Three things we learned as Scotland continues its push to Euro 2020

Scotland did things the hard way against Israel, but managed to secure a big win in Euro 2020 play-off semi-final action via penalty kicks after a 0-0 draw.

It was an extremely tight affair with almost no chance, the first shot on goal didn’t come until the 72nd minute. Extra time came without either side making much of a fuss before the dreaded kicks. It was composed from Scotland at that stage, maintaining the courage to win 5-3 on penalties.

They kept their nerves for a big win (Photo by Ian MacNicol / Getty Images)

Scotland, although criticized during the last round of international matches, extended their unbeaten streak to five matches. It was a 1-1 draw in September against Israel and the performance had to improve this time to ensure a great victory.

But it wasn’t going to be easy. Injuries and virus problems had affected the team just 24 hours before the game, leaving Stuart Armstrong, Kieran Tierney, Ryan Christie, Scott McKenna, Liam Palmer and Oliver Burke unavailable.

Liverpool captain and star Andy Robertson would have the first chance, doubling a free kick that deflected from Hibs goalkeeper Ofir Marciano in the 11th minute. Everything that really happened was in the first 20 minutes.

A quiet encounter. (Photo by ANDY BUCHANAN / AFP via Getty Images)

The biggest chance for a smooth first half fell to Scott McTominay. The Manchester United man went completely free at the back post, putting his effort off the post, a great opening that should have hit the net.

In a game of few occasions, you had to bury opportunities like that. Israel’s first big chance came seven minutes after the restart, when Eyal Golasa passed over David Marshall’s goal.

As the game slowly progressed over the hour mark, things started to get nervous for Scotland. Israel stood to dominate and, as it struggled to create clear opportunities, it was destined to arrive.

A test match. (Photo by Ian MacNicol / Getty Images)

However, nothing was to come in 90 minutes as the game went into extra time after two halves of football without incident. It was suggested to open trades in overtime for the next 30 minutes, it was going to be the same way.

It had penalties written all over it unless someone could do something extraordinary. Unsurprisingly, no one made it when the inevitable penalties came to decide Scotland’s fate.

Aston Villa star John McGinn nearly scored first when David Marshall made a great save from Israel’s first. Callum McGregor dispatched his before his Celtic teammate Nir Biton took the first Israeli penalty.

McTominay made three of three for Scotland and Shon Weissman kept the away team in the game while Lawrence Shankland held Scotland’s 100% record. Mohammad Abu Fani gave Kenny McLean a chance to win the game by scoring his.

The Norwich midfielder stood his ground and buried his kick, ensuring progression to next month’s final with Serbia. Here are three things we learned.

Learning from the last time?

Scotland is no stranger to taking on Israel, especially after facing them last month in a solid 1-1 draw with few chances. It would be intriguing to see what Clarke did to open up his opponents more.

Little has changed. (Photo by Ian MacNicol / Getty Images)

But it was almost a carbon copy of the September match, Scotland shadowing the first half and Israel skirting the second. Neither team changed their approach for this one, leading to a similar game but obviously a much happier end result for the Tartan Army.

Result at the end

Scottish fans have received their fair share of misery since 1998 and this had all the makings of another that could have been a story for the national team when penalty kicks loomed.

But fair play for those in the park, everyone stood their ground and scored five penalties along with a good save from Marshall. It wasn’t a great performance, but it is a step in the right direction.

The likes of Aston Villa and Manchester United remained calm (Photo by ANDY BUCHANAN / AFP via Getty Images)

Upgrade needed for Serbia

The result is all that matters in this game in isolation, but performance wise things have to change for the game against Serbia. Once again Scotland struggled to fit in at full speed.

Given how Scotland have played recently, being six games unbeaten is a testament to the team’s character. But Serbia has a higher standard than Israel and Clarke’s men will need more than they gave in 120 minutes in Hampden.