Skrtel OG boosts Scotland hopes

Scotland kept their World Cup hopes alive after a narrow 1-0 win over 10-man Slovakia at Hampden Park on Thursday took them second in Group F. Scotland 1 Slovakia 0Dubravka kept busy in GlasgowMak sent off in first halfMartin denied by woodworkGriffiths free-kick hits crossbarLate Skrtel OG hands Scots victory

Match Summary

The Slovakians had an opportunity to cement the runners-up spot, but they were dealt a major blow in Glasgow when Robert Mak received his marching orders in the 23rd minute.

An inspiring display from Martin Dubravka in the visiting goal kept Gordon Strachan's side at bay up until the 89th minute when Martin Skrtel inadvertently turned in Ikechi Anya's cross to suffer a cruel defeat.

Full Report

The visitors survived an early penalty appeal when Kieran Tierney went to ground under a challenge from Mak, but the referee waved play on.

Scotland controlled the opening stages and created their first real chance around the 20-minute mark as Christophe Berra forced Dubravka into a brilliant save with his header from Leigh Griffiths' cross.

But Slovakia suffered a huge setback moments later when Mak was dismissed for simulation in the 23rd minute, having picked up his second yellow card in the space of six minutes.

The hosts were unable to take advantage of the extra man before half-time, although they went close with a curling effort from Griffiths that was kept out by Dubravka.

Craig Gordon was finally called into action early in the second half as he produced a routine save to deny Stanislav Lobotka before being seriously tested by Jan Gregus.

However, the Scots stepped up their efforts after the break, with Griffiths forcing Dubravka to punch away his swerving shot, before Chris Martin rattled the crossbar with a rasping effort from 25 yards out.

Griffiths was unfortunate to see his free-kick also come back off the bar moments later, while James Morrison was unable to beat Dubravka on the half-volley from close range as the home team pushed for the opener.

The pressure finally told in the final minute as Griffiths played in Anya down the right, and the substitute cut the ball back towards Martin, but Skrtel arrived there first and deflected the cross past his own keeper to hand Scotland a vital three points.