Feyenoord 1-3 Celtic: Ruthless Celts Stun Dutch Giants

Feyenoord 1-3 Celtic Ueda (11′)                  Hyun-Jun (31′) Hatate (43′) Celtic shook De Kuip to record a crucial Europa League victory, in a potential send-off for interim manager Martin O’Neill. Feyenoord opened the scoring in the 11th minute. Sem Steijn gathered a Luciano Valente pass on the edge of Celtic’s box. The home captain showed composure, squaring the ball to Ayase Ueda, who finished low into the bottom left corner. The away side responded moments after the half-hour mark, with an efficient team move. Luke McCowan clipped a clever pass into the path of the onrushing Reo Hatate. The Japanese midfielder lofted the ball to the back post for Yang Hyun-Jun to volley home. Hatate put Celtic in dreamland on the stroke of halftime. Daizen Maeda pressured Feyenoord goalkeeper Timon Wellenreuther, who rushed his clearance into Hatate’s path. The midfielder’s first-time strike nestled in the centre of the goal to give Martin O’Neill’s side an unlikely lead. Feyenoord threatened in the second half, but it was the visitors who scored next. The ball broke to Benjamin Nygren in the box after Celtic pressure, and the Swedish attacker finished high off the crossbar. The goal sent the visiting support into frenzy, and rounded off a superb away victory. The win lifted Celtic into 17th place in the Europa League standings. They return to Premiership action at Easter Road on Sunday. Feyenoord: Wellenreuther, Lotomba (van Persie 81′) Ahmedhodzic, Watanabe, Smal (Nieuwkoop 62′) Valente (Timber 76′) Steijn, Targhalline, Moussa, Ueda, Sauer (Diarra 62′) Celtic: Schmeichel, Donovan (Ralston 84′) Trusty, Scales, Tierney (Murray 70′) McGregor, Engels, Hatate (Bernardo 83′) Yang (Tounekti 71′) McCowan (Nygren 63′) Maeda

“We didn’t deserve to get back into the game” – Gray after Motherwell 2-0 Hibs

Hibernian suffered defeat to Motherwell on Tuesday evening, and David Gray believes his side “got what we deserved”. The 2-0 loss halted the Leith side’s three-game unbeaten league run, and former captain Gray offered a brutal assessment of his team’s performance after the match. “I thought we were not very unlike us. Started the game slowly, really poor in possession, a lot of unforced errors, a lot of misplaced passes, and then everything that could have went against us did, in that period as well, found herself 2-0 down, down to 10 men, and it was a really difficult task from there” “We’ve been really poor; there wasn’t an individual that was a collective performance from us, which I’ve not seen for a while. We’ll need to look at that.” Goals from Tawanda Maswanhise and Elijah Just had the home side in control, but the misery was compounded in the 34th minute after Grant Hanley’s red card. The Scottish international clipped the heels of Maswanhise, with the striker bearing down on goal, referee Duncan Nicolson had no choice but to dismiss the defender. “No complaints about the red card because of the letter of the law. Now, if he’s on side, and he’s brought down, and you’re the last man, that’s a red card that’s outside the box. It’s an accidental trip. I think so, that is a red card. “We signed up to VAR, and the technology, we can argue about that, whether we think it’s good enough. It is a factual decision that we’ve all signed up to. So I’m not going to argue about the offside.” Gray offered some consolation to his players for their efforts in the second period, but ultimately their slow start had cost them the game. “I think they did show character; they did show effort. They didn’t just roll over. I think that’s clear, especially because of the way we quickly found ourselves 2-0 down, down to ten men, the way Motherwell were playing on the front foot. It would have been easy to do that and feel sorry for yourself. I don’t think they did. “I can’t fault the players for effort, for going right to the very end, but we certainly didn’t deserve to get back into the game, didn’t do enough to get back into the game. Hibernian return to home league action against Celtic this weekend, and the manager believes his side can bounce back for the huge fixture. “There’s nothing else for it. I think one thing we won’t do is just move on quickly. I know the Celtic games on Sunday, but at this moment in time, we’ll be in tomorrow, we’ll reflect on why we started the game the way we did and look at that. “We’ve got enough time to get the players recovered and ready for their opportunity to try and put tonight’s result and performance right.”

