Scotland 1-2 Poland: Andy Robertson's late goal gives the Scots a chance to stay in the Nations League

Scotland's hero was captain Andy Robertson, who scored the game-winning goal in stoppage time to give his team a 2-1 victory over Poland and a Nations League relegation lifeline.

Scotland sought back-to-back wins in Warsaw to secure third place in Group A1 and a relegation play-off, knowing it was win or lose.

After his crucial goal against Croatia, John McGinn was given a start. Three minutes into the game, he threw the Tartan Army into a frenzy as he hammered home the ball, with Ben Doak again providing the assist.

After that, Scott McTominay and Billy Gilmour struck the woodwork, but Craig Gordon made some excellent stops to give Steve Clarke's team hope at halftime.

With Michal Probierz's Poland team relegated, Scotland now faces a play-off in March to maintain their spot in the top division of the Nations League after Kamil Piatkowski's incredible goal pulled Poland even, but Robertson's late header saved Scotland's feelings.

After another late winner, Scotland boss Clarke praised the team's faith in themselves, which kept their hopes of surviving in the Nations League alive.

"You get better the more you play at this level," Clarke added. We began with three close losses despite strong performances.

"I didn't lose faith in the players, and neither did the players. We qualify for the playoffs after they end up taking seven points from the final three games.

"You get better at winning the games the more you play at this level. That is what we have demonstrated.

After the Warsaw drama, Scotland was rescued.

The result increased the likelihood that Clarke's team would go to the second round of next month's World Cup qualifying draw, but Scotland lost out on second position after Croatia secured the point they required in a 1-1 draw at home against Portugal.

Scotland is hoping that either Georgia or Estonia will win a game against Slovakia or the Czech Republic on Tuesday.

Gordon recovered from a virus to start, and McGinn joined Lyndon Dykes in the Scotland squad after scoring the game's lone goal against Croatia on Friday.

Things to come were hinted at in the initial seconds. Within sixty seconds, Scotland had a scare before Robertson produced a vital covering block.

McGinn raced home with his right foot after Doak had the opportunity to put him up with a brilliant feed from Gilmour.

In the early going, Doak was all over the place, beating his man and making tackles deep in his own half before putting in another risky pass.

Soon after, the home team started to generate a number of opportunities. Sebastian Szymanski's feeble attempt was stopped, while Gordon made saves from Jakub Kaminski, Piatkowski, and Karol Swiderski, who also missed a sitter.

Before Scotland calmed down and started kicking the ball around with confidence and purpose, Doak had a shot saved on the break under the home pressure.

The opportunities came next. Gilmour struck the crossbar from almost thirty yards out, Dykes' drive shook the side netting, and Doak put McTominay away, but the Napoli player was stopped by a brilliant save.

At the opposite end, Scotland was saved by Gordon and John Souttar, while McTominay struck the post before Robertson's attempt was deflected over.

As of halftime, Portugal led 1-0 in Split, and Scotland was behind Croatia in goals scored.

The identical thing happened at the beginning of the second half. With Scotland players lining up on the six-yard line, Souttar cleared off the line before McGinn's throw was turned just past the post. Soon after, McTominay missed another good opportunity and shot far over.

As Scotland defended their box in numbers, Poland took the initiative again and eventually produced a shooting opportunity, with Piatkowski blasting an unstoppable strike into the top corner.

Even though they were now at the bottom of the table, Scotland only needed one more goal to take second place. When Dykes headed Gilmour's cross into the top corner, it appeared as though he had it, but Lukasz Skorupski leaped to yank the ball away.

Although Scotland had half-chances, boss Clarke was dealt another blow when he learnt that Croatia had equalised. To the pleasure of his teammates and the travelling supporters, Robertson blasted over, Ryan Christie's header was saved, and Kenny McLean headed over before the skipper had the last word.