Scotland’s hopes of reaching the World Cup for the first time since 1998 received a major boost after a hard-fought 3-1 victory over Greece on Thursday. The result leaves Steve Clarke’s side level on points with Denmark at the top of Group C, with a crucial home match against Belarus looming on Sunday.
Victory at Hampden Park would take Scotland to within two games of automatic qualification, though a playoff spot would be secured if Denmark also beat Greece in their concurrent fixture. Clarke acknowledged his team rode their luck against the Greeks, who missed a gilt-edged chance when their striker failed to tap into an empty net. “Sometimes you don’t get what you deserve in football, and sometimes you get a little bit more than you deserve,” he said.
Scotland have not topped a World Cup qualifying group since 1982, but consistency has been a hallmark of their recent campaigns – they have lost only three of their last 23 qualifiers and have not been beaten at Hampden in a World Cup qualifier for 12 years. The chance to avoid the lottery of the playoffs provides added motivation, especially given the strength of potential opponents.
Clarke will have to reshuffle his side for the Belarus game, with Lewis Ferguson and Ryan Christie suspended and Aaron Hickey injured. Billy Gilmour is expected to return to midfield, while Lyndon Dykes could be handed a starting role up front. The manager remains focused on the task ahead, refusing to be drawn into talk of dreams. “Can the fans start to dream? They can do what they want. Am I starting to dream? No, you know me better than that.”
With several key players in their thirties, including John McGinn, Andy Robertson and Grant Hanley, this may be the last chance for this generation to reach a World Cup. Clarke himself is expected to step down after the campaign, but guiding Scotland to a third major tournament in succession would cement his legacy.