“You’re judged on scoring goals” – Bowie after Hibernian 2-0 Dundee

After scoring his 4th league goal of the season against Dundee, Kieron Bowie referenced the “added incentive” of joining Steve Clarke’s Scotland World Cup squad. Speaking with the media after Hibernian’s 2-0 win over Dundee, Bowie referenced the importance of getting back to “basics” after a brief stint out of David Gray’s starting eleven: “When we played Livingston, I came out of the team, and he was just sort of reinforcing that it wasn’t performance-based. It was just a freshening up. “Since then, I’ve been back in the team, just trying to do the basics again, really like the start of the season, just trying to get back into that groove of things and being confident myself and taking shots more than I’m passing it, and thankfully, it paid off today.” The Hibs’ number 9 opened the scoring against Dundee. After taking a clever touch, he drilled a low strike past the helpless Jon McCracken on the half-hour mark. “Early on I felt like I couldn’t score. I missed from a yard out, which was almost impossible, but it happened, and it’s just about bouncing back after that. Just sort of got to laugh it off. “You’re judged on scoring goals, but the gaffer has obviously said that I’m doing everything that he wants me to do, and that’s obviously on my mind; that’s a positive. I want to keep scoring as many goals as I can, and hopefully I can continue to keep doing that” Bowie, like the entire nation, had watched Scotland’s monumental victory over Denmark to qualify for the World Cup next year. The young striker was upbeat despite missing out on the squad. “He (Steve Clarke) phoned me the night before just to let me know, so there wasn’t a surprise which was good. I’ve just got to get on with it and keep doing what I’m doing for the next one, so I can be in it, obviously, to watch the game. It was amazing for everybody. But yeah, you want to be there, like I said, and hopefully I can be in the next one.” It was unbelievable to watch it. Obviously, you want to be there to experience it. But unfortunately, that has not happened this time. It’s just an added incentive, we’ve got an amazing squad, good forwards, and it’ll be tough to get back in there, but I just need to keep doing here, and hopefully it’s just an added bonus.” Hibernian return to Scottish Premiership action on Tuesday evening against Motherwell at Fir Park, before hosting Celtic next Sunday.

Man Utd 0-1 Everton: Toffees Grab Priceless Victory Despite Bizarre Red Card

Manchester United 0-1 Everton Dewsbury-Hall (29′) Ten-man Everton secured their first victory at Old Trafford since 2013 after a stunning first-half strike by Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, condemning Manchester United to a dismal defeat. The game started unusually, with Everton reduced to 10 men in the opening 15 minutes. Miscommunication in the box between Michael Keane and Idrissa Gueye allowed Bruno Fernandes to unleash a dangerous shot on goal. Gueye was furious at his teammate for not clearing the ball, and after storming towards him, he appeared to slap the defender. Referee Tony Harrington quickly reached for his red card; the Senegalese midfielder had to be ushered towards the tunnel by Jordan Pickford. The home crowd found amusement in the incident, but it gave David Moyes’ side an unnecessary setback. Despite the deficit, Everton struck first through Dewsbury-Hall. Joe Garner split the United midfield with a clever pass, allowing the midfielder to turn and drive past several red jerseys. After tussling his way to the edge of the box, he delivered a curling, right-foot strike past the helpless Senne Lammens to confirm an unlikely lead. The Red Devils knocked on the door for the entire second half, going close on several occasions. Bryan Mbuemo linked with Joshua Zirkzee on the hour mark, but Pickford parried his strike from the edge of the box. Mason Mount found Fernandes in the box after a clipped Matthijs De Ligt pass 10 minutes later, but the Man Utd captain blazed over with the outside of his right foot. Pickford produced an outstanding save in the 80th minute to maintain Everton’s slender lead. Luke Shaw stood up a cross for Zirkzee to attack in the six-yard box; his header looked destined to nestle in the bottom right corner, if not for Pickford’s outstretched hand. The visitors were defending valiantly, but Pickford’s experience as England’s number one goalkeeper paid dividends for the Merseyside team, who secured a clean sheet and three points. Victory for Moyes’ side moved them above rivals, Liverpool, into 11th spot, as they secured back-to-back victories in the league. Rubin Amorim’s side remains in 10th, and is now three games without a win. Manchester United: Lammens Yoro De Ligt Shaw Mazraoui (Mount 46′) Casemiro (Mainoo 58′) Fernandes Dorgu (Dalot 58′) Amad Mbeumo Zirkzee Everton: Pickford Garner Tarkowski Keane Mykolenko Coleman (O’Brien 10′) Gueye Ndiaye (Beto 81′) Dewsbury-Hall (Alcaraz 88′) Grealish (McNeil 87′)  Barry (Iroegbunam 81′)  

