Scotland 1-1 Israel

Scotland were subjected to a disappointing 1-1 draw with Israel in an insipid Nations League opener in empty Hampden Park, their first international match in 10 months.

After David Marshall’s save denied Moanes Dabbur the first Israeli goal, Ryan Christie put Scotland in front 44 minutes from the penalty spot after John McGinn was fouled by Eitan Tibi.

Israel improved in the second half and deservedly tied through Eran Zahavi, after a skillful interaction with Dabbur.

Scotland lacked cohesion at times in an unfamiliar formation, with Steve Clarke avoiding his four favorite defenders by choosing three center halves, and despite a promising debut from QPR forward Lyndon Dykes, this performance will have given Clarke much to ponder, before of Monday. trip to the Czech Republic.

How Scotland was re-linked to Hampden

Arsenal’s Kieran Tierney made his first Scotland appearance in nearly two years as one of the three defenders, joining Scott McKenna and Manchester United midfielder Scott McTominay on defense. Captain Andy Robertson and James Forrest acted as wingers, while Clarke tried to get as many of his best players out onto the field as possible.

Fifteen days after moving from Livingston to QPR for £ 2 million, Dykes made his international debut as the lone striker, but kept quiet in the first quarter as Scotland largely controlled possession without threatening Hibernian’s Ofir Marciano in the Israeli goal.

Israel had scored twice on their visit to Hampden two years ago, and Captain Bibras Natkho caused some concern for Scotland’s fledgling backline with several delightful crosses to the penalty area, but Tierney and McKenna in particular were right up there with the ball. task of clearing your lines. .

Dor Peretz was booked for a late challenge on Dykes as he set up Christie at halftime, but Scotland couldn’t make the most of the advantage; in fact, there was a general lack of quality in play from both sides, perhaps not helped by the eerie atmosphere around Hampden Park, with empty stands and a handful of spectators from the media and officials.

Forrest was booked for a foul on Taleb Tawatha, and Peretz then tested David Marshall from a distance, but the lack of fluidity in the game continued into the break. Callum McGregor, who had barely seen the ball in a crowded midfield, dragged in a deflected shot, but then there was drama on both ends just before halftime.

Israel should have taken the lead when McTominay misplayed a cross from the right, and Marshall produced a superb save to deny Munas Dabbur at the back post. After having run their luck, Scotland took the lead.

McGinn was brought down in the box by Eitan Tibi as they both lunged to knock the Dykes down from a corner, and Christie ignored interruptions from the Israeli bench as he passed the penalty over Marciano, giving Scotland a somewhat fortunate lead in the field. interval.

Israel, aggrieved at being left behind, started the second half brighter but failed to test Marshall. At the other end, Dykes continued to work hard despite often lacking support – by the time Scotland punted, he was 30 yards away from another blue jersey, but his strength and link play in tight areas was impressive. .

Scotland’s advantage was fragile and Israel was generating concerted pressure, as its substitutes cheered it on enthusiastically. One particular cross from the right by Eli Dasa crossed Scotland’s six-yard box, calling for a bunt, but somehow Dabbur and Zahavi couldn’t connect.

The tie came at 72 minutes, and it was a quality moment for Zahavi. He threw in a throw-in and played a one-two single off Dabbur, before hitting the ball into the top corner, passing Marshall, who perhaps could have done better. It was no more than the visitors deserved.

Clarke sent Oliver Burke and Stuart Armstrong for Dykes and McGinn while Scotland looked for some attacking momentum, but Israel had gained confidence and the game was now up for grabs. Christie looked like the most likely source of another Scottish goal, but was unable to shoot as he danced into the area, and his cross was acrobatically supported by Marciano as the game sold out.

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• Scotland drew their first match since October 2017 against Slovenia, ending a 21-match drawless streak.
• Israel avoided defeat in an away game against Scotland for the first time, having lost their two previous visits in 1981 and 2018.
• Ryan Christie has been directly involved in seven goals in his last seven starts for Scotland (2 goals, 5 assists).
• Only John McGinn (7 goals, 2 assists) has been involved in more goals for Scotland since Steve Clarke took over his first game in June 2019 than Ryan Christie (2 goals, 2 assists).
• Scotland have scored a penalty in three of their last four UEFA Nations League games, two of them against Israel (October 2018 and tonight).
• Eran Zahavi of Israel has been directly involved in 17 goals in his last 13 appearances for his country (14 goals, 3 assists). Zahavi’s two goals in the UEFA Nations League have been against Scotland at Hampden Park.

Whats Next?

Scotland’s next game is against the Czech Republic on Monday night on Sky Sports Main Event from 7pm; start at 7:45 p.m.