Scotland beat Belarus 2-1 at Hampden Park, maintaining their strong start in Group C of World Cup qualifying. Che Adams opened the scoring early after a VAR review ruled him onside. Scott McTominay sealed the win late in the game. Belarus scored in stoppage time through Gleb Kuchko, but it proved only a consolation. This result gives Scotland 10 points from four matches and places them temporarily at the top of the group.
Belarus Battle Despite Shortcomings
Belarus showed surprising resilience. They fired off 22 shots throughout the match and looked dangerous on several occasions. A goal by Yevgeny Malashevich was ruled out after VAR found a foul in the build-up involving McTominay. Despite being underdogs, Belarus forced Scotland to dig in and defend in parts.
Scotland’s Performance: Relief With Reservations
Though Scotland walked away with the win, the performance felt closer than many expected. They controlled much of the possession and created several chances but lacked sharpness in final passes and finishing. McTominay’s goal in the 84th minute from an Andy Robertson cross relieved pressure but came after Belarus had pushed the hosts to the limit. Fans and coach Steve Clarke expressed frustration with how the match played out.
What This Means for Qualification
This victory keeps Scotland in a strong position. Gives them breathing room, though they still must get good results in their remaining fixtures against Greece and Denmark. The close nature of this match highlights how fine margins will decide which teams qualify directly and which must go into playoffs. With Belarus now eliminated from contention, Scotland’s main rivalry for top spot lies with Denmark and Greece.
Players to Watch and Key Moments
Che Adams’ early finish proved important in setting the tone. McTominay’s late strike showed composure under pressure. Robertson’s assist and the role of the defence helped maintain control when Belarus pressed back. On the other side, Belarus’s effort in attack and their persistence with shots kept Scotland cautious. Matches like this demand mental strength, which Scotland showed at critical moments.
Conclusion
Scotland’s 2-1 win over Belarus delivers three vital points and a boost in confidence. Even though the performance wasn’t flawless, key moments swung the game in their favour. As Group C continues, Scotland must tighten up defensively, improve attacking fluidity, and seize opportunities. The battle for World Cup qualification is heating up, and this result reinforces that Scotland is very much in it.
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