Dundee Utd 0-3 Falkirk: Bairns Terrific at Tannadice to Stay in Top 6

Dundee United 0-3 Falkirk Miller (3’) Kucherenko OG (22’)  Graham (63’) In the return from the international break, Dundee Utd hosted Falkirk at The CalForth Construction Arena with only 2 points separating the sides. It was the away side who started with no time to waste, following a fast counter where the ball fell to Calvin Miller, whose shot was parried by Yevhenii Kucherenko in the Utd net; however Miller was able to tap in the rebound to give Falkirk the lead after only 3 minutes played. Falkirk would continue to dominate, and 20 minutes later their second goal would come. Calvin Miller’s in swinging corner was dealt with horribly by the home side as Kucherenko punched the goal into his own net to double The Bairns lead. Dundee Utd would start to show signs of life as Krisztian Kereztes’ effort would fall into the hands of former Dundee keeper Scott Bain, and Amar Fateh’s header would rattle off of the crossbar to give the Dundee side their best chance of the half thus far. Referee Nick Walsh would blow for the halftime whistle as jeers rung around Tannadice giving manager Jim Goodwin much to think about as he prepared his side for a second half comeback. Into the second half Kristijan Trapanovski and Ryan Strain would enter proceedings as former Dundee Utd striker Brian Graham was issued a yellow card for his offence on Keresztes, Walsh was called over to the VAR monitor but decided against brandishing the red card. An hour into the game and Falkirk would once again gain control of the match, as good passing play from back-to-front led to an excellent pass from Calvin Miller to find Graham on the edge of the box, who cleverly rounded Kucherenko and passed the ball into the back of the net for Falkirk’s third goal of the match. This was Graham’s fourth goal of the season in all competitions since joining Falkirk in the summer. Former United captain Ryan Edwards was subbed on for Falkirk to make his debut at his old stomping ground. Falkirk would expertly see out the final 15 minutes of play to secure an important 3 points and rebound from their disappointing draw to Livingston before the break. This win keeps Falkirk in fifth place, 1 point above Motherwell and only 2 points behind Hibernian and Rangers are above them. They next face a trip to Ibrox next Sunday with the opportunity to move above an inconsistent Rangers with victory. After an abject display, Dundee United find themselves out of the top 6 in seventh place, 4 points adrift of Motherwell and 3 points ahead of eighth-placed Aberdeen. They prepare for a trip to Rugby Park as they play Kilmarnock next Saturday evening. Dundee United: Kucherenko; Iovu, Esselink, Keresztes; Stephenson, Sevelj, Sibbald, Ferry; Dolcek, Sapsford, Amar Fatah. Subs: Strain, Trapanovski, Möller, Watters Falkirk: Bain; Adams, Henderson, Allan, Lissah; Tait, Spencer; Wilson, Williams, Miller; Graham. Subs: Cartwright, Edwards, Agyeman, Ross, Oliver Attendance: 9,736

