Sunday Mirror (Northern Ireland)
BEAM US UP SCOTTY!
McTominay lifts the Tartan Army
SCOTT MCTOMINAY says his 94th-minute winner was simply “unforgettable” after Scotland strengthened their bid for a first World Cup final appearance in 24 years.
The Manchester United star bundled home his first international goal with his thigh at the back post to put the side in pole position to reach the play-offs.
At the final whistle, former Scotland star Pat Nevin hailed the celebration in a packed Hampden Park as “one of the most remarkable noises I have ever heard in this grand old stadium”.
Steve Clarke and his players have reignited interest in their national team, and the spirit and bravery on display – especially from young Chelsea midfielder Billy Gilmour – was remarkable.
Clarke’s men twice hauled themselves level with goals from John McGinn and Lyndon Dykes, who also missed a first-half penalty in a cracking, chaotic clash. With three late chances squandered, the victory finally came when a McGinn corner-kick was flicked on by Jack Hendry and McTominay pounced, sending the Scots into wild celebrations.
Clarke said: “It was a tough night but nice to celebrate with the fans.The way the game ended was good for everyone. They created a fantastic atmosphere.
“My players show every time how they want to do well for their country.”
Wins against the Faroe Islands next week and Moldova in November will now secure a play-off semi-final next March, and they remain on the tail of leaders Denmark.
McTominay dedicated his goal to his grandad, whose birthday it is tomorrow.
He said: “I knew I had to score before his birthday!
“I can’t put it into words, I’ll never forget it! We know they’re a difficult team, but in the second half we dominated them.
“We created a huge amount of chances. At half-time, we knew we had to wake up.”
A raucous 50,585 full house at Hampden Park – the first since Clarke took over in 2019 –were at first deflated after Israel took the lead inside five minutes with a stunning freekick by Eran Zahavi, the PSV star. He was bundled over by Hendry on the edge of the box and got up to curl home a super effort.
It was Zahavi’s seventh in his last seven games, and a remarkable 26 in his last 28 for his nation.
After half an hour Scotland were briefly level. Robertson burst forward and linked with Kieran Tierney who slipped a pass to McGinn – who struck a superb left-foot shot into the top corner, taking his tally of goals in qualifiers to 10, a tally unmatched by any Scot.
But the Hampden chants of “Super John McGinn” had not even subsided when Israel stunned the home side again two minutes later.
Mu’Nas Dabbur hit home from close range after Craig Gordon’s save. Scotland had reason to be aggrieved with a handball claim, not pulled up by VAR, against Dor Peretz. The cracking first half wasn’t finished, as Gilmour was toppled by Bibar Natcho and won a penalty. Dykes stepped up and drilled straight at Ofir Marciano.
But Dykes made amends with a goal – only after VAR drama when his equaliser was ruled out.
The Scots were livid, assistant boss John Carver led furious protests, and a row with the Israel bench, but VAR overturned it. And then McTominay gambled at the death - and won.
It was a tough night, but nice to celebrate with the fans. They created a fantastic atmosphere. My players want to do it for the nation.