Scotland’s challenging 2024 continued in devastating fashion as they suffered a late 3-2 defeat to Poland at Hampden Park in the UEFA Nations League. A stoppage-time penalty shattered a spirited second-half comeback by Steve Clarke’s side, leaving the Scots still searching for momentum in what has been a year of disappointment.
Despite second-half goals from Billy Gilmour and Scott McTominay that revived Scottish hopes, Poland emerged victorious thanks to a dramatic 97th-minute penalty from Nicola Zalewski. The loss leaves Scotland with just one win in 13 matches this year and five defeats, as they now face a daunting trip to Portugal.
Poland Strikes First: Szymanski’s Long-Range Opener
The match began with Scotland on the back foot as Poland dominated possession early on. Steve Clarke’s men, desperate to turn their fortunes around after a miserable showing at Euro 2024, struggled to get a foothold in the first half. Poland took advantage of Scotland’s slow start, with Sebastian Szymanski opening the scoring in the 23rd minute. The midfielder unleashed a powerful strike from long range that flew past Scottish goalkeeper Angus Gunn, giving the visitors a 1-0 lead.
Szymanski’s goal only added to the growing frustration at Hampden Park, with the home crowd sensing another defeat was looming. Scotland’s defense looked vulnerable, particularly when dealing with Poland’s quick transitions. However, despite their early struggles, the Scots began to find their rhythm toward the end of the half, though they couldn’t create any clear-cut chances to equalize before the break.
Lewandowski’s Penalty and Scotland’s Response
Shortly after the restart, things went from bad to worse for Scotland as Poland doubled their lead through Robert Lewandowski. The Polish captain, one of the world’s most clinical strikers, coolly converted a penalty in the 54th minute after Nicola Zalewski was brought down in the box by a mistimed challenge from Ryan Porteous. Lewandowski’s expertly taken spot-kick seemed to spell doom for Scotland, who now faced a two-goal deficit against a disciplined Polish side.
However, Scotland’s response was immediate and filled with determination. Just minutes after conceding the second goal, Billy Gilmour sparked hope for the home side. The young midfielder latched onto a loose ball inside the box and drilled a low shot past Polish goalkeeper Wojciech Szczęsny in the 61st minute, halving Poland’s lead and igniting the Hampden crowd.
Buoyed by Gilmour’s goal, Scotland pushed forward with renewed energy. Their pressure finally paid off in the 74th minute when Scott McTominay, who had been a driving force in midfield, rose highest to meet a cross from Andrew Robertson and powered a header into the net. Scotland’s equalizer sent the stadium into a frenzy, with belief growing that a remarkable comeback was on the cards.
Hanley’s Late Foul and Zalewski’s Stoppage-Time Winner
With the score level at 2-2, Scotland continued to press for a winner, their momentum carrying them forward into Poland’s half. However, as Clarke’s side pushed for the decisive goal, their defensive discipline wavered. In the dying moments of the match, Grant Hanley made a rash challenge on Zalewski inside the penalty area. The referee had no hesitation in pointing to the spot for a second time.
Zalewski, who had won the earlier penalty, stepped up with nerves of steel in the 97th minute and calmly slotted the ball past Gunn, restoring Poland’s lead in the most dramatic fashion. Scotland’s players were left shell-shocked as the final whistle blew moments later, confirming a heartbreaking 3-2 defeat.
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