Hibernian 2-0 Dundee: Hibees Record Routine Victory over tame Dundee

Hibernian 2-0 Dundee Bowie (4′) McGrath (59′) Hibs consolidated third place in the Scottish Premiership, scoring a goal in each half to down Dundee in the capital. The home side had the first opening in the 4th minute. Martin Boyle cushioned an inswinging Nicky Cadden cross into the path of Kieron Bowie, but the striker couldn’t connect from close range. Hibs almost walked the ball into the net on the 10-minute mark. McGrath collected Boyle’s cute pass in the 6-yard box, but the Irishman’s shot lacked power, and John McCracken collected it easily. Bowie headed over Mulligan’s cross from close range in the 17th minute as David Gray’s side continued to press. The big striker had started the season with such confidence, including a 40-yard screamer against Partizan Belgrade, but would have been extremely disappointed with this effort Steven Pressley’s side have won just one of their last six league matches, and struggled to create opportunities. Yan Dhanda’s corner kick dropped to Simon Murray in the 23rd minute, but the Dundee captain’s side-footed effort was easily cleared by the Hibs defence. Gray’s side chipped away at the visiting defence. Daniel Barlaser connected sweetly on the edge of the box, but his shot was tipped wide by McCracken. The strikeforce of Boyle and Bowie combined on Dundee’s left moments later, the latter laid off to the onrushing Mulligan, who registered another tame shot on goal. Their dominance paid off on the half-hour mark, thanks to Bowie. Cadden’s low cross was collected by the striker, after shifting the ball to his left foot, he drilled a low strike under McCracken. The goal warranted the home side’s play and was Bowie’s fourth league goal of the season. Their attacking talent continued to grow as the half drew to a close. Chris Cadden’s reverse pass was driven towards goal by the electric Boyle, but his strike could only find the sidenetting. Dundee spent the remainder of the half pinned in their 18-yard box, surviving wave after wave of Hibs attacks. Tony Yogane burst into life moments into the second half. After beating Rocky Bushiri, he cut across the face of the defender and went down in the box. Despite the collision, Steven McLean quickly waved off the Dundee penalty shouts. Hibs wrestled back control of the game. Cadden’s lofted cross was inches away from connecting with Boyle’s head as they searched for a second. Bowie laid off McGrath on the edge of the box after a slack Dundee pass. The midfielder bent a right-footed strike from 25 yards, which ricocheted off the crossbar. The second goal arrived on the hour mark. Mulligan’s powerful run allowed Bowie to cushion a pass into the path of the onrushing McGrath, who drilled home from 8 yards with his right foot. Dundee produced their best chance in the 64th minute. Cameron Congreve’s marauding run and cross from the right was volleyed towards goal by Yogane. But Raphael Sallinger produced a brilliant save, racing across his line to parry away. Hibs raced forward from the resultant turnover. McGrath produced brilliant skill, beating several navy jerseys with quick feet, but the desperate Dees’ defence blocked his shot. The visitors looked destined to pull a goal back with ten minutes remaining. Congreve’s tantalising, inswinging freekick was headed towards goal by Clark Robertson at the backpost, but Sallinger was again on hand to produce a stunning close-range save, and maintain the clean sheet. Despite their chances, the visitors were unable to register a goal and remain in the bottom two of the Scottish Premiership. Hibs remain in third, and victory confirmed their second home win of the season. Hibernian: Sallinger 9 Bushiri 7 Hanley 7 Iredale 7 C Cadden 7 Barlaser 8 Mulligan 9 McGrath 9 N Cadden 8 Boyle 7 Bowie 7 Substitutes: Klidje 6 Obita 6 Levitt 6 Youan 6 Megwa 5 Dundee: McCracken 5 Wright 5 C Robertson 5 Graham 5 Samuels 4 Digby 5 Hamilton 5 Congreve 6 Dhanda 6 Yogane 6 Murray 5 Substitutes: Astley 5 Jones 5 Reilly 5 Attendance: 17,714

