Greece 0-1 Scotland PLAYER RATINGS: Who was the match-winner? Which striker nearly joined him on the scoresheet? And who frustrated the hosts with his trademark blocks?

Scott McTominay scored a first-half penalty to give Scotland a priceless advantage in their Nations League playoff against Greece. 

The Napoli midfielder drew the foul that earned the visiting side their spot-kick and calmly slotted it past the goalkeeper.

Scotland had to defend for their lives after the interval, but they resisted sustained Greek pressure to claim their third clean sheet in four games.

Needing an aggregate victory to stay in the top tier of the Nations League, it sets Scotland up perfectly for the second leg in Glasgow on Sunday.  

Steve Clarke will be delighted with the control his team had of the first half and the discipline with which they defended after the interval. Paul Forsyth runs the rule over the performances in Piraeus. 

Scotland goalkeeper Craig Gordon commands his area as the pressure mounts in Piraeus

Scotland’s players acknowledge the supporters after their hard-fought win over Greece

    
Craig Gordon – 6

Had almost nothing to do in the first half. Commanded his area when serious pressure mounted. No significant saves to make.

Anthony Ralston 7.5

Dealt so well with everything thrown at him. Covered, headed and did enough to put off Tzolis when he hit the woodwork.

John Souttar 8

Strolled through the first half. Put his body on the line with those trademark blocks when Greece upped their game.

Grant Hanley 7.5

Moment of hesitation early on. Otherwise strong and focused. His late foul led to a penalty that was overturned.

Andy Robertson 6

Got forward well until the introduction of young Karetsas, whose box of tricks gave him plenty to think about.

Billy Gilmour 7

Orchestrated the first half like a quarterback. Might have won a penalty when he was pushed. Had to defend well later.

Kenny McLean 6.5

Kept things ticking over as Scotland sought to swamp the midfield. Smart and tidy before the interval, tired after it.

John McGinn 7

Strong and busy, coming in off the right. Interchanged nicely with McTominay. Teed up chances for team-mates.

Scott McTominay 7

Sensed opportunity with his well-timed first-half runs. Drew the foul for the penalty and stepped up to convert it.

Lewis Ferguson 6.5

A big, competitive presence playing off the left, although his influence waned. Unlucky to be booked for a foul on Rota.

Che Adams 6.5

Hard-working and alert. Pulled one shot wide and snatched at another. Saw much less of the ball as the game went on.

SUBSTITUTES: Hirst (Adams 75), Tierney (McLean 75), Porteous (Ralston 89), Johnston (Gilmour 90).

Steve Clarke – 7

A big call to leave out Tierney, but his decision to flood the midfield worked a treat and his team defended brilliantly later.

GREECE (4-2-3-1): Tzolakis 6; Rota 6, Mavropanos 6, Koulierakis 6, Tsimikas 7; Siopis 6, Mantalos 6 (Pelkas 72); Masouras 4 (Karetsas 46), Konstantelias 6 (Pavlidis 72), Tzolis 6 (Zafeiras 71, 4); Ioannidis 6 (Fountas 80).

REFEREE: Tobias Stieler (Ger) 6