Scotland edged closer to securing a playoff spot for next year’s World Cup with a lucky 1-nil over 10-man Slovakia on Thursday night.
A late own goal from former Liverpool defender Martin Skrtel saw the hosts move up to 2nd in UEFA Group F, and victory over Slovenia on Sunday will guarantee Scotland their current position, and hand them the chance of reaching the play-offs.
Celtic striker Leigh Griffiths was in the thick of action all night, coming close to giving his side the lead twice, only for the woodwork and goalie Martin Dubravka to deny him the chance to.
The Hoops star eventually had a hand in the winning goal, though, as he laid the ball to Ikechi Anya, whose right-wing cross was turned home by Skrtel.
Having scored thrice in the Group F qualifiers thus far, the 27-year-old would hope he helps condemn Slovenia with his goals come weekend as Scotland eyes a spot at Russia.
Despite not finding the back of the net, fans on Twitter recognized Griffiths’ contribution against the Slovakians, and here are some of the best reactions.
Leigh Griffiths body check and pass to Anya there ?
— Ashly ☆ Wallace ?? (@ashlywallace) October 5, 2017
Leigh Griffiths is a sensationally underrated player. If he was a big handsome Spaniard he would be 40 mil easy
— Jason (@jasonhart17) October 5, 2017
Leigh Griffiths impresses me more and more every time I watch him play. Outstanding!
— Robbie Mason (@Mason_6) October 5, 2017
Love him or hate him but Leigh Griffiths was phenomal tonight!! ?
— Dale McConnell (@Dalebhoy67) October 5, 2017
Tremendous performance from Leigh Griffiths for Scotland. Opened up Slovakia for the goal.
Shame McGregor wasnt involved.
— Armchair Ultras Pod (@armchairultras) October 5, 2017
Just watched the #Scotland goal again. Leigh Griffiths does really well to keep the move going.
— Ronnie Esplin (@RonnieEsplin) October 5, 2017
Only just realising now how brilliantly Griffiths did in lead up to goal.
— Ewan Murray (@mrewanmurray) October 5, 2017
Griffiths has worked his socks off tonight but SOMETIMES YOU HAVE TO PASS.
— Wings Over Scotland (@WingsScotland) October 5, 2017
