FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 Qualifiers
Scotland 1-0 Moldova
Saturday, 4 September 2021, kick-off 7.45pm
Hampden Park, Glasgow

Scorers
Scotland: Lyndon Dykes (13)

The Hampden Roar was in full voice tonight as Scotland defeated Moldova 1-0 at Hampden ahead of Tuesday's crucial World Cup qualifying match against Austria.

The group remains poised on a knife-edge following Israel's shock win over the Austrians and Denmark's last minute victory over Faroe Islands.

Team news

Steve Clarke made six changes to the side that were beaten by Denmark in midweek. John McGinn, Kevin Nisbet and Nathan Patterson were all included in the starting line-up after missing out against the Danes – with Nisbet and Patterson making their first start for Scotland. Stephen O’Donnell, who also missed out on Wednesday, was back on the bench this evening. 

Captain Andy Robertson took his place in the Scotland Roll of Honour by winning his 50th cap, while Kieran Tierney won his 25th.

Moldova captain Igor Armas was back in their starting line-up after missing their last game through suspension.

As it happened

John McGinn demonstrated his strengths with some early surging runs into the final third starting Scotland off on the front foot. The first big chance fell the home side's way after some neat link up play between Nisbet and Robertson, whose shot from inside the area was blocked by Bolohan.

Scotland made their early pressure count after a clever interception from Nathan Patterson. A driving run and a one-two with Kevin Nisbet allowed Patterson room in the box. His guided effort was smartly saved by Avram but Lyndon Dykes was on hand to turn home the rebound from close range.

Tierney came close to doubling Scotland’s lead after 25 minutes with his downwards header which was turned over the bar by Avram. Gilmour and Robertson also had chances to make it two for the Scots, but their efforts never truly tested the Moldovan goalkeeper.

The last chance of the half fell to Moldova, in which Jack Hendry blocked Potirniche from diverting a header goalward. Scotland remained in full control throughout the half but lacked any real conviction to increase their advantage.

A slow start to the second half for Scotland resulted in few clear-cut opportunities. Hanley’s towering header from Gilmour’s corner flew over the bar before Nisbet’s powerful drive from range was hit straight into the path of Avram.

Billy Gilmour came close to scoring his first Scotland goal on the hour mark after snatching a loose ball in midfield. A slick interchange with Nisbet left the Norwich playmaker with the goal at his mercy but his effort was curled wide of the post. 

Che Adams was introduced to shake up the Scotland attack. His strong hold up play created space for Tierney down the left flank, but his drilled cross evaded all those in a Scotland shirt.

Ryan Christie also found himself in a goal scoring position after a smart touch opened up space in the box – but his effort was hit high and over the bar.

Next Up

Steve Clarke’s men will round off their triple header of World Cup Qualifiers with a massive game against Austria on Tuesday evening, as third take on fourth in Group F.

Scotland's next home match is against Israel on Saturday, 9 October, kick-off 5pm.

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Teams

Scotland: Gordon (GK), Robertson (c) (Cooper 72’), Gilmour (McLean 72’), Hanley, Tierney, McGinn (McGregor 64’), Dykes (Turnbull 84’), Christie, Hendry, Nisbet (Adams 64’), Patterson.

Unused substitutes: Kelly (GK), Clark (GK), O’Donnell, McKenna, Gallagher, Ferguson, Fraser.

Moldova: Avram (GK), Potirniche, Bolohan, Armas (c), Jardan, Platica, Rata, Ionita (Clescenco 90’), Reabciuk, Ghecev (Dros 45’), Ginsari.

Unused substitutes: Bogaciuc, Agachi, Marandici, Belousov, Dumbravanu, Namasco, Milinceanu, Antoniuc, Revenco, Spataru.