IT would be so typically Scottish if, having completed the most difficult part of the task they were faced with, the national team slipped up at the very death just when a Russia 2018 play-off place was tantalisingly within their grasp.

Slovenia, who gave England a difficult game at Wembley last night before being edged out 1-0, still have to be overcome in the Stozice Stadium in Ljubljana on Sunday evening for their objective to be attained and that will, as with any international game away from home, not be easy.

But the elation of this truly magnificent win over Slokavia last night will, regardless of what the final outcome of their gallant qualifying bid, live long in all of those fortunate enough to be inside a pulsating Hampden and the many more who were watching the action unfold at home.

Read more: Scotland v Slovakia: How Scotland rated

It took a Martin Skrtel own goal with just over a minute remaining for Gordon Strachan’s side to secure a hard-fought victory and the three points which they required to keep their chances of finishing second in their section alive.

None of the 3,000 or so Slovaks who were in attendance, though, could have quibbled with the final outcome as their team, who only needed to draw to effectively secure a place in just their second World Cup finals, had been outplayed for the vast majority of 90 utterly compelling and nerve-shredding minutes.

Only an extraordinary display from Martin Dubravka, the Sparta Prague keeper who was a doubtful starter for this match due to unconvincing form in recent weeks, kept the visiting side, who were reduced to 10 men in the first half with the sending off of Robert Mak, in it for so long. He pulled off a succession of outstanding blocks. The home team also hit the woodwork twice in the second half.

Read more: Gordon Strachan calls on Scotland to close out Russia 2018 play-off bid with final Slovenia triumph​

The invention of Stuart Armstrong and the aggression of Scott Brown were certainly missed, but Scotland, who have now won four and drawn one of their five qualifiers this year, can go into their meeting this weekend with hopes high of completing a quite remarkable turnaround in fortunes.

Strachan, as expected, erred on the side of caution with his team selection. He preferred the experience of Barry Bannan and Darren Fletcher to the promise of John McGinn and Callum McGregor as replacements for the injured Armstrong and Brown.

Leigh Griffiths, playing up front by himself, received little ammunition in the early stages, but he once again proved proved willing to drop deep and help in his side’s efforts to break down opposition attacks at source and win possession.

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When he pinched the ball off Marek Hamsik, the visitors Mohawk-wearing talisman who was winning his 100th cap for his country, wide on the right it raised a huge cheer from the home support.

Scotland were unfortunate not to win a penalty in the ninth minute after a neat passing interchange in the centre of the park enabled Kieran Tierney to break into the opposition area. Mak barged him over with a clumsy challenge in what appeared to most people in the ground to be a blatant foul.

Milora Mazic, the Serbian referee, was unimpressed and waved the appeals for a spot kick away. The match official was also not convinced when Tomas Hubocan appeared to use his left arm to block a James Forrest cross shorly afterwards. He would, though, endear himself to the fans before the first half was out.

Read more: Martin reckons Scotland got their reward for maintaining belief​

Andy Robertson wreaked all kinds of havoc down the left wing with his , James Morrison stood in the centre of the park and sprayed passes about with unerring accuracy and James Forrest looked capable of creating a chance or scoring whenever he got on the ball on the right. If one team was going to score it was Scotland.

They were only prevented from going in front against opponents who sat deep, soaked up relentless pressure and sought to hit their hosts on the counter attack by an brilliant one-handed save from Dubravka in the 19th minute.

Griffiths spotted Christophe Berra charging in at the back post and picked him out with a dipping delivery. The centre half rose and met it with a powerful downward header and was astonished his effort was palmed wide. He was not alone.

Read more: Scotland v Slovakia: How Scotland rated

The home support had something to cheer just four minutes later. Mak, who had been booked for a foul on Forrest shortly before, dived as he chased down a ball inside the Scotland penalty area and Mazic, correctly, gave him a second yellow card and then a red.

Craig Gordon, who was winning his 50th cap, had been advancing towards the ball as well, but no contact was made and the midfielder and his team mates, despite their lengthy protests, could have no complaints at his fate whatsoever.

Strangely, Slovakia came into the game more after they went down to 10 men. Their passing and movement was excellent. Hamsik, the Napoli player, was at the heart of all their best passages of play. Only their final ball let them down.

Read more: Gordon Strachan calls on Scotland to close out Russia 2018 play-off bid with final Slovenia triumph​

The same was true of their opponents. Griffiths got a shot on target in the 36th minute after a powerful run through the middle by Forrest. But the striker was denied by another decent save by Duravka.

The home side’s attacks were far too predictable – get the ball wide, square the ball into the middle – and were cleared with the minimum of fuss without finding

The second half saw more of the same. Tierney picked out Griffiths with a high floating ball, but his header was weak and easily gathered. Jan Kozak’s side, despite being at a numerical disadvantage, posed far more of a threat going forward. Gordon did well to deny first the lively Stanislav Lobotka and then Jan Gregus in a three minute spell.

Strachan had to do something to change the direction the match was heading for his side and duly did so. But replacing Forrest, who had arguably been his best performer, with Chris Martin on the hour mark left many in the stands scratching their heads.

Read more: Martin reckons Scotland got their reward for maintaining belief​

But the change worked wonders. He switched formation to a 4-4-2 with Martin partnering Griffiths up front and his side had two of their best opportunities immediately after the substitution. Griffiths tested Dubravka with a swerving long-range shot and Martin struck the crossbar from even further out.

When Martin won a free-kick in a much the same area from where Griffiths netted from twice in the game against England back in June a ripple of anticipation went around the stadium. The forward’s effort eluded Dubravka only to strike the woodwork. By that stage in proceedings, you had the distinct feeling it was going to be another one of those nights.

Strachan made two further changes in the closing stages after Dubravka produced two more fabulous saves, first from Morrison and then from Robertson, to keep Slovakia level. James McArthur came on for the fading Fletcher, who had required to have his cut head bandaged, and Ikechi Anya took over from Tierney at right back.

Anya broked into the box in the 89yth minute and squared the ball to Martin only for Skrtel to turn the ball into his own net. The dream is alive.