Steve Clarke’s Scotland kicked off their World Cup qualifying campaign on a positive note, securing four points from their first two Group C fixtures. Last night’s comfortable 2-0 victory over Belarus capped off a solid opening round. While not the most spectacular match to watch, the win was both professional and controlled, leaving the team well-positioned for the upcoming matches.
The ever-stoic Clarke himself described it as “A good start,” and now has his sights set on the upcoming home fixture against Greece at Hampden. With the Tartan Army feeling optimistic, can we finally dream of a first World Cup appearance for 27 years?
Much-Needed Defensive Stability
Scotland’s successful qualifying run for the Euros in Germany was built on resolute defence. They began that campaign with four clean sheets in five games, ErlingHaaland’s penalty in Oslo was the only blemish on the spectacular start.
This strong foundation crumbled in the lead-up to and during Euro 2024, with high-scoring losses to Germany, Netherlands, and France, as well as five goals conceded in their final qualifying matches against Georgia and Norway.
With clean sheets against both Denmark and Belarus to open the latest campaign, there’s reason to believe Scotland’s defensive prowess is returning. Grant Hanley’s solid showing in Copenhagen was particularly impressive and a welcome sight for fans.
Exciting Youth Options
The team was bolstered with some exciting young talent. Ben Doak offers a dynamic option on the wing. The former Celtic youngster plays with no fear and was a constant threat to the Belarus defence. His impressive loan spell at Middlesbrough last season earned him a £20 million move to Premier League side Bournemouth. His positive performance against Belarus may just be enough to earn him a start against Greece next month.
Additionally, Aaron Hickey has made a welcome return to the squad. A hamstring injury had sidelined him for 16 months, causing him to miss a potential place in Scotland’s Euro 2024 squad. He was dropped straight in against Denmark and delivered a strong performance on the right hand side. With regular first-team football at Brentford, he is another player who could make a significant impact on the national side.
What’s Next?
A crucial double-header against Greece and Belarus looms in four weeks’ time. With both games at Hampden, it presents an excellent opportunity to push closer to a first World Cup in 27 years. While there is still plenty of work to do, The team is in a great position, with three of their final four matches at home.
Clarke and the squad will be well aware of Greece’s threat, especially after a convincing 3-0 defeat at Hampden in March. That resounding victory saw goals from exciting young talents like Konstantinos Karetsas and Christos Tzolis. Rangers fans will know all about the latter, who was involved in Club Brugge’s 9-1 triumph over the Ibrox side last month.
But with a more resolute defensive setup, and the inclusion of fresh talents like Doak and Hickey, the team should be far better equipped to secure a victory.
