Scotland Overcome Greece to Strengthen World Cup Qualification Bid

Scotland intensified their World Cup qualification campaign after Lewis Ferguson netted his debut international goal, securing a crucial 3-1 victory over Greece at Hampden Park on Thursday.

Steve Clarke's team fell behind following Kostas Tsimikas' strike in the 62nd minute at Hampden Park.

However, Ryan Christie equalised within two minutes, with Ferguson scoring his first international goal on his 19th appearance ten minutes before the final whistle.

Substitute Lyndon Dykes sealed the comeback during added time, leaving Scotland, positioned second in Group C, level on points with leaders Denmark and four points clear of Greece.

Seeking their first World Cup participation since 1998, Scotland will face Belarus in their upcoming match on Sunday.

Once they scored, the pressure eased slightly, allowing us to conclude the match strongly, Clarke remarked.

Football demands full commitment over ninety minutes; securing a positive outcome is essential. While a 3-1 scoreline might appear generous, our performance warranted the victory.

This victory grants us three points and brings us nearer to our objectives.

Having defeated Scotland 3-0 at Hampden Park in March during the Nations League play-offs, Greece began confidently upon their return to Glasgow.

Vangelis Pavlidis missed an early opportunity to give Greece the lead following a fluid attacking move, with his attempt going astray.

Scotland struggled with cohesion in possession, frequently resorting to long balls towards the lone Che Adams amid Greece's pressing.

Pavlidis and Giorgos Masouras both fired wide as Greece pursued a breakthrough, which eventually came through another precise attack.

Grant Hanley blocked the initial effort, but the rebound allowed Roma defender Tsimikas to slot the ball into the net.

Scotland reacted swiftly when Anthony Ralston's lofted pass into the box was headed on by Hanley, enabling Bournemouth's Christie to score with a first-time strike.

A lengthy VAR review confirmed Hanley was marginally onside when delivering the assist.

Scotland escaped a major scare when substitute Giannis Konstantelias sent a header wide.

However, Clarke's side gained momentum, with Adams' shot deflecting wide following Gilmour's free-kick delivery.

Ten minutes from time, Scotland took the lead after Andy Robertson's long-range free-kick disrupted Greece's defensive organisation.

John Souttar's initial attempt was blocked, but Ferguson was there to smash the ball into the top corner at close range.

Angus Gunn made a remarkable save, tipping Konstantinos Karetsas' curling shot over the crossbar.

Scotland capitalised on this reprieve to secure the win in the closing moments.

Greece's goalkeeper Kostas Tzolakis inadvertently directed the ball towards Dykes while attempting to stop a headed clearance from going out for a corner, allowing the Birmingham forward to slot it into the unguarded net.