FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 Qualifiers
Austria 0-1 Scotland
Tuesday, 7 September 2021, kick-off 7.45pm
Ernst-Happel-Stadion, Vienna

Scorers
Scotland: Lyndon Dykes (Penalty, 28)

Scotland has recorded a famous victory over Austria in Vienna to hot up qualification for the World Cup next year.

Lyndon Dykes’ 28th minute penalty following a VAR decision was enough to secure all three points for the Scots in what was a feisty affair. The result means Scotland’s destiny is in their own hands going into another round of qualifying fixtures next month.

Team news

Steve Clarke made three changes to the side that defeated Moldova on Saturday evening. Stephen O’Donnell started in place of the injured Nathan Patterson, while Ryan Christie and Che Adams came in for Callum McGregor and Kevin Nisbet.

Paul McGinn was a late call up to the side and was named on the bench.

Austrian heavyweights David Alaba and Marko Arnautovic both featured in the starting 11, with Barcelona youngster Yusuf Demir named on the bench.

As it happened

Austria came out of the traps quickly with multiple chances in the opening few minutes. David Alaba was the first to test the Scotland backline with a driving run through the box, but his shot was blocked by Hanley.

Moments later, Hanley’s defensive header found its way to Arnautovic on the edge of the area, but his shot was high and wide of the target.

Scotland’s first chance of the match came after 9 minutes, with John McGinn’s standing up a cross for Lyndon Dykes, but his downward header was smartly saved by Bachmann.

A hectic opening 25 minutes saw both teams aiming for what would be a crucial goal. Stephen O’Donnell made good progress down the right flank on numerous occasions, but his final ball was dealt with by the Austrian defence. Austria forward Baumgartner also had a chance, cutting into the Scotland box on his right foot, but his curling effort flew wide of Gordon’s goal.

Che Adams looked to get a shot away from inside the area but was closed down by Hinteregger who looked to have a hold of the Scotland striker’s shirt. After a VAR intervention and a check of the monitor, the referee awarded a penalty, which Lyndon Dykes smashed home straight down the middle. Bachmann looked to have got there, but the power from Dykes was enough to see the ball bounce underneath the Austrian goalkeeper.

 

Scotland survived a late flurry of pressure at the end of the half which saw Austria claiming for a penalty after a challenge by O’Donnell. The right back was then on hand to make a crucial last-ditch block to deny Laimer from inside the area.

Austria again started the half quickly, with Alaba and Ilsanker both testing the Scotland backline with crosses into the box. Austria were claiming for another penalty after a coming together between Hanley and Hinteregger, however a VAR check concluded there was no foul.

Scotland were certainly trying for a second and they were close to scoring it through Stephen O'Donnell. The Scotland full-back took the ball in his stride and fired a low shot towards goal, but Bachmann was equal to it.

With 11 minutes left on the clock, Craig Gordon pulled off a fantastic save to deny Baumgartner’s header before John McGinn was able to boot the ball clear. Scotland hit on the counter with Adams trying his luck, but his low drive was wide of the target.

The last chance of the match fell Austria’s way after an unfortunate hand ball by Lewis Ferguson presented the hosts with a free-kick just on the edge of the area. David Alaba stepped up but sent his effort just over the cross bar.

Next Up

Steve Clarke’s side are back in action with a double header of World Cup Qualifiers next month. Scotland will take on Israel at Hampden Park on 9 October (5pm kick off), before traveling to face the Faroe Islands on 12 October.

Buy Scotland v Israel tickets now

Teams

Austria: Bachmann (GK), Trimmel, Dragovic, Hinteregger, Alaba (c), Laimer (Kara 87’), Grillitsch (Ulmer 76’), Ilsanker (Gregoritsch 55’), Schaub (Demir 76’), Baumgartner, Arnautovic.

Unused substitutes: Mwene, Lindner, Schlager, Posch, Lienhart, Kainz, Schöpf, Ljubicic.

Scotland: Gordon (GK), O’Donnell (P. McGinn 77’), Robertson (c), Gilmour (Ferguson 87’), Hanley, Tierney, J. McGinn, McGregor, Dykes (Christie 71’), Adams (Nisbet 87’), Hendry.

Unused substitutes: Kelly (GK), Clark (GK), McKenna, Gallagher, Cooper, Turnbull.