Scotland’s national soccer team achieved a crucial 2-1 victory over Belarus in their recent World Cup qualifying match. This latest victory now leaves them unbeaten in Group C. The match, held at Hampden Park, saw Scotland’s Che Adams score the opening goal before Scott McTominay added a second. Belarus salvaged a goal from the match with a stoppage-time goal from Hleb Kuchko. Though Scotland was victorious in the game, they still were in contention to qualify for the World Cup.
Despite the historic win, Scotland’s head coach Steve Clarke was critical of his side’s performance on the whole. Scotland took a maximum six points from their previous two home matches. They’re currently second in Group C on goal difference, and will need two victories in their last three qualifiers to book their place in the tournament.
Match Highlights
The game opened with a blistering Scottish attack, the Scots dominating from the outset. Che Adams scored in the 15th minute, opening the scoring to bring an early wave of relief. The home side absolutely buzzed forward with menace. Yet, their quest for such a punishment was rejected as Adams went down in the penalty area following a challenge.
The turning point of the game was when Scott McTominay netted Scotland’s second. His goal right before half-time was crucial in giving the home side a two-goal buffer, which proved crucial despite everything that followed. Belarus resisted with passionate resolve. Then in stoppage time, Hleb Kuchko made it a one-goal game, setting up a dramatic finish.
“But we got three points, and that’s six points from the double header, so we’re really pleased about that, as everyone with a Scottish connection will be.” – Steve Clarke
Path to Qualification
With this victory, Scotland are now on six points from their last double-header in the qualifiers. They are still undefeated in Group C and as of writing this are presently sitting second place, only behind on goal differential. This triumph is especially poignant in light of Scotland’s 27-year footballing exile from the game’s largest stage.
To make it through to the World Cup, Scotland needs a maximum of two victories from their final matches, Greece and Denmark. The squad proved remarkable resourcefulness throughout the qualifier. This time, they would have to find a new level of play in order to secure an invitation into the big dance.
The Scottish head coach Steve Clarke struck the right note in calling for focus on these key matches, stressing that performances can be as important as results.
“It’s possibly as disappointed as I’ve been over the whole 72 games [I’ve been in charge]. We just didn’t turn up.” – Steve Clarke
Coaches’ Reactions
Immediately after the match, head coach Clarke and midfielder John McGinn were conspicuous in raising this issue though praising their performance. McGinn agreed with the conflicting emotions of being happy to have taken three points while feeling frustrated after a performance the team wasn’t happy with.
“Tonight we get the win but I’m disappointed in the team performance as their head coach.” – John McGinn
He reiterated the need to make changes ahead of their upcoming opponents. He has no doubt the team is capable of recovering and doing better.
“But I’ve got a great faith in them and I trust them absolutely. And I know that next month they’ll be a different animal.” – John McGinn
Clarke had faith in his squad, despite his obvious frustration with the performance that left him on the back foot since Tuesday night. He acknowledged that while they got the important details locked down, they’ll need to put on bigger performances as they advance.
“But before I go down that route… it’s also [good] to point out that performances don’t get you qualification. And tonight was certainly not a performance.” – Steve Clarke
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