Scotland 3-1 Greece result – strikes from Lyndon Dykes, Ryan Christie and Lewis Ferguson see hosts continue unbeaten World Cup campaign

SCOTLAND BEAT GREECE TO CONTINUE UNBEATEN START TO THEIR WORLD CUP CAMPAIGN

Scotland claimed a crucial 3-1 comeback victory over Greece at Hampden Park to continue their unbeaten start to their World Cup qualifying campaign.

Despite the visitors dominating proceedings, Scotland came out on top thanks to goals from Ryan Christie, Lyndon Dykes and a first international strike for Lewis Ferguson, as Steve Clarke’s side edged closer to a first appearance at a World Cup finals since 1998.

Clarke equalled Craig Brown’s record of 71 matches in charge of Scotland’s men’s side on the night and now just needs a win over Belarus to guarantee at least a playoff.

Greece deservedly took the lead after 62 minutes through former Liverpool defender Kostas Tsimikas.

The visitors had dominated the opening hour and finally found the back of the net, after Tsimikas latched on to a deflected cross, before firing past Angus Gunn.

Despite offering nothing up until Greece’s opener, Scotland bounced back instantly to send the Hampden Park crowd into pure joy.

Ryan Christie latched on to Grant Hanley’s blocked header, before guiding the ball into the bottom corner.

Scotland improved after their equaliser and went 2-1 ahead with just ten minutes to go, when Ferguson smashed into the roof of the net following a brilliant Andy Robertson free kick.

Hampden Park erupted as Ferguson wheeled away to celebrate his first goal for his country and what a time to get it for the Bologna midfielder.

Substitute Dykes made sure of victory in added time, capitalising on a mistake from the goalkeeper, before smashing the ball into the top corner.

Greece had the biggest chance of the first half through Benfica’s Vangelis Pavlidis, who somehow failed to turn Tasos Bakasetas’ cross home.

Pavlidis was just a few yards out and had virtually an open goal to put the ball in, but the prolific striker failed to connect.

Scotland struggled to progress the ball forward during the opening hour, leading to a huge sense of frustration for supporters inside Hampden, who made their feelings about the quality of football clear.

However, the hosts fought back late on and found joy from set pieces, to leave supporters heading home in a jubilant mood, dreaming of a place at next summer’s World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico.

Clarke’s side remain level on points with group leaders Denmark, behind only on goal difference, and face a visit from Belarus on Sunday, who have lost all of their matches so far.

Greece face a trip to Copenhagen to face Denmark, knowing a defeat will leave them being unable to qualify for the World Cup.