Greece’s national team faced disappointment despite a spirited second-half performance against Scotland in Piraeus during the UEFA Nations League playoffs.
Despite a capacity crowd at the Georgios Karaiskakis Stadium, Greece fell 1-0 to Scotland, who proved to be more threatening in the first half.
Scotland took the lead thanks to a debatable penalty before VAR rescued them in a second half that Greece dominated, with the hosts denied an equalizer and a late penalty by the technology.
The Scots earned a penalty in the 31st minute under controversial circumstances. McTominay went down under Lazaros Rota’s challenge in the box, with referee Tobias Stieler pointing to the spot.
As VAR checked the call, one replay showed the Scotland midfielder being brought down, but another showed McTominay initiate the contact first. The penalty was awarded and was converted by Scott McTominay shortly after.
Throughout the first half, Scotland continued to press, nearly scoring again just before the break with a close shot from Che Adams. Greece had their chances too, including a promising free-kick from Kostas Tsimikas that narrowly missed.
Greece dominates second-half against Scotland
Greece came out in the second half flying, with highly-rated teenage substitute Konstantinos Karetsas leading the charge. Christos Tzolis had a leveler ruled out after the ball had gone out of play before the cross came in to set him up during a period that saw the hosts have seven shots in 15 minutes.
Greece’s eighth shot of the second period was a major let-off for Scotland, as Tzolis somehow put a close-range effort onto the post with the goal gaping. Replays showed Anthony Ralston got a touch on the ball to put the Greece forward off.
There was late VAR drama to come as Taxiarchis Fountas was brought down by Grant Hanley and referee Stieler pointed to the spot. But the penalty was downgraded to a free-kick as the contact from the Scotland defender was outside the area.
Despite Greece’s renewed vigor, Scotland held on defensively, capitalizing on Greece’s preference for high crosses rather than grounded play. Looking ahead to the return leg in Scotland on Sunday, Greece will aim to replicate their second-half performance, confident they can overturn the deficit and secure a crucial win.
Adding to the stakes, Greece and Scotland are also set to face off in the same World Cup qualifying group, ensuring future encounters between these determined teams.