Scotland National Team

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 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

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.

Hampden Park will host six matches, including one quarter-final, as part of the hotly anticipated Euro 2028 tournament. The six games will take place between June 10th and July 1st 2028, with the quarter-final set for July 1st. If Scotland is to qualify, the National Team will play all their group stage games at home. The chief executive of the Scottish FA, Ian Maxwell, expressed his delight with the plans: “The history of our world-renowned National Stadium is peppered with iconic moments, and this represents a fantastic opportunity to add a few more unforgettable memories.” “I know our supporters – revered across the globe for their dedication and passion – will enjoy having some of the game’s best players on their doorstep”. Euro 2028 UK & Ireland kicks off on June 9 2028, with Wales hosting the opening match at Cardiff’s National Stadium. A further seven cities will host games, including Dublin, Newcastle, and Manchester, with Wembley Stadium hosting the final on July 9. Belfast will host the official qualifying draw on December 6 2026.   Hampden Park Schedule: UEFA Euro 2028 Saturday, June 10: Group A Groupstage Match Tuesday, June 13: Group F Groupstage Match Saturday, June 17: Group F Groupstage Match Wednesday, June 21: Group F Groupstage Match Monday, June 26: Round of 16 Saturday, July 1: Quarter Final

Scotland is on the brink of a maiden World Cup appearance in 27 years, and of all the decisions Steve Clarke faces ahead of a crucial double header this week, the choice of goalkeeper may be the most important one. While Angus Gunn has impressed in the opening four games, securing two clean sheets and producing key saves against Greece and Belarus at Hampden, a knee problem has ruled the Nottingham Forest goalkeeper out of the crucial double-header. Manager Steve Clarke must now look elsewhere, having included veteran Craig Gordon, Rangers’ Liam Kelly, and Falkirk’s Scott Bain in the squad. With a pivotal test against Greece looming on Saturday evening, the decision in goal could define the camp. With 81 caps, Craig Gordon would be the sensible choice, bringing experience to the national side. However, the Heart of Midlothian goalkeeper has not featured domestically since suffering a neck injury in May, and has been edged out of Derek McInnes’ side following the summer arrival of Alexander Schwolow. The two other options offer contrasting levels of match sharpness. Scott Bain has returned to the Scottish setup for the first time since 2018, having earned a clean sheet in a 2-0 away victory over San Marino during his last stint. Crucially, the 33-year-old has been a regular for Falkirk since his summer move from Celtic, starting all twelve games in the Scottish Premiership. Whilst he may lack national experience, his consistent gametime and current form could persuade Clarke to look his way. Meanwhile, Rangers goalkeeper Liam Kelly has been regularly included in the national side since 2021 but has only one friendly cap to his name. Though he was a mainstay during his 154 appearances for Motherwell, he is currently second-choice at Ibrox to Jack Butland, managing only one start this season against Alloa Athletic in the League Cup. Despite this, Kelly has shown he can step up to the highest level, having previously started for Rangers in an impressive 3-0 Old Firm derby victory in January. The three goalkeepers bring different attributes: Gordon offers pedigree but no form, Bain offers consistent game time at a lower level, and Kelly offers top-level potential but sporadic appearances. The choice could shape Scotland’s World Cup hopes, and is a decision that Clarke must get right. Scotland travel to the Stadio Georgios Karaiskakis on Saturday evening to face Greece, before welcoming Denmark to Hampden the following Tuesday as part of a potential World Cup showdown.

Denmark’s 3-1 victory over Greece ensures Scotland will finish at least second in Group C, securing a playoff to next year’s World Cup. Victory for the Danes promoted them to the summit of Group C on ten points, with a favourable goal difference. Steve Clarke’s side also sits on ten points in second place, seven ahead of Greece with two qualifiers to play. The insurmountable advantage offers some optimism for the Tartan Army, following a fairly abject showing against Belarus on Sunday evening. Steve Clarke admitted he was “really disappointed” in his side’s performance, acknowledging that they can operate on a much higher level than they showed. While the playoff has been secured, full attention will now turn to the final international break of the year. Scotland face a Greek side hungry for revenge following their 3-1 to Clarke’s side last week. The final group match could see a ‘winner takes all’ showdown between Scotland and Denmark at Hampden Park.

