Scotland stand on the brink of reaching their first World Cup since 1998, but the national mood is tinged with unease after unconvincing performances last month. Steve Clarke’s side need at least a point against Greece in Athens on Saturday to keep their automatic qualification hopes alive, before a final group match against Denmark at Hampden Park on Tuesday.
Clarke was forced to read the riot act after Scotland’s lacklustre displays in October, including a narrow 3-1 win over Greece and a poor victory against Belarus. The manager admitted he “panicked” against Belarus, sensing the high stakes were affecting his players. “It is something very occasionally as a manager now you can use,” Clarke said of his half-time outburst. “That just felt like an appropriate moment.”
Despite criticism of his six-year tenure, Clarke has the chance to become the first Scotland manager to qualify for three major tournaments. However, a chronic lack of emerging talent and inconsistency among key players like Scott McTominay, Andy Robertson and John McGinn have raised doubts. Scotland have already secured a playoff spot, but the prospect of that route offers little comfort.
Greece, with only three points from four games, are already out of contention and face uncertainty over manager Ivan Jovanovic’s future. Scotland will hope to exploit that fragility, but they face a technically gifted side. The return of the Denmark match, after a goalless draw in Copenhagen, will be a stern test as Brian Riemer’s team have dominated the group.
