A 2-all draw between Scotland and Slovenia on Sunday crushed the World Cup ambitions of the former.
The Scots needed a win to keep their hopes of playing in a first World Cup since 1998 alive, but the result meant Slovakia pipped them to 2nd place in UEFA Group F on goal difference.
Celtic striker Leigh Griffiths put the visitors in front after half an hour, ending Slovenia impressive defensive run of going 391 minutes without shipping a goal at a home in the World Cup qualifiers.
However, two 2nd half goals from Roman Bezjak undid the good work of the Hoops man, and when Robert Snodgrass restored parity 2 minutes from time, it was too little, too late.
Griffiths’ opener was his 4th goal in his last 5 international appearances – during which he also assisted thrice.
Having not started him in every of Scotland’s qualifiers, manager Gordon Strachan might have been left to rue his earlier selections, as the Celtic man proved what he is capable of when trusted.
Fans took to Twitter to praise Griffiths despite the country’s ill-luck.
Leigh Griffiths ???
— Chris Sutton (@chris_sutton73) October 8, 2017
Leigh Griffiths ends Slovenia’s 391 minute run of not conceding a home goal in this #WCQ2018 campaign pic.twitter.com/4l2jbAFyDn
— Sky Sports Statto (@SkySportsStatto) October 8, 2017
‘Leigh Griffiths should have been starting every game. Strachan was far too stubborn throughout qualification.’
Agree with @chris_sutton73? pic.twitter.com/V4a8G0dq49
— BBC 606 (@bbc606) October 8, 2017
SUPER LEIGH GRIFFITHS !!!!!! Goal HD – Slovenia 0-1 Scotlan pic.twitter.com/rIf7KB0T2Q
— Celtic Videos ? (@CelticVideo) October 8, 2017
Scotland failing to qualify for the World Cup is a real shame.
Means the best striker in the world won’t be in Russia
Poor Leigh Griffiths
— Deluded Brendan (@DeludedBrendan) October 8, 2017
? Leigh Griffiths last 5 games for Scotland…
– Goals: 4
– Assits: 3
Integral!#SVNSCO pic.twitter.com/F7OCiJLI5V
— The Sportsman (@TheSportsman) October 8, 2017
I actually fancy Leigh Griffiths so much! Get in ya big ledge
— Rosa Zambonini (@ROSAZAMBONINI) October 8, 2017
Leigh Griffiths a truly fine striker. Difficult to say but hard to get away from it. Consistently delivers at the highest level.
— rickylsmalls (@rickylsmalls) October 8, 2017
I despise Leigh Griffiths but if his goal gets us into the playoffs I’ll remortgage my house & pay his CSA for an hour as a thank you.
— Phantom (@Phantomco5088) October 8, 2017
Slovenia haven’t conceded at home during this World Cup Qualifying Campaign.
Leigh Griffiths: Hold my Buckfast…#SVNSCO #SLOSCO pic.twitter.com/V43ZQHTzGE
— PapaBeats (@PapaBeats_) October 8, 2017
Leigh Griffiths has developed into a top class striker, we’re lucky to have him.
— Inside The SPFL (@AgentScotland) October 8, 2017
Hope the SNP confirm that a statue of Leigh Griffiths is to be built in the wake of that outstanding goal! #SVNSCO
— Angry Scotland (@AngryScotland) October 8, 2017
