Scotland stutter to unconvincing Euro 2020 qualifying victory over San Marino

Relief: Johnny Russell's late goal ensured Scotland avoided an embarrassing result
REUTERS
Joe Krishnan24 March 2019

Scotland failed to lift the pressure off under-fire boss Alex McLeish despite securing a narrow 2-0 win over San Marino in their Euro 2020 qualifier on Sunday.

Kenny McLean's early header and Johnny Russell's late strike were enough to seal the three points but there were boos from the 4,000 Scotland fans who made the journey to Serravalle.

It looked as if the visitors would regain some much-needed confidence after facing the lowest-ranked team in the world, but it was far from the stroll in the park they were expecting.

Ryan Fraser crossed from the right after a short corner and McLean cleverly guided his header inside the far post.

San Marino goalkeeper Elia Benedettini was then forced into a brilliant double save to deny Stuart Armstrong, but Scotland later took their foot off the gas.

The minnows, who have only ever won one game, certainly showed their desire, but also the lack of a finishing touch.

Certainly, they should have been level when Filippo Berardi sent in Matteo Vitaioli, who, after rounding Scotland goalkeeper Scott Bain, fired into the side netting.

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There were more unnerving signs to come as San Marino searched for an equaliser but eventually they came unstuck when Scotland broke on the counter and Russell fired home a second.

The relief was clear to see, but it might not save McLeish.

Elsewhere, Croatia fell to surprising defeat after losing 2-1 to Hungary in Budapest. Ante Rebic gave the World Cup finalists the lead but goals from Adam Szalai and Mate Patkai downed Zlatko Dalic's side.

Marko Arnautovic scored twice but could not save Austria as they lost 4-2 away to Israel. Erhan Zahavi grabbed a hat-trick while Red Bull Salzburg's Martin Dabbur also got on the scoresheet.

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