Scotland v Poland LIVE: Nations League result and reaction after late penalty drama

(AFP via Getty Images)

Scotland started their Nations League campaign with a thrilling contest against Poland at Hampden Park which resulted in a 2-3 loss for the home side.

The hosts were the better side in the first half but suffered an early surprise after Sebastian Szymanski rattled in a shot from 20 yards, beating Angus Gunn to his left and bouncing the ball into the net off the inside of the post.

Scott McTominay thought he had an equaliser only for his goal to get ruled out for a handball in the build-up but Scotland were on top. Yet it was another shock to the system when Anthony Ralston brought Nicola Zalewski down in the area and Robert Lewandowski converted the penalty to send the visitors into the break two goals to the good.

But the hosts weren’t beaten yet. Billy Gilmour pulled a goal back 23 seconds into the second half and Steve Clarke introduced Ben Doak with 20 minutes to go. He slipped Ralston into the box who pulled the ball back to McTominay for the equaliser.

There was still a twist in the tale as Grant Hanley fouled Zalewski inside the box in added time. The Polish forward converted the spot kick and Scotland suffered an undeserved defeat.

Relive the updates and reaction from the Nations League below:

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Late penalty drama inflicts defeat on Scotland in Nations League return

Scotland‘s first encounter with top-tier Nations League football ended in despair as Nicola Zalewski’s penalty in added time handed Poland an undeserved 3-2 win at Hampden Park.

Sebastian Szymanski’s long-distance strike gave Michal Probierz’s visitors the lead after only eight minutes of the League A Group I opener.

Scott McTominay thought he had levelled in the 23rd minute but referee Glenn Nyberg chalked it off for handball and there was more dismay for the Tartan Army when Poland’s superstar striker Robert Lewandowski netted a penalty to make it 2-0 before the break for his 84th international goal.

Mike Jones5 September 2024 22:47

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FT Scotland 2-3 Poland

At 18 years and 299 days, Ben Doak is the youngest player to make their debut for Scotland since Kieran Tierney in March 2016.

Mike Jones5 September 2024 22:16

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FT Scotland 2-3 Poland

Scotland are without a win in their last five internationals at home, (drawing two and losing three), their longest such run since November 2008.

Mike Jones5 September 2024 22:10

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FT Scotland 2-3 Poland

Former Scotland striker, Steven Thompson, on BBC Sportsound: “All three goals avoidable. Two definite penalty kicks, really really poor.

“When it looked like we’d given ourselves the best platform to win the game but we’ve thrown it all away.”

Mike Jones5 September 2024 22:05

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FT Scotland 2-3 Poland

That’s Poland’s first win over Scotland in nearly 45 years since a 1-0 friendly win in May 1980.

Mike Jones5 September 2024 22:05

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Full-time! Scotland 2-3 Poland

90+8 mins: Scotland’s great comeback is all for nothing after a loose mistake from Grant Hanley afforded Poland a late penalty which was converted.

The visitors have scored all three of their shots on target and they’ve beaten the hosts by one goal. A thrilling and entertaining match comes to an end with Scotland leaving heartbroken.

Mike Jones5 September 2024 21:50

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GOAL! Scotland 2-3 Poland (Nicola Zalewski. 90+7’)

90+7 mins: Zalewski steps up to take the spot kick. He nestles it underneath Angus Gunn and Poland take all three points!

Mike Jones5 September 2024 21:44

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Scotland 2-2 Poland

Grant Hanley dives in at the wrong moment as Nicola Zalewski dribbles into the box. He takes the man and the referee points to the spot.

Mike Jones5 September 2024 21:43

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Scotland 2-2 Poland

90+4 mins: Halfway through added time now and the intensity of the last few minutes has dipped massively. Poland trying to manage the game, Scotland trying to win, neither team getting on top.

Mike Jones5 September 2024 21:41

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