Scotland 4-2 Denmark: Scots book World Cup place after injury time winner

Scotland 4 – 2 Denmark McTominay (3′) Shankland (78′) Tierney (90+3′) McLean (90+8′)   Højlund (57′ pen) Dorgu (81′) Scotland secured their first World Cup appearance since 1998, after a dramatic six-goal thriller at a raucous Hampden Park. The home side took the lead in the opening minutes thanks to a moment of individual brilliance. Ben Gannon-Doak’s left-footed cross was met by Scott McTominay, who delivered a towering overhead kick past the helpless Kasper Schmeichel. Simply, it was the dream start for Steve Clarke’s men, who were showing an intensity that was missing in Greece three nights before. Despite the remarkable start, the visitors grew into the half. Pierre-Emile Højbjerg blazed over, and Rasmus Højlund’s teasing delivery had no takers in the opening 15 minutes. Scotland were dealt a blow in the 20th minute with Gannon-Doak stretchered off, bringing a hush over Hampden. Højlund netted moments later, but play was brought back as the Napoli striker handled Aaron Hickey in the build-up. A Danish corner was almost flicked into his own net by Andy Robertson in the 27th minute as caution continued for the hosts. Patrick Dorgu then delivered a teasing cross for Højlund, who headed over from cross range. Scotland invited continuous pressure from the Danes and looked content with defending the slender lead. Højbjerg’s 20-yard strike whistled past Craig Gordon’s post as the halftime whistle approached. Denmark dominated possession in the opening minutes of the second period. Højlund found a half yard in the Scotland box, firing a low shot which Gordon smartly tipped round the post. Szymon Marciniak pointed to the penalty spot in the 57th minute after Robertson tripped Gustav Isaksen on the corner of the box. Højlund dispatched high past Gordon to wrestle control back for the visitors. The penalty was subject to a lengthy VAR check, but warranted the visitors’ dominant spell. A huge turning point occurred after the hour mark. John McGinn spun Rasmus Kristensen, who looked to have hauled the Scottish midfielder to the floor. Marciniak gave Kristensen his second yellow, but upon replay, the decision was very harsh on the Frankfurt defender. The visitors looked composed despite being down to ten men. Clarke turned to Che Adams and Lawrence Shankland for the winning goal, but Denmark continued to look dangerous. Isaksen’s shot from the right-hand side of the Scottish box whistled past Gordon’s goal as they searched for the killer blow. Scotland scored a second goal in the 78th minute through the substitute Shankland. A teasing Lewis Ferguson corner dropped for the Hearts captain, who turned home from close range, sparking delight in the home sections. Denmark responded with a haymaker on their next attack. The home side were unable to clear their lines from a crossed ball, the ball dropped to Dorgu, who showed composure to slide past the rooted Gordon. The homeside threw men forward in search of the winning goal. Robertson’s cross bypassed the entire Danish defence, allowing McGinn to curl a left-footed shot inches wide of Schmeichel’s top corner. Kieran Tierney sent Scotland to the World Cup in the 93rd minute. The ball broke to the Celtic defender on the edge of the box, who curled a left-footed strike into the corner from 25 yards. McLean sealed the game deep into injury time. Denmark’s final attack broke down, and the Norwich midfielder lobbed the stranded Schmeichel from the halfway line. The full-time scenes were chaotic and emotional. A game that looked set to end in heartbreak had turned into a famous night that will be remembered for years to come. Scotland have automatically qualified for the World Cup 2026. Scotland: Gordon 7 Hickey 6 Hanley 8 McKenna 8 Robertson 7 McGinn 7 Ferguson 6 McTominay 7 Christie 7 Gannon-Doak 7 Dykes 6 Substitutes: McLean 10 Shankland 6 Adams 6 Tierney 10 Denmark: Schmeichel 7 Kristensen 7 Andersen 7 Christensen 7 Dorgu 6 Isaksen 6 Hjulmand 6 Froholdt 6 Hojbjerg 6 Damsgaard 6 Hojlund 7 Substitutes: Vestergaard 6 Nørgaard 5 Biereth 5

“We can make it a great night for the country” – Steve Clarke ahead of Scotland v Denmark