Scotland 2 – 1 Belarus Gilmour (15′) McTominay (84′) Kuchko (90+6′) A late Scott McTominay strike helped to edge Scotland past Belarus in a nervy qualification tie at Hampden Park. Belarus subdued the Hampden crowd after a bright start. German Barkovski beat the offside trap, but his flashed ball had no takers, with Scotland defending the resulting corner. Pavel Zabelin’s powerful header narrowly missed as the visitors continued to grow into the game. Steve Clarke’s team looked disjointed but started to find a rhythm after ten minutes. Che Adams cut his shot wide after a Billy Gilmour through ball, as they searched for an opening goal That goal arrived in the 15th minute. Jack Hendry found Adams in the box, who showed composure to turn and drill a left-footed strike into the bottom corner. A VAR check confirmed the goal to stand, allowing Hampden to breathe a collective sigh of relief. Ben Gannon-Doak impressed against Belarus last month and had started his latest appearance in a similar fashion. He beat Zabelin with a stepover in the 20th minute, but found the side netting when he perhaps should have squared to the onrushing John McGinn. Yevgeny Malashevich blazed high over Angus Gunn’s bar as the Belarusians looked to reply to the Scottish pressure. Gannon-Doak continued to torment Zabelin after 27 minutes, but his cutback to Scott McTominay was nullified by the visiting defence. VAR moved off a penalty shout after a flowing Scottish move, as the home side looked for a second goal. With only a slender advantage, Clark would be keen for his side to build on Adams’ left-footed strike. Gannon-Doak tested Fedor Lapoukhov with a stinging strike on the stroke of halftime, continuing as Scotland’s bright spark in a flat opening period. The homeside started the second half with endeavour. Kenny McLean scuffed a shot  wide, and Scott McTominay stung Lapoukhov’s palms as the hunt for the second goal continued. Gannon-Doak drove at the Belarus defence in the 53rd minute, squaring for McGinn whose rasping shot was pushed wide by Lapoukhov. Referee Marian Barbu had two massive refereeing calls shortly after the hour mark. First, he denied the home side a penalty, waving away claims after an apparent handball by Adams in the box. Moments later, he disallowed a Belarus goal, ruling that McTominay had been fouled in the build-up. The second incident, in particular, served as a harsh reality check for Steve Clarke’s side. Despite their lead, the initial ‘goal’ signalled they would need to solidify their performance to secure all three points. Adams bundled a Gannon-Doak cross into the net after 70 minutes, but VAR was once again forced to intervene as the striker had taken up an offside position. Belarus, buoyed by their disallowed goal, grew into the game, to the disdain of the home support. The visitors had conceded 13 goals in their opening 3 qualifying games, but were making matters awkward for Scotland. A welcome second goal arrived in the 84th minute. Andy Robertson’s left-footed cross found its way to McTominay in the six-yard box, who finished clinically into the right corner. A subdued celebration by the Napoli talisman signified the frustration of this Scottish performance. They had made this tie far more difficult than it should have been. Belarus pulled a goal back in stoppage time, substitute Gleb Kuchko beat Robertson to the ball and drilled under Gunn, creating a nervy ending at Hampden Park. The full-time whistle temporarily moved Scotland to the top of Group C. Victory for Denmark this evening will confirm a World Cup playoff, but for Steve Clarke, all focus will turn to an away encounter in Greece next month. Scotland: Gunn 6 Ralston 6 Hendry 6 McKenna 6 Robertson 5 Gannon-Doak 7 McLean 6 Gilmour 7 McGinn 6 McTominay 6 Adams 7 Substitutes: Tierney 5 Souttar 5 Miller Dykes Bowie Belarus: Lapoukhov 7 Pigas 6 Parkhomenko 6 Martynovich 6 Zabelin 6 Malashevich 6 Ebonh 6 Yablonski 6 Pechenin 6 Gromyko 6 Barkovski 7 Substitutes: Melnichenko 5 Korzun Kuchko Karpovich Demchenko

