November 16, (THEWILL) – Scotland were forced to settle for a 2-2 draw against Georgia in Tbilisi, on Thursday night, after a stoppage time equaliser from Hearts striker, Lawrence Shankland.
The Scots had gone behind early on when Khvicha Kvaratskhelia capitalised on some poor defending to fire Georgia ahead. However, midfielder Scott McTominay brought Scotland level with a long range effort just after half time. Kvaratskhelia struck again though on 57 minutes to restore Georgia’s lead.
Scotland threw everything forward in search of another equaliser and Shankland rose highest in the 92nd minute to head home fellow substitute Stuart Armstrong’s cross. The late goal salvaged a point for Scotland but they will be disappointed not to have taken all three against the hosts.
Manager Steve Clarke was taking charge of his 50th game but he will feel this was a missed opportunity for his side. Scotland had already qualified for Euro 2024 but were looking to boost their seeding for next month’s draw. This result ends a run of three straight defeats for the Scots.
The draw means Scotland move onto 16 points in Group A while Georgia are on eight points with one game left to play. Scotland will conclude their qualifying campaign at home to Norway on Sunday while Georgia travel to Spain.