Scotland face Denmark at Hampden tomorrow evening, knowing victory will take them to the 2026 World Cup, and Steve Clarke admits that the showdown game was “always the scenario we had in our heads”. Speaking with the media on Monday afternoon, Clarke spoke of the “trust” he has in his players and squad, “Way back at the start, I said we didn’t have enough experience, we didn’t have enough caps in the squad. Now we’ve got enough caps and experience, and hopefully that, allied to the talent in the group, that experience can be vital” “The lads seem to be in pretty good spirits. Everyone is in a good place”. The Scots have not qualified for a World Cup since 1998. They reached the playoff round for Qatar 2022, but were dismantled by an inspired Ukrainian side at Hampden. “The players understand the magnitude of the game, but they just have to prepare for a game of football and make sure they are focused on how we want to play and on what Denmark might do”. “If they go out and play as they can, then I believe they are good enough to get the result we need”. The Danish challenge on Tuesday evening may be the most vital of Clarke’s tenure; he described the pivotal match as a “cup final”. “In football, sometimes things don’t go your way. The most important thing in a qualifying campaign is points.” “We were drawn as a pot three team, but we are already in second place. We want to go one step further and finish top of the group.” Team-wise, Clarke confirmed that Billy Gilmour would not feature; a groin problem has ruled the Napoli midfielder out of proceedings. He remains the only player to miss out, with Clarke advising that “Everyone else is fit and ready to go”. Despite accumulating ten points in their opening five group matches, Hampden jeered parts of Scotland’s victories over Greece and Belarus last month. Clarke urged that the Tartan Army should stick with his side on Tuesday evening, “We probably need them more in the difficult moments. If we all work together, we can make it a great night for the country.” Clarke has led Scotland to back-to-back European Championships and hopes that his team can deliver once again. “The players have shown they know how to qualify for tournaments, so let’s qualify for another one” Scotland v Denmark Hampden Tuesday 18 November 7:45pm

Greece 3 – 2 Scotland: Automatic World Cup Qualification Still Alive for Scots Despite Defeat

Greece 3 – 2 Scotland Bakasetas (7′) Karetsas (57′) Tzolis (63′)  Gannon-Doak (65′) Christie (70′) Scotland endured their first Group C defeat after a thrilling 5 goal defeat against Greece in Piraeus. Greece took an early lead through Tasos Bakasetas. A long ball was misjudged by John Souttar, allowing Vangelis Pavlidis to test Craig Gordon with a low shot. The rebound dropped for Bakasetas, who drilled a left-footed strike into the bottom corner. The home side had enjoyed the opening exchanges, but it was a soft goal, and a nightmare start for Steve Clarke’s men. The second almost arrived in the 18th minute. Christos Tzolis terrorised Rangers for Club Brugge in the Champions League playoff round. He tested Gordon twice in a matter of seconds, firstly with a snapshot in the box, and then a sliced strike that whistled past the post. The visitors had no answers; the midfield combination of Lewis Ferguson and Ryan Christie was continuously smothered by the inspired Greeks, who looked full of confidence. Gordon swatted away Panagiotis Retsos’ towering header after 26 minutes. Before an Andy Robertson error allowed Tzolis to register another shot on target, as the hosts looked to turn the screw. They delivered another flowing move on the half-hour mark. Tzolis found space on the left before firing a low pass across the six-yard box. Pavlidis connected on the stretch, but his strike shaved the side netting and went behind Gordon’s goal. Greece were cutting the Scots open at will, and could have scored four in the opening thirty minutes on another night. Scotland sparked into life on the halftime mark. Che Adams dummied Robertson’s inside pass, leaving space for Scott McTominay to cannon a 25-yard strike off the crossbar. Ben Doak raced onto a clever McTominay pass in additional time, but Odysseas Vlachodimos smothered his low strike to bring the half to a close. Scotland carried their positive finish into the second half, showing more composure on the ball and picking up good attacking areas. They should have equalised in the 52nd minute. Ryan Christie latched onto a loose Greek pass and squared to the unmarked Adams, but the striker’s shot was blocked on the line. Greece delivered a killer blow four minutes later. Andrews Tetteh beat Grant Hanley for pace down Scotland’s right, and he found Konstantinos Karetsas, who struck home from the edge of the box. The wonderkid terrorised the Scots during the Nations League playoff in March, and his suckerpunch may have confirmed another playoff. A powerful shot from range by Tzolis made it 3-0 after the hour mark as the Greeks started to enjoy themselves. Doak pulled a goal back in the 65th minute. He finished John McGinn’s powerful low cross after a strong run from the Aston Villa captain. The goal offered hope for the Tartan Army, and when Christie headed Robertson’s pinpoint cross in the 70th minute, the automatic World Cup qualification dream was well and truly back on. Scotland looked set to equalise in the 80th minute. Doak’s backpost cross was volleyed towards goal by McTominay, but the outstretched leg of Vlachodimos kept the Greek lead intact. A crucial touch by Vlachodimos diverted a McGinn cross as the game entered injury time. Clarke had four strikers on the pitch, but they were unable to find the equalising goal. Scotland carried their positive finish into the second half, showing more composure on the ball and picking up good attacking areas. They should have equalised in the 52nd minute. Ryan Christie latched onto a loose Greek pass and squared to the unmarked Adams, but the striker’s shot was blocked on the line. Greece delivered a killer blow four minutes later. Andrews Tetteh beat Grant Hanley for pace down Scotland’s right, and he found Konstantinos Karetsas, who struck home from the edge of the box. The wonderkid terrorised the Scots during the Nations League playoff in March, and his suckerpunch may have confirmed another playoff. A powerful shot from range by Tzolis made it 3-0 after the hour mark as the Greeks started to enjoy themselves. Doak pulled a goal back in the 65th minute. He finished John McGinn’s powerful low cross after a strong run from the Aston Villa captain. The goal offered hope for the Tartan Army, and when Christie headed Robertson’s pinpoint cross in the 70th minute, the automatic World Cup qualification dream was well and truly back on. Scotland looked set to equalise in the 80th minute. Doak’s backpost cross was volleyed towards goal by McTominay, but the outstretched leg of Vlachodimos kept the Greek lead intact. A crucial touch by Vlachodimos diverted a McGinn cross as the game entered injury time. Clarke had four strikers on the pitch, but they were unable to find the equalising goal. But a point for Belarus means that Scotland can still automatically qualify for the World Cup. Greece: Vlachodimos 8 Vagiannidis 7 Retsos 7 Koulierakis 6 Tsimikas 6 Kourbelis 6 Mouzakitis 7 Karetsas 8 Bakasetas 6 Tzolis 8 Pavlidis 6 Substitutes: Tetteh 6 Masouras 6 Kostoulas 6 Hatzidiakos 6 Scotland: Gordon 6 Hickey 6 Hanley 6 Souttar 6 Robertson 6 Ferguson 7 Christie 7 McGinn 7 McTominay 7 Gannon-Doak 7 Adams 6 Substitutes: McKenna 6 Ralston 6 Shankland 6 Hirst 6 Dykes 6

