Greece 3-2 Scotland result - Scots beaten by 10 men in World Cup qualifier despite Ryan Christie and Ben Doak scoring in fightback

Scotland fell short of a memorable fightback as they battled back from three goals down to lose 3-2 against Greece.

However, with Group C leaders Denmark failing to beat Belarus, then a win for Scotland when they meet on Tuesday night would see them finish top and qualify for next year’s World Cup.

Greece were looking to avenge the 3-1 defeat they suffered in Scotland, which ended their qualification hopes.

The hosts dominated the opening stages and led through an eighth-minute strike from captain Anastasios Bakasetas.

Scotland boss Steve Clarke was questioned for starting veteran goalkeeper Craig Gordon ahead of the game, but the 42-year-old made several key saves in the first half to keep his side in the match.

The Scots gained momentum just before the break and Scott McTominay rattled the crossbar before Ben Doak had an effort saved.

As Scotland searched for an equaliser they were hit on the break and 17-year-old Konstantinos Karetsas doubled Greece’s lead before Christos Tzolis hit a third.

Clarke’s side dug deep and Doak pulled a goal back and Ryan Christie headed home a second.

Despite Bakasetas picking up a second yellow card the 10-man hosts held on for victory.

Despite the defeat Scotland know a win against Denmark on Tuesday night will book their World Cup place.

Ben Doak feels that his side have still got a chance at topping the group by beating Denmark at Hampden Park on Tuesday night.

After scoring his first goal for Scotland in their 3-2 defeat in Greece he told BBC Sport: "It was a great game.

"I think we could have started a lot better. I think the early goal doesn't help anyone.

In the second half I think we've played well again, but a third goal takes it to 3-0.

"I'm a lot more pleased with the team performance this time.

"Hopefully we can take it into the Denmark game on Tuesday because we've still got a chance.

"If we can take part of that performance into Tuesday, that's more than enough to get it done, I think."

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Scotland captain Andy Robertson felt his side did not get the defending right in their 3-2 defeat in Greece.

He told BBC Sport: "It was such a strange game.

"You can’t concede three goals, which is usually disappointing.

"But that’s the most that we’ve created against them [Greece]. We had eight or nine really big chances.

"We got the attacking bit right and we didn't get the defensive stuff right. That's disappointing, but at three goals down a lot of teams crumble, but my God we fought back.

"It’s winner takes all on Tuesday and that’s all we can ask."

Denmark were unable to find a late winner. If Scotland beat Denmark at Hampden Park on Tuesday night then Steve Clarke’s side will be going to the World Cup.

There were nine added minutes in Denmark, but their game ended 2-2.

That’s full-time and despite their best efforts Scotland are beaten in Athens. It’s a tough one to take but for parts of the game Steve Clarke’s side weren’t good enough. Scotland are beaten 3-2

McGinn gets to the byline and then sends a killer ball back into the six yard box where two blue shirts wait. However, goalkeeper Vlachodimos does just enough to deflect the ball from danger.

The hosts are hoping to see this one out with 10 men.

Mouzakitis is off for Mouzakitis; also Kostoulas is on for Tzolis

There is four minutes of added time.

Ipswich forward Hirst comes on and replaced Doak as Scotland go all out to find an equaliser.

The Greek captain puts his body in front of Ferguson. They both fall down and the referee gives Bakasetas a very soft second yellow card.

Moments later Souttar is booked for an elbow on his opponent.

Momentum has swung back in Denmark’s favour to win this group. They have equalised against Belarus putting extra pressure on Scotland to level here.

Christie and Adams make way for Shankland and Dykes as the visitors bring on fresh pairs of legs up front.

The ball looked over-played to the byline but somehow Doak keeps the ball in and back onto the boot of McTominay. However, the midfielder is somehow denied by the leg of goalkeeper Vlachodimos.

Steve Clarke has rolled the dice.

McKenna replaces Souttar; also Ralston is on for Hickey. 

Greece also make a change as Karetsas is replaced by Masouras

Doak capitalises on a defensive mistake and robs the last defender. He plays the ball back to Adams who fails to get his shot away. Eventually a pass is played to Christie in an off-side position.

A lofted ball out wide picks out Robertson. The Liverpool winger puts the ball on a plate for Christie who heads his side back into the game.

Scotland might be losing in Greece. However, Denmark are also getting beaten by Belarus. If both sides lose then it will be winner takes all at Hampden Park in midweek.

The Greek player is booked for dissent amid complaints of a foul before Scotland pulled a goal back.

McGinn battles for the ball and beats his marker before sending an inviting ball into the six-yard box where Doak nets.

Tzolis picks the ball up midway inside Scotland’s half before having a long-range effort at goal. It flies straight through the gloves of a dejected Gordon.