Scotland 3-1 Greece Christie (64′) Ferguson (80′) Dykes (90+3′) Tsimikas (62′) A gritty second-half comeback moved Scotland onto 7 points in Group C, as their World Cup sprint continued in dramatic fashion. Ben Gannon-Doak had an early chance to stretch his legs in the first minute. The home side worked the ball to John McGinn on the edge of the box, but the Aston Villa captain’s shot was blocked. Christos Tzolis featured for Club Brugge in a 9-1 Champions League thrashing against Rangers. He delivered a tantalising pass across the six-yard box after seven minutes, which Vangelis Pavlidis could not steer goalwards. It was a golden opportunity, which helped to settle Ivan Jovanovic’s side. Greece continued to threaten in the opening 15 minutes, the home defence blocked an Anastasios Bakasetas strike inside the box, and Kostas Tsimikas blasted over from the resultant corner kick. The visitors dominated possession, building on their last Hampden visit, which ended in a 3-0 victory. Their confident start was ominous for the frustrated home support. Konstantinos Tzolakis eventually cleared John McGinn’s deep cross on 17 minutes as Scotland looked to wrestle control back in the game. But despite surviving the early onslaught, Scotland were struggling to get their foot on the ball. The Greek press suffocated the home defence for large portions of the first period, allowing cheap turnovers in dangerous areas. Pavlidis almost took advantage of their latest turnover on 32 minutes. After locating acres of space on the edge of the box, he drilled a low deflected shot, which Gunn had to be alert to parry away. The match was goalless at halftime, and Scotland lacked an attacking edge. Steve Clarke’s side have one win in nine at Hampden Park, and would have to deliver a more assured second-half performance if they were to continue their positive start to Group C. Scotland were awarded another let-off in the first minute of the second half. Tsimikas had space to pick out Pavlidis in the box with a left-hand cross, the striker sharply moved across Grant Hanley but headed over. Greece played through Scotland with ease after 53 minutes. Tzolis and Pavlidis danced around several navy jerseys; the latter found Giorgos Masouras, who lashed over. The goal finally arrived in the 62nd minute. A Pavlidis shot deflected into the path of the unmarked Tsimikas, who made no mistake to roll past Gunn. The goal felt inevitable and warranted the Greeks’ dominant showing. Miraculously, Scotland struck level two minutes later. Ryan Christie bundled home Grant Hanley’s knockout after substitute Anthony Ralston had kept a Scotland corner alive. A nervy VAR check ensued, but with the goal confirmed, relief could be felt all around Hampden Park. Greece, to their credit, found their rhythm once more. The introduction of wonderkid Konstantinos Karetsas offered further firepower in the visiting attack. Che Adams almost converted an inventive free kick in the 73rd minute. He peeled into space at the front post, but his shot was deflected wide. Hampden erupted in the 80th minute as Scotland found their second goal. Andy Robertson teased a free kick to the back post, which Greece failed to clear. Lewis Ferguson was alert to smash high into the net, completing an unlikely comeback. The home side had six minutes of stoppage time to negotiate as they ticked closer to a precious victory. Gunn pushed a Karetsas strike round the post in the 91st minute to keep the Scots ahead. Lyndon Dykes sealed the victory in the 93rd minute. Greek goalie Tzolakis spilt the ball into the striker’s path, who had the easy task of firing into the open goal. Scotland laboured for 64 minutes, but took a major step towards a first World Cup appearance in 27 years. They welcome Belarus to Hampden on Sunday evening in their 4th qualifying game. Scotland: Gunn 6 Hickey 6 Hanley 7 Souttar 6 Robertson 6 Gannon-Doak 6 Ferguson 6 Christie 7 McGinn 6 McTominay 6 Adams 6 Substitutes: Ralston 6 Gilmour 6 Tierney 6 Dykes 6 McKenna Greece:Tzolakis 6 Vagiannidis 7 Mavropanos 6 Koulierakis 6 Tsimikas 7 Kourbelis 6 Zafeiris 7 Masouras 7 Baketsas 6 Tzolis 8 Pavlidis 7 Substitutes: Ioannidis 5 Karetsas 5 Konstantelias 5 Mouzakitis 4 Mantalos 4