Scotland kept their Nations League promotion hopes alive with a 2-1 win over North Macedonia at Hampden, John McGinn scoring twice to settle a difficult contest.
The hosts struggled to make their pressure count and were booed off at half-time after a goalless opening period. McGinn eventually broke the deadlock nine minutes after the restart, only for Elmin Rastoder to level shortly afterwards.
Scotland restored their advantage in the 75th minute when McGinn converted from the penalty spot, securing three points that leave them able to finish second in Group B1.
They must now win away to Switzerland in St Gallen on Monday and hope North Macedonia do them a favour in their final match.
Sebastien Pocognoli claimed his first win at Hampden, while Andy Robertson marked his 102nd Scotland appearance by equalling the cap record held by Sir Kenny Dalglish.
Scotland had created chances before the breakthrough. Scott McTominay was denied by goalkeeper Stole Dimitrievski after turning sharply to shoot, while Kieran Tierney headed over from Robertson’s free-kick.
Dimitrievski also kept out a deflected header from Che Adams and stopped McTominay again from a tight angle. Adams then won possession after a loose back pass early in the second half, but Billy Gilmour lifted the resulting opportunity over the bar.
Adams was involved in the opener moments later, outmuscling his marker before nudging the ball forward for McGinn to run on to and curl beyond Dimitrievski.
North Macedonia responded quickly when a corner was delivered into the penalty area and Rastoder glanced his header into the bottom corner. McGinn’s successful penalty ultimately spared Scotland further frustration.
Scotland’s final Group B1 fixture is away to Switzerland on Monday November 16, with kick-off at 7.45pm.
