A dramatic injury-time winner from Stephen McManus saved boss Craig Levein from a disastrous competitive home debut and prevented Scotland's Euro 2012 qualifying campaign taking a severe blow against Liechtenstein at Hampden.
Levein had warned not to expect a goal-fest against a team ranked 100 places below the Scots, but the home side only just managed to scrape a 2-1 win which desperately needed after claiming a point from their Group I opener in Lithuania on Friday.
Liechtenstein captain Mario Frick had more than just his 36th birthday to celebrate when he grabbed a shock opener - and his 15th international goal - for the visitors before Kenny Miller levelled for the shell-shocked Scots.
But it was McManus who had the final say with the decisive goal seven minutes into injury time to steer the campaign back on track and prevent serious questions being asked of Levein.
Scotland had dominated the opening spell and were threatening again when Darren Fletcher - earning his 50th cap - slipped a quick free-kick to the feet of Kris Boyd but he dragged well wide of target from distance, with an attempt on goal that was too ambitious.
With the match still deadlocked with the interval fast approaching, the visitors attempted to claim a shock opener when Sandro Weiser and Michele Polverino exchanged a one-two before Weiser's effort was smothered by Allan McGregor in the Scotland goal.
Liechtenstein surged into the lead less than a minute into the second half when David Hassler whipped in a dangerous cross from the left for Frick and McManus stood off just enough to allow the skipper to rifle past the outstretched hands of McGregor.
There was more bad news for the Scots when Lee Wallace was forced out of the action following a challenge from Martin Stocklasa, but Scotland bounced back to find an equaliser after 63 minutes.
Substitute James Morrison raced down the left flank before delivering into the box and Michael Stocklasa's headed clearance fell only as far as Miller who sent a superb left-foot volley high into the net.
After sustained pressure, Levein's men were unable to find a way through. But just when it appeared all hope was gone, McManus rose high in the box to meet substitute Barry Robson's corner and powered a bullet header into the back of the net deep into injury time as Hampden erupted in delight and relief.
Source: PA
