Scotland's midfielder Scott McTominay (L) and Faroes' defender Heini Vatnsdal vie for the ball during the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 qualification Group F football match between Faroe Islands and Scotland, in the Torsvollur stadium in Torshavn, Faroe Islands, on October 12, 2021. (Photo by Jonathan NACKSTRAND / AFP) (Photo by JONATHAN NACKSTRAND/AFP via Getty Images)
Fresh after scoring his first Scotland goal in the most dramatic of circumstances, Scott McTominay backed it up with a crucial man of the match performance.
After beating Israel 3-2 on Saturday, Steve Clarke’s side needed to back up that win with three points in the Faroe Islands.
The breakthrough against the minnows didn’t come until the 86th minute, but a Lyndon Dykes strike ensured Scotland stayed in control of the World Cup play-off spot with a 1-0 win.
If Scotland beat Moldova in November they are guaranteed the World Cup play-off position in their qualifying group prior to the final game against table toppers Denmark.
McTominay shines once again
Unlike against Israel where McTominay was playing on the right of a back three, the Manchester United midfielder was back in the heart of things alongside Billy Gilmour.
In the 20th minute, McTominay made a run forward which wasn’t picked up by the hosts.
After being played in by John McGinn, the angle was tight but he smashed a goal-bound effort into the bottom corner which was saved by the Faroe Islands keeper with his feet.
In the 54th minute, McTominay again drove forward into the penalty area but his effort intended for the near bottom corner hit the side netting.
McTominay was at the heart of everything Scotland conjured up and relished the freedom to make runs from deep.
He had four shots, only his midfield partner Gilmour had more (5), created two chances and completed three dribbles, no player completed more dribbles in the match (WhoScored).
The Faroe Island’s didn’t know how to combat the threat of McTominay and he was the most fouled player on the pitch (3).
He had 74 touches and completed 42 of his attempted 49 passes (86%).
As well as posing an attacking threat, McTominay was equally astute with his defensive duties.
He won four tackles, made two clearances and won 10 ground duels (SofaScore).
McTominay has been in great form during the international break and hopefully he transmits that into his club performances starting at the King Power on Saturday.