Clarke Encourages Scots to “Capitalise” ahead of World Cup Showdown

Steve Clarke has urged his Scottish side to bounce back from a “disappointing” performance against Belarus, ahead of the climax of their World Cup Qualifying campaign. The Scots sit second in Group C, and are unbeaten in their opening four matches, including back-to-back Hampden victories over Greece and Belarus. Speaking to BBC Scotland, Clarke spoke of his halftime “anger” during the abject Belarus performance: “The anger from me in the dressing room was to try to provoke a reaction from the players, to let the players know that with my experience, I could feel that there was a possibility to drop points in a game that we shouldn’t drop points.” “I can’t say it was uncontrolled anger, because it was, it was something that very occasionally, as a manager now you can use, it’s not something you can use all the time, but that just felt like an appropriate moment to show a little bit of anger and get a reaction.” “And I think the start of the second half was better. There was a good reaction to that, but the game sort of settled back into its old ways. And like I said, performance disappointing result is exactly what we wanted – three points.” First up is Greece, a familiar foe, whom Scotland have already faced three times this year. Ivan Jovanovic’s side is a stern test, and relegated Scotland to the Nations League B following a dominant 3-0 victory at Hampden in March. They sit third in Group C, and can no longer qualify through the group after unbeaten starts for Scotland and Denmark. Clarke appreciates that his side’s performances have pushed them into a positive position in the group: “If anybody had said going into the last month, the final two games, that one of our biggest rivals would already be out of the equation for the play-offs or the automatic qualification, I think everybody would have taken that.” “We need to be disappointed in the performance against Belarus, but we also need to keep a sense of perspective that we’re in a really good position and can we capitalise on that in the two games coming”. If Scotland avoid defeat in Piraeus, they can set up a World Cup showdown match against Denmark at Hampden Park on Tuesday evening. A massive week awaits Steve Clarke’s Tartan Army.