Scotland were promoted to League A in the Nations League after a hard fought 0-0 draw with Ukraine in Poland.
Steve Clarke 's side knew only a point was needed to top Group B1 and secure a place in the top league as well as a EURO 2024 playoff spot after wins over Ireland and Ukraine over the past week. The Scots also benefit by going up to pot two for the next Euros draw which shows the progress made over the past 18 months under the former Kilmarnock boss.
Scotland rode their luck at times with Aaron Hickey, Ryan Porteous and Craig Gordon all involved in crucial moments while Andriy Yarmolenko missed a huge opportunity near the start of the first half to break the deadlock. However Clarke's men showed lots of resilience to overcome a second half wave of Ukrainian threat to land the all important point that was required.
Porteous was making his first cap for the senior side and didn't look out of place dealing with the threat of Mikhaylo Mudryk up front for the hosts. And even as the clock ticked down on full time the Hibernian defender showed composure and willingness to take the ball out from the back and make something happen.
Here's how the players rated at the Cracovia Stadium.
Scotland player ratings
CRAIG GORDON: Good one on one save early on to deny Dovbyk and was at full stretch to palm away Mudry’s raking effort after the break. Big saves at key times. 8
AARON HICKEY: Hardest job on the pitch keeping Mudryk and Mykolenko quiet but stuck impressively to the task and pushed forward to help Ryan Fraser. Star man. 8
JACK HENDRY: Tough night against a lively frontline, rode luck at times but did well to help out Hickey with the combined threat of Mudryk and Mykolenko. 7
RYAN PORTEOUS: First cap for Hibs defender and enjoyed the tussle with Artem Dovbyk. Couple of key interceptions and massive block late on. 8
GREG TAYLOR: Lost Yarmolenko early on but escaped as former West Ham man blazed over. Got forward plenty to support and dug in as Ukraine stepped up the pressure before beign replaced. 7
KENNY McLEAN: Brought back in from start to bulk up the engine room but struggle to make impact on left of four. 6
RYAN JACK: Kept ball moving quickly at base of midfield. Could have opened scoring after half an hour but blazed over from angle. 6
CALLUM McGREGOR: So much work goes unnoticed from the Celtic skipper. Kept things tidy on the ball and put in a power of running off it. Always organising. 7
JOHN McGINN: Skipper was always looking to get on the ball and bust a gut to get up and support Adams but driven further and further back as game wore on. 7
RYAN FRASER: Terrorised home defence early on and thought he’d won side penalty with run and cross but fell out of game as Ukraine took control and replaced. 7
CHE ADAMS: Early chance well saved but became more and more isolated as game wore on and Ukraine took control. Worked socks off for team before being replaced. 6
SUBS
STEPHEN KINGSLEY: On for Taylor after 72 minutes and helped shore up defence. 3
RYAN CHRISTIE: Replaced Fraser on 72 and fresh legs helped see out draw. 3
STUART ARMSTRONG: On for Jack after 72 and did his bit. 3
LYNDON DYKES: Replaced Adams for last 10 minutes and held up ball and won fouls to run down clock. 2
ANTHONY RALSTON: On for the knackers Aaron Hickey in injury time. 1
NOT USED - Kelly, McCrorie, Gallacher, Gilmour, McKay, Doig.
