Scotland manager Steve Clarke has warned his players not to rest on their laurels ahead of the second leg of their Nations League relegation playoff, despite earning a heroic 1-0 victory in Greece.
A contentious Scott McTominay penalty was nevertheless a just reward for an impressive first half display from the Scots, but the Greeks showed their teeth as they completely dominated the second period, going close to levelling the game on several occasions.
That was more than enough to serve a reminder to Clarke that Greece have more than enough about them to turn this tie on its head at Hampden on Sunday night, and he hopes his players have also heeded that warning.
“We knew we were coming to play a good side, we knew it was going to be a tough game,” Clarke said.
“I thought first half, we were really good. A lot of good play with the ball, created some really good chances. Could have been at least two in front half-time. If I'm greedy I could probably say three.
“But went in at half-time, 1-0 in front. We knew Greece would come at us a little bit second half. They did. And after they did, we didn't quite manage to regain our rhythm.
“So, we had to show a different side to our game, different side to our character. Brave defending, good defending. But maybe we should have been a little bit braver on the ball and tried to dictate the game a little bit more second half if I’m being a little bit picky.
“I think from the first half obviously we get the 1-0 in front. From the second half we know that the game at Hampden is going to be difficult because Greece are a good side.
“Their away record in the group stage of the Nations League is a win in Ireland, a win in Finland and a win against England at Wembley.
“So, we know it's going to be a tough game. This game is not dead yet. No way.”
Clarke praised his defence in particular after the back four or Anthony Ralston, John Souttar, Grant Hanley and Andy Robertson earned their third clean sheet in four matches, with the only goal they have conceded in that period a long-range wonder-strike in the 2-1 win over Poland in Warsaw.
“It was good,” he said.
“Two of the defenders don't play regularly at their club either, which is a big credit to them and how they prepared themselves, Tony Ralston and Grant Hanley. Going there, doing a great job. In front of them we were solid in midfield.
“We worked hard but we just dropped a little bit too deep. You defend as a team. We were under a lot of pressure second half. A lot of situations, corners, free kicks. We defended them really well. And when you strip back the figures, there's only one shot on target [for Greece].
“So, it wasn't like Craig (Gordon) was making save after save after save. But we did feel a little bit under pressure second half.”
