst of good chances either side of half-time.
But they were wasteful and it looked like Clarke’s side were dead and buried when the Greeks went 3-0 up just after the hour.
Ben Gannon-Doak scored his first Scotland goal to spark the fightback, with Ryan Christie then heading a second.
Scotland fell just short in the end, but there were scenes of wild celebration at the end when the Tartan Army realised it was full-time in Copenhagen.
Che Adams could only find the sit netting as Scotland desperately hunted for a goal
Ryan Christie celebrates after bringing Scotland to within one goal of the hosts
Asked if he was surprised by how poorly his team started the match, Clarke said: ‘Yeah, a little but. It was long balls over the top which seemed to be causing us issues.
‘That is very unlike us. Hopefully that’s just a one-off tonight because it’s not normally an area where we struggle.
‘But Greece are a good side, very dangerous. We knew they would put us under pressure at times.
‘We have had some huge games during my time in charge and I’m sure Tuesday will be right up there as well.’
Meanwhile, Scotland captain Andy Robertson admitted that the team’s defensive display was nowhere near good enough.
‘We cannot concede three goals, that’s hugely disappointing,’ said the Scotland and Liverpool left-back.
Scott McTominay sees his effort saved, having earlier struck the bar
‘We had eight or nine really big chances so we got the attacking bit right tonight, but we didn’t get the defensive stuff right.
‘But it is winner takes all on Tuesday, that’s all we could ask for. People were writing us off from the start of the group now we’ve got a shoot-out to win the group and it’s all to play for on Tuesday.’
Goalscorer Christie added: ‘I think looking at the second half, attacking-wise, it’s the best we’ve played in the last 18 months. We know we’ve shut down Denmark before and hopefully we can do it again.
‘I’m disappointed to lose the game. It was a strange game, especially in the second half. I think in the second half the game could’ve finished six each, both goalies had great games.
‘It’s a strange mix of emotions. We’re gutted because we wanted to come here and either win or draw. On the flip side of that, the other result gives us a chance on Tuesday night which we all wanted.’
