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Andy Robertson and Scotland could be one game away from a first World Cup since 1998 — even though the Liverpool left-back skippered his country to a chaotic 3-2 defeat against Greece.
Scotland plays Denmark next, on Tuesday, and a win would see it overtake the Scandinavian side to top the group. It is already sure of a play-off spot as a minimum, with Greece now four points behind with one match remaining.
"We cannot concede three goals; that's hugely disappointing," Liverpool ace Robertson said. "We had eight or nine really big chances so we got the attacking bit right tonight, but we didn't get the defensive stuff right.
"We could've come away with a draw and nobody would've said that at 3-0 down. A draw wouldn't have mattered anyway because Denmark drew.
"Winner takes all on Tuesday, that's all we could ask for. People were writing us off from the start of the group; now we've got a shootout to win the group, and it's all to play for on Tuesday."
"Some people might be happy with the improved performance, but I'm disappointed with the result," Scotland manager Steve Clarke added. "We got a lucky break. Belarus got a result in Denmark, and that gives us everything to play for on Tuesday. We need to show more often that we're a good team."
While things worked out well for Robertson and Scotland in the end, the national media were not particularly impressed with their side's defensive performance.
"The skipper looked ropey again," the Edinburgh Evening News noted, giving Robertson a 5/10 rating.
"A fresh-air attempt at a cross early on summed up his night," it added. "Glaring first-half error almost led to a Greece goal. Threatened with a few teasing crosses, including Scott McTominay's chance.
"Failed to track Konstantinos Karetsas' run for Greece's second goal. Grabbed an assist in a bright second-half showing."
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Elsewhere, The Herald said Robertson was "tormented" by Karetsas, and The Scotsman was not particularly impressed with Robertson either. "The captain will not be pleased with his role in the opening goal," the latter said.
"Showed all his experience and influence to drive on a Scotland fightback and tried to support his forward players whenever possible. Lovely cross for Ryan Christie's goal. Cap number 90 for the Liverpool man — and probably won't have played in a more barmy encounter."
Liverpool.com says: Scotland getting to the World Cup would be a huge achievement and a really proud moment for Robertson as captain.
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