Clarke laments costly errors as Scotland lose late to Poland.

Scotland’s spirited performance in their Nations League opening was cut short by a stoppage-time penalty, resulting in an excruciating late defeat to Poland.

Steve Clarke’s team was anxious to make up after a dismal Euro 2024 performance as they returned to action for the first time.
However, Poland took an early lead through Sebastian Szymanski, with Robert Lewandowski doubling their lead after Scott McTominay’s equaliser was disallowed for handball.

After the break, the hosts recovered and Billy Gilmour scored, but McTominay levelled the match minutes later, after Ben Doak and Ryan Gauld made their international debut.

However, Grant Hanley’s late challenge resulted in Nicola Zalewski scoring Poland’s second penalty in the 97th minute, leaving Clarke’s side winless in five games.
Scotland now travels to Lisbon to face Portugal on Sunday, while Poland is away in Croatia.

Scots woes continue

The hosts got off to a good start, with McTominay delivering a promising ball into the box for Dykes just two minutes in, but the Birmingham striker was unable to convert.

Poland took the lead six minutes later when Kenny McLean gave the ball away, allowing Szymanski to rush forward and score with a low drive from 25 yards that hit the inside of the post.
Scotland attempted an instant comeback, but Robertson missed a free kick before McTominay blasted Ryan Christie’s ball high over the bar.

McTominay then felt he had equalised when he bundled the ball in after Marcin Bulka saved his header, but VAR ruled it out due to a handball.

The hosts continued to dominate. Christie’s attempt went inches wide, and McTominay’s low cross was cleared before any onrushing striker could tap in.

Dykes then met Christie’s cross at the back post, but could only direct it into the side netting.

Ralston’s poor challenge allowed Poland to double their lead from the penalty spot before halftime.

The Celtic defender hauled down Nicola Zalewski in the box, and Lewandowski took no chances, sending Angus Gunn the wrong way to make it 84 international goals.

Scotland reacted, and Gilmour equalised shortly after the restart, blasting a low shot through a sea of bodies after Dykes’ effort was cleared.
The Tartan Army found its voice, and there was relief when Szymanski’s curling attempt went past the post, before Scotland threatened again, with Bulka denying McTominay.

Dykes had another chance before being substituted as Steve Clarke made substitutions. Doak and Gauld made their debuts, as did Hearts’ attacker Lawrence Shankland.

And Doak had an immediate impact by pushing into the box and finding Ralston, who sent the ball back to McTominay for a side-footed goal.

But the Tartan Army’s shouts turned to tears deep into stoppage time when Hanley knocked down Zalewski in the box.

The Roma player made no mistakes as he led Poland to victory, leaving Scotland with only one win in 13.

Clarke looks at positives despite costly errors

Scotland manager Steve Clarke stated, “If you make mistakes at this level, you will be punished, and we were brutally punished for our mistakes in the game.

“I suppose if I examine the performance, I have to be happy, which is a minor consolation for a head coach.

“We knew the system Poland would utilise would cause us one or two problems that we would not ordinarily encounter, but I believe we handled it successfully. The team shape was good, and the players’ attitude and enthusiasm were excellent, yet making little mistakes at this level results in punishment.

“I believe they [Ryan Gauld and Ben Doak] added vitality to the game at a time when it was opening up. I believed all of the substitutions had a positive impact.

“We’ve got to keep working hard; it’s the only thing we can do, and ask a little bit more of the players to avoid such mistakes. Hopefully, as we move forward, this will be the case.

If you just look at the scoreboard, it’s negative, which is sad for everyone. If we look at the performance objectively, there are many positive aspects that we can build upon.

“Obviously, there are some things we need to remove from our performance, and that is what we need to focus on.

“I just feel disappointed for the players because I felt their efforts deserved at least a point out the game.”

 

 

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