FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 Qualifiers
Scotland 2-0 Moldova
Friday, 12 November 2021, kick-off 5pm 
Zimbru Stadium, Chisinau

Scorers:

Scotland: Patterson (38’), Adams (65’)

It was a fantastic display at the Zimbru Stadium as goals from Nathan Patterson and Che Adams secured Scotland’s place in the playoffs, taking the team one step closer to a place in the FIFA World Cup. The Tartan Army can now go into the game against Denmark without the need for a result, but if the current form of this team is anything to go by, they might just get one anyway.

TEAM NEWS

Scotland were missing Scott McTominay and Lyndon Dykes for the crucial match-up against Moldova, while Steve Clarke opted for the usual 3-5-2 formation. Stuart Armstrong made his return to the team for the first time since the Euros and Liam Cooper joined the starting 11.

The newest addition to the squad, Jacob Brown, began the match on the bench.

AS IT HAPPENED

It was almost euphoria for Scotland in the opening minutes of the match as Che Adams sidestepped the Moldovan defender, showing great composure as he slotted the ball into the back of the net only for it to be ruled offside.

However, Moldova returned fire quickly with a chance for captain Ionita, who got in behind the defence but shot wide.

Adams has linked up well with his Southampton teammate Stuart Armstrong who was set up nicely in front of goal but shot straight at the Moldovan keeper.

A great touch by captain Andrew Robertson brought him face to face with the keeper but the skipper was unable to beat Namasco, who had a great start to the match.

Scotland for the most part controlled the tempo. The Tartan Army came out in their numbers and bagpipes could be heard throughout the Zimbru stadium.

A Moldovan corner led to a strong header from Ionita who could have made it advantage Moldova, but was denied by Craig Gordon, who made a fantastic save. Despite a positive start, the Scottish fans were reminded of how quickly this game could change.

Half an hour through the match and, Scotland’s intensity began to dip. There was a feeling however, that the match could explode into life at any moment.

The moment came in the form of a stunning goal from Nathan Patterson. McGinn with a brilliant lay off to the Rangers right-back who bends the ball beautifully into the back of the net, putting Scotland in prime position to make it to the play-offs.

It was a great first half from the Scots who lead the game going in at half time.

It was a dominant display by the Scottish midfield throughout. McGinn, McGregor and Gilmore all played well, who continuously pressed high up the park and controlling the flow of the game.

Goalscorer Nathan Patterson received a yellow card in the second half which means he won’t be available for Scotland’s next assignment against Denmark.

Marandici received a yellow card of his own as he brought down Patterson who was running down the line, but the following set piece came to nothing.

A great team goal led to Scotland grabbing their second goal of the night as an excellent ball from Patterson picked out Che Adams who slotted it home.

Cooper had a great chance cleared off the line coming off the back of a corner after Namasco was brought down, but the referee claimed no foul meaning it was actually a great chance for Scotland to seal the game.

A deflection from Adams puts the ball past the keeper sending the Scottish fans into a frenzy in the stands but it was rightly ruled offside.

A VAR check for a handball resulted in a penalty for Moldova with ten minutes to go. Rata stepped up but Gordon made an excellent save only for the ball to fall to right in front of goal for a tap in. Fortunately, Tierney was on hand to make a heroic tackle and Scotland remained in a firm lead.

Jacob Brown made his debut for the national team in the dying embers of the game, he replaced Che Adams.

All in all, fans were treated to a dazzling display of football from a Scottish side who showed composure and class throughout and can now look ahead to the play offs. A deserved and surprisingly comfortable victory that fans could enjoy.

NEXT UP

Scotland’s next match is against Denmark as the boys return home to Hampden on Monday with a place in the play-offs already guaranteed. The game is live on Sky Sports Main Event with a 7:45pm kick off.

TEAMS

Scotland: Gordon, Robertson (c), Tierney, McGinn (Turnbull,90), McGregor, Adams (Brown,84), Hendry, Gilmour, Cooper, Armstrong (Nisbet, 75), Patterson

Unused substitutes: Clark (GK), McLaughlin (GK), O’Donnell, Souttar, McKenna

Moldova: Namasco, Jardan, Posmac, Bolohan, Revenco, Rata, Dros (Bogciuc, 63), Ionita (c), Marandici, Ginsari

 

Unused substitutes: 

Calancea(GK), Celeadnic (GK), Puntus, Cociuc, Cojocaru, Arhirii, Razgoniuc, Iovu, Cotogoi, Iosipoi, Spataru