Scotland 1 Slovakia 0: Martin Skrtel’s late own goal winner puts Scots on fringe of World Cup play-offs
MARTIN SKRTEL’S late own-goal winner put Scotland one win away from sealing a World Cup play-off spot.
Gordon Strachan’s men had dominated after Slovakia had Robert Mak was sent off for two bookings midway through the first period.
Scotland cannot contain their joy and relief after bagging their late winnerGetty Images - GettyMartin Skrtel slumps in despair after his late own goal gave Scotland victoryReuters
And just when the Scots’ pressure reached a crescendo ex-Liverpool defender Skrtel slid in to nudge the ball past his own keeper.
Now Scotland need to win in Slovenia on Sunday to seal second place in the group.
Christophe Berra had an early header pawed away for the Scots before Mak saw red.
They upped the pressure after that, totally dictating against the defensive visitors.
And in the last 15 minutes Leigh Griffifths thudded a free-kick off the bar and James Morrison was brilliantly foiled by Martin Dubravka.
Then Skrtel converted inadvertently under pressure from Chris Martin.
Gordon Strachan shows the frustration as Scotland struggled to make a breakthroughReutersRobert Mak is sent off for his second first-half yellow card – a ridiculous diveKeith Campbell - The Sun GlasgowRobert Mak flings himself to the floor next to Craig Gordon and was rightly sent off for his second and cheap yellow cardGetty Images - GettyJames Morrison fends off Slovakia star Marek Hamsik as Scotland get on topGetty Images - GettyJames Forrest eludes Tomas Hubocan in the World Cup qualifier at Hampden ParkGetty Images - GettyStanislav Lobotka tries to shake off James Morrison as the visitors try to cling onGetty Images - GettyScotland midfielder Barry Bannan beats Juraj Kucka to the ball in a congested midfieldReuters
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