Unfortunately it ended with Scotland being sent down - in disgrace.
The Tartan Army hoped the couple of hours in between would build the case for the current crop to prove they really do belong at the top table.
But the evidence suggested the complete opposite as far as the Nations League is concerned.
Worryingly, now the jury remains out on whether this squad really does possess the star quality to end a near three-decade wait to reach next year's World Cup.
This was a lesson in punishing errors and being clinical when the opportunity arises. If only we had someone like Denis Law leading the line now.
As is so often the case the boys in blue lacked a clinical edge where it mattered.
And to compound matters they rattled like a set of screws' keys when the pressure was applied in their own third.
It doesn’t matter how pretty you are in between if you are weak in both boxes and open to being punished.
It really was not a night befitting the memory of our greatest player. The Tartan Army had done Law proud ahead of kick-off as Steve Clarke's side returned to the home of Scottish football for the first time since the nation said goodbye to the iconic striker.
A display as striking as the great man's goals record filled Hampden’s north stand, booming out his Lawman moniker.
The Manchester United hero never hid his pride at representing his country for whom he still shares the top-scorer record with Kenny Dalglish.
A few years back he famously laid down the Law, saying: “To be selected to play for your country is the greatest honour ever. I don't care about winning the league or whatever.
“Playing for your country is the greatest thing ever.”
You can’t deny that hunger to wear the navy blue also pervades through this squad too.
They turned up in strength again. In fact there were more landmarks in the Scotland line-up than back in old town Athens - unfortunately they crumbled like many of those famous structures.
John McGinn hit the 75-cap mark, Scott McTominay 60 while Kenny McLean became the latest Hall of Fame entrant on 50.
Add that to a goalkeeper in Craig Gordon who looks determined to continue collecting caps until an age he should be drawing his pension, skipper Andy Robertson on 81 and now clear in third place in the all-time appearances list and Grant Hanley on 61.
This is a Scotland squad with more caps than the Burberry factory.
But for all the Serie A and Premier League quality, they reminded everyone that they are capable of throwing up a wobbler.
And the longer this game went on it became a Hampden howler to end all howlers. Clarke was never going to tear up the game plan from Piraeus.
Bringing Ryan Christie back from suspension in place of Lewis Ferguson seemed harsh on the Bologna man.
Clarke packaged it pre-match as an attacking change. And Christie certainly helped Scotland start on the front foot.
Four efforts were rattled off on Kostas Tzolakis' goal before 15 minutes had gone. But none packed a serious punch,
Scotland looked to be in control thanks to a midfield packed with ball players.
Billy Gilmour again looked like he really could keep the ball off Andre the Giant in a phone box....
The Tartan Army hoped the couple of hours in between would build the case for the current crop to prove they really do belong at the top table.
But the evidence suggested the complete opposite as far as the Nations League is concerned.
Worryingly, now the jury remains out on whether this squad really does possess the star quality to end a near three-decade wait to reach next year's World Cup.
This was a lesson in punishing errors and being clinical when the opportunity arises. If only we had someone like Denis Law leading the line now.
As is so often the case the boys in blue lacked a clinical edge where it mattered.
And to compound matters they rattled like a set of screws' keys when the pressure was applied in their own third.
It doesn’t matter how pretty you are in between if you are weak in both boxes and open to being punished.
It really was not a night befitting the memory of our greatest player. The Tartan Army had done Law proud ahead of kick-off as Steve Clarke's side returned to the home of Scottish football for the first time since the nation said goodbye to the iconic striker.
A display as striking as the great man's goals record filled Hampden’s north stand, booming out his Lawman moniker.
The Manchester United hero never hid his pride at representing his country for whom he still shares the top-scorer record with Kenny Dalglish.
A few years back he famously laid down the Law, saying: “To be selected to play for your country is the greatest honour ever. I don't care about winning the league or whatever.
“Playing for your country is the greatest thing ever.”
You can’t deny that hunger to wear the navy blue also pervades through this squad too.
They turned up in strength again. In fact there were more landmarks in the Scotland line-up than back in old town Athens - unfortunately they crumbled like many of those famous structures.
John McGinn hit the 75-cap mark, Scott McTominay 60 while Kenny McLean became the latest Hall of Fame entrant on 50.
Add that to a goalkeeper in Craig Gordon who looks determined to continue collecting caps until an age he should be drawing his pension, skipper Andy Robertson on 81 and now clear in third place in the all-time appearances list and Grant Hanley on 61.
This is a Scotland squad with more caps than the Burberry factory.
But for all the Serie A and Premier League quality, they reminded everyone that they are capable of throwing up a wobbler.
And the longer this game went on it became a Hampden howler to end all howlers. Clarke was never going to tear up the game plan from Piraeus.
Bringing Ryan Christie back from suspension in place of Lewis Ferguson seemed harsh on the Bologna man.
Clarke packaged it pre-match as an attacking change. And Christie certainly helped Scotland start on the front foot.
Four efforts were rattled off on Kostas Tzolakis' goal before 15 minutes had gone. But none packed a serious punch,
Scotland looked to be in control thanks to a midfield packed with ball players.
Billy Gilmour again looked like he really could keep the ball off Andre the Giant in a phone box....
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Daily Record (Digital) - 1 Issue, March 24, 2025