Late Chris Martin winner keeps Scotland's World Cup hopes alive

Chris Martin salvaged Scotland’s hopes of qualifying for the 2018 World Cup, scoring a late winner for Gordon Strachan’s side against Slovenia.

The Dark Blues looked set for another disappointing result, all but ending their prospects of making it to Russia next year, but Martin’s 88th minute strike, finding the far corner of the net after a through ball by the impressive Stuart Armstrong, changed everything.

It spared the blushes of Leigh Griffiths, who somehow passed up an opportunity from just a few yards out in the first half, hitting the bar when he should have found the back of the net as Scotland enjoyed a positive first half.

Strachan himself was likely spared by Martin’s winner, with the Scotland boss given more time in the job, at least until the home qualifier against England. However, questions still persist over the manager and Scotland’s World Cup hopes.

They now move up to fourth in the table, closing the gap on third-placed Slovenia to just one point. Slovakia are in second with nine.

Have Scotland set a precedent for a qualification recovery? Anything less than a win would have ended Scotland’s hopes of making it to Russia. The pressure was on Strachan and his players, but with that weight on their shoulders they pulled off their best performance in years. Scotland deserved all three points, but greater tests will follow if they are to qualify for the World Cup. A precedent might well have been set, though.

Stuart Armstrong (Scotland) The 24-year-old has enjoyed a highly successful season with Celtic so far, but this was his first appearance for Scotland and he made the most of it. Armstrong provided drive and energy through the middle of the pitch, giving the hosts a real threat with his late runs from deep into the penalty box. He will surely be considered a big part of Scotland’s plans from this point on.

Scotland - Gordon 5, Tierney 6, Martin 5, Mulgrew 5, Robertson 7, Brown 6, Morrison 5, Forrest 6, Armstrong 8, Snodgrass 6, Griffiths 5. Subs - Naismith 5, Martin 6, Anya 6.

Slovenia - Oblak 5, Struna 6, Samardzic 6, Cesar 5, Jokic 7, Kurtic 7, Krhin 6, Kampl 6, Birsa 6, Bezjak 7, Ilicic 6. Subs - Verbic 5, Beric 5, Omladic 5.

8’ SCOTLAND HAVE A GOAL CHALKED OFF! Martin rises highest from a corner kick to head home, but he pushed his marker to get there and the referee awards the foul. Right decision.

27’ JUST WIDE! That was the closest Scotland have come to an opener in this first half. A cross is cleared to the edge of the box, where Morrison picks it up and shoots just past the post.

34’ HOW DID HE MISS? Snodgrass hangs a cross up to the back post where Griffiths was completely unmarked, but he somehow managed to strike the crossbar from about six yards out!

36’ HE'S HIT THE POST NOW! Griffiths strikes the woodwork for the second time in a matter of minutes! This time the striker hits a first-time right footed shot from 16 yards, but it hits the inside of the post and bounces away.

48’ GRIFFITHS IS INJURED! The Celtic striker isn't going to be able to continue here. He took a knee in the back from Oblak and he will be replaced. He's down on the turf in pain.

78’ WHAT A CHANCE FOR ANYA! The ball fell to the winger just seconds after being brought off the bench, but he completely scuffed his shot form just inside the box and Oblak makes the save.

88’ GOAL! Scotland 1-0 Slovenia: Scotland have taken the lead with just minutes left to play! It's Martin, the player the home fans booed coming off the bench! He found the net with a low shot via the inside of the left hand post.

Scotland enjoyed 61% possession

Chris Martin's goal was just his third for Scotland.