Scotland 2-1 Cyprus: Andy Robertson scores screamer as Scots edge to victory in Steve Clarke’s first game in charge
A late strike from Oliver Burke saw Steve Clarke begin his reign as Scotland manager with a nervy Euro 2020 qualifying victory over Cyprus at Hampden Park.The hosts went into the game under huge pressure having lost their first game 3-0 at Kazakhstan before beating minnows San Marino 2-0 away from home, which ultimately led to former manager Alex McLeish’s dismissal.Steve Clarke gets off to a winning start as Scotland managerGetty Images - Getty3
Steve Clarke gets off to a winning start as Scotland manager
The goalless first-half under the new head coach was not the blood and thunder often required by the Tartan Army who had to exercise patience.Skipper Andy Robertson, who celebrated Liverpool’s Champions League final win over Tottenham in Madrid last Saturday, thundered in a drive in the 61st minute for his first goal of the season only for defender Ioannis Kousoulous to head level in the 87th minute to stun the Tartan Army.However, Burke, on for debutant Eamonn Brophy in the 73rd minute, headed a Ryan Fraser cross on to the post and followed up the rebound for his first Scotland goal to claim a 2-1 victory and three valuable points.Burke’s late goal spared Clarke’s blushesGetty Images - Getty3
Burke’s late goal spared Clarke’s blushes
The Scots now have to prepare to face Group I favourites Belgium in Brussels on Tuesday night.Former Kilmarnock boss Clarke will have to come up with something special if Scotland are to upset the Red Devils but he will be glad to be going over on the back of a win.The former Scotland defender not only gave a debut to Killie striker Brophy but David Marshall took over from Scott Bain in goal for his first international appearance in almost three years.The midfield trio of Kenny McLean, John McGinn and Callum McGregor had all ended the season on a high with their respective clubs and there was a lot of faith put in wide men Fraser and James Forrest.Adrian Durham defends John Stones playing out after his mistakes It was the Celtic winger who had the first effort on goal in the fifth minute when he flashed a right-footed drive over the bar from the edge of the penalty area.Fraser looked in the mood with some surging runs down the left-hand side, but a swift break by the visitors in the 19th minute ended with attacker Andreas Makris testing Marshall with a decent drive from 18 yards.At the other end, Scotland defender Charlie Mulgrew forced Cyprus keeper Urko Pardo into a fine save at his left-hand post from a free-kick before Brophy headed the resultant corner past the post.Just before half-time, after another swift Cyprus break, striker Pieros Sotiriou forced Marshall into a great save with a low angled drive.Hampden sat in silent frustration, hoping for improvement after the break. There was no immediate upturn and indeed Marshall had save from Matija Spoljaric’s low drive as the Cypriots grew in confidence.However, just after the hour mark, with the crowd becoming increasingly restless, Robertson took it upon himself to fire in a shot from 25 yards which flew high past Pardo. The goal energised the Scotland players and fans.Robertson broke the deadlock with this thunderous strikeGetty Images - Getty3
Robertson broke the deadlock with this thunderous strike
Pardo spilled a McGregor shot soon afterwards but in the 77th minute Marshall was called into action again when he tipped a deflected shot from Makris over the bar.Nothing came from the corner and Scotland broke, with right-back Stephen O’Donnell taking a Fraser pass and lifting the ball past Pardo and past the far post. The Cypriot keeper made a diving save from Fraser’s drive in the 85th minute before Kousoulos stunned Hampden when he equalised with a free header from a corner. But there was still time for Burke to dramatically grab the winner, although a much tougher test, of course, will come in Brussels.

Scotland 2-1 Cyprus: Andy Robertson scores screamer as Scots edge to victory in Steve Clarke's first game in charge by Stephan Uersfeld 4 hours ago 4 hours ago 0 0
Scotland 2-1 Cyprus: Andy Robertson scores screamer as Scots

Scotland 2-1 Cyprus: Andy Robertson scores screamer as Scots edge to victory in Steve Clarke's first game in charge A late strike from Oliver Burke saw Steve Clarke begin his reign as Scotland manager with a nervy Euro 2020 qualifying victory over Cyprus at Hampden Park. The talkSPORT 1 day ago Also reported by •BBC Sport •SoccerNews.com
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Scotland 2-1 Cyprus: Andy Robertson scores screamer as Scots edge to victory in Steve Clarke's first game in charge. the rebound for his first Scotland goal to claim a 2-1 victory and three
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A late strike from Oliver Burke saw Steve Clarke begin his reign as Scotland manager with a nervy Euro 2020 qualifying victory over Cyprus at Hampden Park. The hosts went into the game under huge pressure having lost their first game 3-0 at Kazakhstan before beating minnows San Marino 2-0 away from home, which ultimately led to former manager
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Oliver Burke's 89th-minute strike was his first goal for Scotland. Steve Clarke's reign as Scotland head coach got off to a dramatic start thanks to Oliver Burke's late winner against Cyprus in Euro 2020 qualifying.
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Scotland 2-1 Cyprus: Andy Robertson scores screamer as Scots edge to victory in Steve Clarke's first game in c A late strike from Oliver Burke saw Steve Clarke begin his reign as Scotlan 2 days ago
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Scotland 2-1 Cyprus: Andy Robertson scores screamer as Scots edge to victory in Steve Clarke's first game in charge A late strike from Oliver Burke saw Steve Clarke begin his reign as Scotland manager with a nervy Euro 2020 qualifying victory over Cyprus at Hampden Park. The
Scotland 2-1 Cyprus: Steve Clarke's reign starts with victory