Scotland’s chances of securing automatic qualification for the World Cup were dramatically revived on Thursday night after a shock 2–2 draw between Denmark and Belarus kept Steve Clarke’s side in contention, despite a 3–2 defeat to Greece in Piraeus. The Tartan Army, who had travelled in large numbers to the Stadio Georgios Karaiskakis, erupted in surprise and relief moments after the final whistle as news filtered through that Belarus — ranked 103rd in the world — had held Denmark to an unlikely draw in Copenhagen. The result means Scotland can still qualify automatically if they beat Denmark at Hampden Park on Tuesday. A Wild Night of Twists in Greece and Denmark The match in Greece unfolded like a dramatic script. Scotland fell 3–0 behind after a dominant first-half display from the hosts, who repeatedly carved through the visiting defence. Only several key saves from Craig Gordon prevented a heavier deficit, as Greece capitalised through the creative play of Christos Tzolis and teenage star Konstantinos Karetsas. Despite the bleak outlook, Scotland found a lifeline when Ben Gannon-Doak struck in the 65th minute, moments after Belarus unexpectedly equalised in Copenhagen. Ryan Christie added another for Scotland five minutes later to make it 3–2, just as Belarus took a shock 2–1 lead over Denmark. The travelling fans were left in a state of emotional whiplash — celebrating goals in Greece one moment while listening anxiously for updates from Denmark the next. Scott McTominay came close to equalising but was denied by a superb save from Odysseas Vlachodimos, and Greece captain Tasos Bakasetas was later sent off, giving Scotland late momentum. Relief After Final Whistle As the match ended, several Scotland players remained on the pitch awaiting confirmation of the result in Copenhagen. A late Denmark equaliser raised fears of a winner that would have killed Scotland’s automatic qualification hopes, but the final whistle confirmed the 2–2 draw — a huge boost for Clarke’s men. “Winner takes all at Hampden,” Scotland captain Andy Robertson said afterwards, expressing rare joy despite a defeat that initially appeared costly. Defensive Concerns for Clarke While the final outcome of the night kept Scotland alive, their performance in Piraeus raised serious concerns ahead of Tuesday’s crucial match. The Greeks registered six shots on target in the first half alone — Scotland’s highest concession in any opening 45 minutes in over nine years. Defensive errors from Grant Hanley and John Souttar contributed to all three goals conceded. Clarke acknowledged the chaotic nature of the evening but insisted he had seen similar nights in football before, though he did not elaborate further. A Lifeline from an Unlikely Source Belarus, bottom of the qualification group and considered heavy underdogs, provided Scotland with an unexpected lifeline. Their draw against Denmark was a result few could have predicted and now sets up a decisive showdown in Glasgow. Scotland must defeat the Danes at Hampden to secure direct entry to the World Cup — a scenario that seemed impossible only hours earlier.
Belarus Boost Scotland’s World Cup Hopes Despite 3–2 Defeat to Greece
