UEFA Nations League 2024-25: Scotland rescues Nations League relegation playoff with late Poland win

It was John McGinn who put Scotland in front after three minutes before Poland’s Kamil Piatkowski levelled just before the hour.

Scotland’s Andrew Robertson celebrates scoring their second goal with John McGinn and John Souttar. | Photo Credit: REUTERS

A last-gasp goal by Andy Robertson gave Scotland a 2-1 away win over Poland in a pulsating Nations League Group A1 clash on Monday, a result that saw the Scots enter a relegation playoff while the Poles are relegated to the second-tier League B.

John McGinn put Scotland in front after three minutes before Poland’s Kamil Piatkowski levelled just before the hour. Robertson sealed the victory in stoppage time with a header that bounced in off the inside of the post.

Scotland, playing in the competition’s top tier for the first time, finished third on seven points, three above last-placed Poland, which has never dropped out of League A since the competition was launched in 2018.

Portugal, which clinched top spot and a place in the quarterfinals last week, has 14 points while Croatia, which is second with eight points, sealed a last-eight berth with a 1-1 home draw against the Portuguese in its final game also on Monday.

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Scotland finds out its next opponent in Friday’s draw, with a two-legged League A/B playoff tie on March 20 and 23.

The Scots got off to a flying start when McGinn, who had secured a late victory against Croatia last time out, gave them an early lead with a low strike inside the left corner.

Ben Doak received the ball on the edge of the area and teed up the midfielder, who struck the ball calmly first time.

Poland reacted instantly and Piatkowski forced Scotland goalkeeper Craig Gordon into a diving save to deny him from distance before Karol Swiderski only found the side netting.

With Swiderski and Adam Buksa up front for the host in the absence of its injured all-time top scorer Robert Lewandowski, Poland intensified its efforts and Swiderski had another chance but was denied by Gordon minutes later.

The opportunities kept coming for both sides and Billy Gilmour and Scott McTominay should have doubled the lead for Scotland before the break but hit the woodwork.

Poland equalised in the 59th minute through Piatkowski after Piotr Zielinski teed up the defender who cut across the ball to fire into the far top corner for his first international goal.

Poland keeper Lukasz Skorupski stretched to keep out Lyndon Dykes’ header six minutes later, but just when the host thought it had preserved its top-tier status, Robertson connected with John Souttar’s cross and gave Skorupski no chance.